By David Porter on 15/04/2020
Is there anything that beats a good Dinner Party? Coming together to share delicious food, exciting wines, and lively conversation with friends now seems more essential than ever before – but how to have that experience now? In recent weeks, technology has really stepped up to the plate, changing the way we work, play, and socialise.
By Tom Lorimer on 11/02/2020
2015 Brunello di Montalcino - A Tuscan Triumph As each week passes, it’s hard to avoid the hype and noise around 2015 Brunello. There have been some really good vintages in the last few years like 2007 and 2010, but there is a strong feeling that 2015 trumps them all – and from our early tastings it is easy to understand the excitement.
By David Porter on 23/12/2019
It’s the busiest moment of the year for our team as we try to help everyone get the right wines into their glasses as well as the perfect presents into people's stockings for Christmas.
By David Porter on 27/03/2019
Every March the new releases from Montalcino are unveiled. The rules stipulate that Brunello must be aged at the estate for 5 years and for the Riservas it is 7 years before hitting the market. 2019 therefore marks the release of the 2014 Brunellos and the Riservas from 2013.
By David Porter on 07/03/2019
Last week we hosted our 4th annual pure Italian Tasting which has become one of the highlights of our year. A showcase of our incredible Italian selection which grows every year, presented by the wonderful people who make the wines.
By David Porter on 28/02/2019
‘Simply put 2015 is a tremendous vintage for Bolgheri.’ Antonio Galloni, www.
By Edward Richardson on 11/09/2018
We have just spent a week careering around the Tuscan countryside like crazed cinghiale, sniffing out truffle and guzzling Chianti Classico. Everywhere we went, friendly black roosters tempted us in like slightly tipsy Sirens. The problem is, all roosters are not created equal. That's unsurprising given that Chianti Classico's rippling landscape covers nearly 72,000 hectares.
By David Porter on 25/11/2017
2014 was undoubtedly a challenging vintage across Italy - and Bolgheri was no different with uncharacteristic rain, cool temperatures and a constant lack of sun adversely affecting the harvest like rarely before. This was a vintage that required understanding, hard work and unstinting commitment. Only in the right hands at the right estates was glory possible.
By Edward Richardson on 20/10/2017
[caption id="attachment_28311" align="aligncenter" width="508"] Cantine Dei with the town of Montepulciano perched on the hill beyond[/caption] Hot on the heels of last year's success with their 2013 vintage, Cantine Dei has just been awarded the top Italian Wine Award 'Tre Bicchiere' for its stellar Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2014, the estate is quite rightly in the spotlight once again - what an amazing achievement! The Estate - in the heart of Montepulciano is located right in the middle of Tuscany's beautiful Montepulciano region just on the eastern slopes of this 'picture-perfect' hilltop town.
By David Porter on 03/10/2017
We are constantly looking to expand our Italian selection and although we already have two excellent Chiantis on our list, we couldn't resist the brilliant ‘Le Fioraie’ wines from Piemaggio, hidden away in the Tuscan hills. Le Fioraie is a specific tract of land in the high ground of Castellina in Chianti – right at the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
By Will Edwards on 07/06/2017
Italy has always been close to the heart of Lea & Sandeman and we are very fortunate enough to represent some superb estates across the length and breadth of this beautiful country.
By David Porter on 06/05/2017
Famed oenologist Carlo Ferrini who consults for some of the greatest estates in Tuscany has finally put his expertise - and his heart and soul - into his own winery in Montalcino. The results, as you would hope, are sensational. Not sensational in a big 'in your face way' - these are beautifully crafted, fine wines with a deft touch.