By Jack Chapman on 23/12/2020
Domaine François Raquillet It’s a winding back road through the vineyards to get to Domaine Raquillet and I more than once tested the brakes on Charles’ car (he’s promised not to sue for the whiplash, but we’ll see).
By Jack Chapman on 15/10/2020
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Our second day began with a longer journey, from our digs in Beaune (which we had settled into the night before after driving down from Chablis) straight south to Pouilly-Fuissé. In the tiny commune of Pierreclos, we drew up to a maze of buildings and were greeted, then ushered down some steps to the tiny cave of Frantz Chagnoleau.
By Jack Chapman on 11/10/2020
We've touched down in Burgundy and have an intense, covid-safe programme of visits that will see us covering the length and breadth of Burgundy starting from Chablis in the north – to the south in the Mâconnais and not missing anything out in between! An early start for Day 1, after our 10 hour journey from London - the following day, is something easily met when you know that your day will be packed full of Chablis tasting - helped even more by the first Domaine being just down the road.
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 Peter Ogilvy-Wedderburn on 25/11/2019
2018 was a very hot vintage – the growing season only beaten by 2003 for overall heat. However the wines are very different from 2003, for even where they are ripe there is much more freshness than one could have dreamed possible.
By Edward Richardson on 21/10/2018
[caption id="attachment_29768" width="600" align="alignright"] L'Aumônerie, Gevrey Chambertin[/caption] During the 11th century, Abbot Halinard instructed for cellars to be built in Gevrey Chambertin as a store for the Abbey of Saint Benigné in Dijon. Nine hundred or so vintages on, the very same vaults shelter the latest batch of exulted offerings from Domaine Dugat-Py.
By David Porter on 08/08/2018
2018 marks an important anniversary for Lea & Sandeman as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, but also for Nyetimber, probably England's most famous producer of Sparkling Wine. In 1988, as Charles and Patrick were busy setting up L&S in London, the Nyetimber vines were being planted here in West Sussex.
By Eve-Marie Letondel on 22/11/2017
Being French and both a wine professional and wine lover, visiting Nyetimber was a great and enlightening experience. The quality of the wines being made here is really impressive, Les Champanois need to pay attention!
By Toby Jamieson on 10/11/2017
[caption id="attachment_28973" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The main house of Gosset in Epernay[/caption] Trip to Gosset Champagne: Monday 6th - Tuesday 7th November 2017 What a treat it was to visit the Gosset estate and vineyards in early November. The trip comprised a diverse range of eager folk all involved in different areas of the wine trade.
By David Porter on 16/09/2017
Yesterday we held our 'Annual Tasting' - the biggest showcase event for our wines each year. As we closed the doors of the beautiful Trinity House at just after 8.30 last night the whole team were 'abuzz' after a fabulous, exhilarating day of tasting, chatting to the 20 winemakers who came to present their wines and catching up with so many customers and journalists too.
By Charles Lea on 26/01/2017
Domaine Francois & Isabelle Lumpp - Givry, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy Amongst all the chatter about high prices in 2015 Burgundy, some real bargains get overlooked. We have been happy to see some of our regionals - 'Bourgogne Rouges' gain good traction as critics realise what great value they represent - from as little at £90 a case of 12 in bond.
By David Porter on 20/07/2016
[caption id="attachment_21141" align="alignright" width="349"] Rippon’s Nick Mills surveys his vines running down to the impossibly beautiful Lake Wanaka[/caption] Rippon and Felton Road are without question the two leading vineyards in New Zealand’s undisputed Pinot Noir capital - Central Otago. Both are making elegant, intense Pinots with beautiful finesse.