By Edward Richardson on 13/12/2018
Everyone likes to indulge in a special bottle or three over Christmas and the L&S team is no different. We've all squirrelled away something to savour and share with (appreciative!) friends and family. L&S Top Brass Charles Lea: I'm rather hoping to get a chance to raid the better end of my brother-in-law's cellar - the 2002 Vieux Château Certan was particularly memorable last time.
By Phil Weeks on 07/12/2018
Just off the A31 not far from Dorchester in the heart of Dorset lies Langham Estate, the first stop on a vinous tour of some of the UK’s best sparkling wine producers.
By Angus Barcroft on 27/11/2018
On Tuesday, with two members of the Duddells’ team, I flew out to Barcelona to see Albert Jané of Acústic and Auctòcton cellars. Many of you will know of his wonderful creations, especially the Acústic wines from Montsant that we have been importing since the 2004 vintage, a year after Albert bought his first vines in the region.
By David Porter on 26/06/2018
One of the great thrills of working in this business is the chance to get into the cellars and taste wines straight from the barrel with the winemaker. To taste a wine in its most natural, 'un-mucked-about-with' state is a great experience.
By Edward Richardson on 15/03/2018
Bollinger R.D 2004 - Global Launch On Tuesday last week we had a visit from the charming and engaging Karl Reuter, export director at Champagne Bollinger. Karl was introducing us to the latest release of this noble Grande Marque's legendary 'R.D', or Recently Disgorged, vintage Champagne.
By Ed H-B on 09/02/2018
We were delighted to sponsor the 22nd City Fine Wine Challenge at a new venue this year. One Great George Street, also the home to the Institute of Civil Engineers, turned out to be an ideal venue for the event.
By Edward Richardson on 05/01/2018
2016 Lea & Sandeman White Burgundy Burgundy en primeur season kicks off next week and most of the talk will be about the frost and the tiny volumes produced in some areas. Don't be put off by the gloom! The fruit that survived has produced some wonderfully pure, classically-shaped Burgundy - right down to village level.
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 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 Ed H-B on 02/11/2017
'Manni Nössing is one of Italy’s most talented winemakers. In fact, all his wines are so good that it’s virtually impossible to pick the best of the lot, or even a favourite.' Ian d'Agata, www.
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.