By Charles Lea on 29/02/2012
Tim Atkin MW published his take on the 2010 Burgundies last week (while I was scooting about the Languedoc unearthing new jewels (of which more later) and attending the ViniSud wine fair in the not so romantic expo park next to Montpellier airport, so there's been a small delay in passing on his recommendations.
By Charles Lea on 08/02/2012
In the recent Decanter Magazine Steven Spurrier writes "Compared to 2009, the 2010s are less rich but more precise. Compared to 2008, they are more rich and more balanced. Precision and purity were the buzzwords during the tastings, then character and depth; elegance wasn’t mentioned, as it was common to all.
By Patrick Sandeman on 04/02/2012
The Wine Gang will undoubtedly be familiar to many of our customers, but for those who are not the 'Gang' is made up of five of the UK's foremost wine writers and tasters: Tom Cannavan, Jane Parkinson, Anthony Rose, Joanna Simon, and David Williams.
By Charles Lea on 30/01/2012
The Today Programme (never wrong of course) said this morning that psychologists have determined that this is Happy Monday (coming a mere two weeks after miserable Monday when the Christmas festivities are over). Why not celebrate with some cracking Burgundy? In keeping with the slightly austere feel of the beginning of the year, these too are bargains even if not in the Sale.
By Patrick Sandeman on 19/01/2012
Moreua2010 BURGUNDY - some thoughts and recommendations Last week we saw what has become the annual round of tastings of the new Burgundy vintage put on by the merchants and importers, mostly for journalists, but also for trade and private customers.
By Patrick Sandeman on 14/12/2011
An Estuarine Christmas with the Sandemans The Sandeman family are heading to the depths of South Devon to spend another Christmas in the Goodshelter estuary, inland from Salcombe. Not actually 'in' the estuary, of course, but in the beautifully secluded and remote cottage which sits on the edge of the water at the head of the creek.
By Patrick Sandeman on 12/12/2011
Great Whites by Jancis Robinson In Jancis Robinson's penultimate round up of seasonal wines in the FT Weekend Magazine she highlights some of her selected 'great whites', to accompany the sparkling and red wines already published over the previous weekends. There's nothing quite like six of the best from Jancis! South African Sauvignon with class: Dombeya Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Stellenbosch £10.
By Patrick Sandeman on 02/12/2011
More Christmas treats & cases for giving.
By Patrick Sandeman on 21/11/2011
WE NOW OFFER FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY! Take advantage of our NEW FREE UK MAINLAND* delivery this Christmas on all orders over £100. *(some exclusions apply). All orders received up until midnight on Sunday 18th December are guaranteed for delivery before Christmas (unless the country grinds to a standstill with snow and ice).
By Charles Lea on 24/10/2011
Just when we were thinking that 2010 Bordeaux was all over, the Delmas-Montrose team decide to release the 2010 Chateau Tronquoy Lalande. This was a favourite 'hit-list' contender at the outset of the campaign, as all tasters were impressed by this even better follow up to the fantastic 2009.
By Charles Lea on 15/07/2011
The sailing was fun, now sitting on Isle of Wight with laptop, (where the tide is high, the sun is shining but the forecast is disappointing). Here, as promised in my main blog piece about value, is the list of our recommendations from the right bank and Graves.
By Charles Lea on 13/07/2011
2010 Bordeaux - 'The Exceptions' part 1 - Médoc In the main blog post about the value wines of the 2010 vintage I mentioned the lists we have put togther of the wines which we think offer some of the best value for money, and present the arguments as to why these wines really are worth buying, even if many have been put off buying en primeur by the fact that labels they used to drink are now out of reach.