By David Porter on 11/12/2017
Dreaming of a White Christmas, but some Red of course too! Christmas is the perfect time to indulge a little, in every quarter, wine included. This does not mean we all have to drink hugely expensive wine at every turn - no, what’s important is to make sure that what we do drink is perfect, every time.
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 Ed H-B on 16/02/2017
'A rockstar 2012 vintage for Brunello' 2012, looks to be a fantastic vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. Like 2010, it has been awarded a 5-star rating by the Consorzio Brunello. Walter Speller of JancisRobinson.com was convinced by the number of wines he awarded 17 to 17.5 in his initial tastings (again, Fuligni is rated 17.
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 Ed H-B on 13/01/2017
On Monday, we welcomed members of the trade and press to our 2015 Burgundy En Primeur Tasting at 67 Pall Mall. Those who braved the appalling weather and tube strike were welcomed by a room of joyous wines. 2015 was a fantastic vintage across the board.
By David Porter on 25/11/2016
For many, Californian Wine means one thing – the big, rich, bold style – fruit-laden whoppers embodied most often by the wines from the Napa valley – but after 10 days hard study and exploration along the dramatic coastline of this beautiful state, we have learnt lots and there is great variety for those looking for more.
By Andrew Hooper on 05/10/2016
Late September is a good time to head to Portugal for a couple of days - you get some welcome sunshine before the Christmas run in begins and, as the harvest is coming in, there’s plenty to see.
By Beth Thomas on 20/07/2016
Following on from our successful offer of Louis Roederer's excellent non-vintage in June, we can now offer a special pre-release allocation of Roederer's superb Prestige Cuvée, 2009 Cristal. The warm year of 2009 has in general made generous, relatively rich Champagnes, but as none of the usual critics have tried the 2009 Cristal, this offer is based on the marque and the glowing tasting notefrom Roederer's own Chef de Cave.
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.
By Charles Lea on 01/07/2016
At the beginning of the 2015 campaign, we advised those who thought we'd Leave to pile in before the pound plummeted, and those who thought we'd Remain to hold their fire until after the referendum as the subsequent bounce in sterling might result in the remaining primeurs looking cheaper now.
By David Porter on 19/05/2016
The dismal day here in London yesterday was somewhat mirrored by the dispiriting news from Bordeaux that they are not really getting the message on pricing! There were several releases that we would like to get excited about - some good wines - but they are as ever, only interesting en primeur at the right price.
By Charles Lea on 27/04/2016
'This is simply a magical bottle. That's all there is to it' "Le Piane's 2011 Boca is simply dazzling. Rich, translucent and remarkably vivid, the 2011 encapsulates all the reasons the wines from Alto Piemonte are so compelling.