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.
By Peter Ogilvy-Wedderburn on 05/05/2017
Today sees the release of CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY , a real favourite of ours this year from Paulliac at £207 per case of 6 IB. 2015 saw the creation of a second wine here ('Lions de Batailley'), and the grape selection has dramatically improved the quality of Batailley itself.
By Charles Lea on 05/05/2017
You may not have heard of Château Jean Faure, but it's time you did. For a start, it is very well-placed: It is a fantastic clay terroir, ideal for the high Cabernet Franc content (like Cheval Blanc). It is planted to 50% Cabernet Franc and is also organically cultivated and will be certified 'organic wine' from the 2017 vintage.
By Beth Thomas on 04/05/2017
This morning brings the release of CHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ LICHINE at £175 per 6. This wine has received some high acclaim from the critics, with 95 points from Jane Anson in Decanter, and 18/20 from Michel Bettane.
By Beth Thomas on 03/05/2017
After a bit of a sleepy start yesterday following the May Day Bank Holiday, things have begun to get moving in Bordeaux today with the release of three great value wines. CHÂTEAU CAPBERN came out towards the lower end of our estimate at £170 for 12.
By Lucy Marcuson on 03/05/2017
What with the Bordeaux Primeur tastings and Easter Holidays crowding the calendar in early April, Vinitaly could easily get forgotten, but here at Lea & Sandeman it is one of our highlights of the year. An opportunity for us to catch up with our wonderful producers and taste new vintages, as well as unearth some new finds.
By Edward Richardson on 29/04/2017
Day 1: First Impressions This was my first primeur campaign so excitement was trumping exhaustion as we boarded the 06:30 flight to Bordeaux. Some startling efficiency at head office meant that we were sitting at the front of the aircraft (at no extra cost I might add!).
By Charles Lea on 28/04/2017
Over the last two nights, with danger still present, the Bordeaux vineyard has been hit hard by a very destructive frost. Temperatures descending as low as -5C have done massive damage to the nascent buds and some vineyards have lost the entire 2017 crop.
By Beth Thomas on 28/04/2017
The May issue of Decanter landed on our doorstep this morning, and we were delighted to see some really high praise for lots of wines in the L&S portfolio. Christelle Guibert, Tastings Director, Decanter Magazine The ‘Weekday Wines’ section is put together each month by Tastings Director Christelle Guibert.
By Charles Lea on 27/04/2017
Two of our favourite en primeur value buys are now out, one from each side of the river. Many of our customers have followed these for years and the proof of the pudding is those who bought the early vintages and have drunk them are coming back for more. Both have excelled again with the 2016 vintage.
By Charles Lea on 26/04/2017
The Bordeaux primeurs season is warming up gently, and yesterday saw the release of a perennial Primeur favourite, the Sichel family's Château Angludet. With no premium for either halves or magnums, this is a great opportunity to put away some delicious drinking Margaux for around eight to twenty years from now.
By Charles Lea on 24/04/2017
Classicism is the name of the day in 2016, but it is certainly a very polished classicism. A return to wines mostly in the 13-13.5% level, so more ‘Englishman’s claret’ than some recent top vintages.