By Ed H-B on 26/06/2014
It is said that Sir Alex Ferguson, amongst his famously impressively appointed wine collection, retains a soft spot for Ribera del Duero (‘a lovely little Spanish wine-making region’, Daily Mail, February 2009). To the south-west of Rioja, hugging the banks of the Douro River & a few tributaries, lie the vineyards of Ribera del Duero & Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro
By Andrew Hooper on 24/06/2014
Austrian wines are finally shaking free from the shackles of being assumed to be sweet and German-like, and have for some time been the darling of sommeliers in high-end restaurants. Leading the way is Austria’s own grape variety, Grüner Veltliner.
By David Porter on 23/06/2014
Our Wednesday afternoon a couple of weeks ago was cheered up enormously by a flying visit from Paul Symington. A more charming man it is hard to imagine, but not in a laid back, calm sort of way. ‘Ne Oublie’ – a very rare and very old release of a tawny port from barrels at the family’s Lodge in Porto.
By Charles Lea on 19/06/2014
‘The 2010 vintage in Barolo is shaping up to be a modern-day classic. The cool growing season produced transparent, vibrant Barolos that pulsate with tension, crystalline purity and site-specific nuance.’ (Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com)
By Charles Lea on 18/06/2014
“A real find. French winemaker Jean-Marie Royer makes sublime Châteaneuf-du-pape, but this is straight vin de table. Gloriously fresh, it is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with bright red fruits, cracked pepper and a grippy finish.”
By Charles Lea on 17/06/2014
2013 PICPOUL DE PINET - Domaine Reine Juliette 'Regarded as one of the classic matches for shellfish. Lean but not mean, a bright, crystalline mineral white with lovely saline fruit, from the Languedoc Mediterranean coast.' L&S £8.95 per single bottle, £7.
By Andrew Hooper on 16/06/2014
Among David Williams’ 20 Best Summer Wines in The Observer: 2012 PUY-DE-DÔME PINOT NOIR Cave de Verny and 2013 CASA DA SENRA VINHO VERDE LOUREIRO Lima Quinta dos Abrigueiros
By Ed H-B on 12/06/2014
Rarely does a group of established independent London wine merchants come together in such a way and it was heartening to see everyone working together with the organisers, food suppliers and musicians to create a fun and relaxed setting for consumers to sample and buy great wines for under £20.
By Ed H-B on 10/06/2014
This week’s WOTW is one of the classics of the L&S list. This is the flagship wine of the estate, the main production, the most popular, and this is really its time of year too. Perfect precision, delicate aromas, refreshing in the warmth, a gorgeous foil to classic summer cuisine as well as more contemporary dishes with eastern spice.
By Charles Lea on 07/06/2014
Delighted to say that we have received news that we are on the shortlists for ALL the categories we entered in the IWC – the International Wine Challenge. To be on four specialist category shortlists (Burgundy, Champagne, Italy and En Primeur) is a matter of particular pride since L&S is so much more than a regional specialist, unearthing great wines without prejudice from all over the world.
By Ed H-B on 05/06/2014
A convivial affair with a classic car theme, the Car Boot sale has been growing year on year since it started and is a great opportunity to taste 5 selected wines (costing under £20) from each merchant; the tagline being: ‘Taste your way out of the supermarket”.
By Andrew Hooper on 04/06/2014
50th Anniversary? – or just great Port. Taylor’s, aided somewhat by the purchase in 2013 of Wiese & Krohn who had been specialists in tawny Port, hold larger stocks of old wood aged Port than any other producer.