Pinot Noir

The sublimest of sublime grape varieties, originally from Burgundy but grown around the World. Despite being difficult to grow, such is the sensual appeal that wine makers everywhere will try to make Pinot Noir, with mixed results. Obviously at home in Burgundy, also finding favour in Alsace and parts of the Loire Valley and, of course, in Champagne. Among the more successful non-European Pinot Noirs are those from New Zealand (Central Otago and Martinborough in particular) and Oregon in USA. Much prone to mutation, Pinot Noir has given birth to Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc and, probably, Pinot Meunier.

2019 Burgundy EP square

In the field – Tasting the 2019 Burgundy Vintage – Part II

By on 15/10/2020

Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Our second day began with a longer journey, from our digs in Beaune (which we had settled into the night before after driving down from Chablis) straight south to Pouilly-Fuissé. In the tiny commune of Pierreclos, we drew up to a maze of buildings and were greeted, then ushered down some steps to the tiny cave of Frantz Chagnoleau.

Read more

2019 Burgundy EP part 1

In the field – Tasting the 2019 Burgundy Vintage – Part I

By on 11/10/2020

We've touched down in Burgundy and have an intense, covid-safe programme of visits that will see us covering the length and breadth of Burgundy starting from Chablis in the north – to the south in the Mâconnais and not missing anything out in between! An early start for Day 1, after our 10 hour journey from London - the following day, is something easily met when you know that your day will be packed full of Chablis tasting - helped even more by the first Domaine being just down the road.

Read more

Virtual dinner party

The Virtual Dinner Party – with Virtually Perfect Wine Pairings

By on 15/04/2020

Is there anything that beats a good Dinner Party? Coming together to share delicious food, exciting wines, and lively conversation with friends now seems more essential than ever before – but how to have that experience now? In recent weeks, technology has really stepped up to the plate, changing the way we work, play, and socialise.

Read more

Dugat-py-feature-1

Domaine Dugat-Py | Wines Of Grandeur & Heritage

By on 21/10/2018

[caption id="attachment_29768" width="600" align="alignright"] L'Aumônerie, Gevrey Chambertin[/caption] During the 11th century, Abbot Halinard instructed for cellars to be built in Gevrey Chambertin as a store for the Abbey of Saint Benigné in Dijon. Nine hundred or so vintages on, the very same vaults shelter the latest batch of exulted offerings from Domaine Dugat-Py.

Read more

Nyetimber at Hurlingham

Nyetimber – 2013 Tillington Vineyard – Limited New Release

By on 08/08/2018

2018 marks an important anniversary for Lea & Sandeman as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, but also for Nyetimber, probably England's most famous producer of Sparkling Wine. In 1988, as Charles and Patrick were busy setting up L&S in London, the Nyetimber vines were being planted here in West Sussex.

Read more

2017 Annual Tasting

Annual Tasting Round Up – Shining a light on some joyous wines

By on 16/09/2017

 Yesterday we held our 'Annual Tasting' - the biggest showcase event for our wines each year. As we closed the doors of the beautiful Trinity House at just after 8.30 last night the whole team were 'abuzz' after a fabulous, exhilarating day of tasting, chatting to the 20 winemakers who came to present their wines and catching up with so many customers and journalists too.

Read more

Lumpp

The best value of all in the 2015 Red Burgundy vintage?

By 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.

Read more

Kiwi Superstars – World-beating wines from Rippon & Felton Road

By 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.

Read more