The December 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. It features 25 wines for less than £20, all of them a little different or adventurous in their own way. These pages towards the back of the magazine highlight some of the best value wines available in the UK, and we highly recommend taking a look at the monthly suggestions. This month, no less than 6 of the wines are picked from Lea & Sandeman so we thought we would share with you Christelle’s suggestions – six fabulous wines that aren’t going to break the bank!
2014 LAMBRUSCO I Calanchi Monte delle Vigne *Top Pick*
We’re seeing a revival in Lambrusco and this example is a long way from the bland, sweet wines of the past. This dry, serious example opens up to intense dark fruit and savoury aromas, while the palate is full of pure, deep and complex red cherry and blackberry notes. While the tannins are firm, it has amazing length and depth. Only 5,000 bottles made. 92. Christelle Guibert
75cl Bottles: £16.75 Case Price*: £14.95
2015 RIPPON Sauvignon Blanc Rippon Vineyards
A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with personality! What sets it apart is that the usual pungent tropical flavours have been replaced by elegant lime, grapefruit and gooseberry. The small percentage of oak ageing adds texture and creaminess. This has real finesse, minerality and depth. 91. Christelle Guibert
75cl Bottles: £19.50 Case Price*: £17.50
2014 BLAUFRANKISCH Kalk und Schiefer Nittnaus
Blaufrankisch always reminds me of cru Beaujolais, so it’s not surprising to learn that it is from the Gamay family. This one has more substance than your average Beaujolais with riper red and black fruit, but still that juicy purity. 90. Christelle Guibert
We are waiting for the 2014 vintage to arrive, but you can still get your hands on the delicious 2013 vintage:
75cl Bottles: £17.50 Case Price*: £15.95
2015 SAINT NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL La Mine Domaine Yannick Amirault
One of the best domaines in the AC with a reputation for serious, long-lived, complex Cabernet Franc. This has classic redcurrant and herbal green pepper notes on a firm, fresh, elegant palate. Has the structure to last. 90. Christelle Guibert
75cl Bottles: £17.95 Case Price*: £16.50
2013 BARBERA D’ALBA Serraboella Cigliuti
After18 months in oak and one year in bottle before release, this Barbera is a cut above many of its peers. Dazzling red cherry purity, liquorice and leathery intensity with a lot of energy, depth and fine tannins. A must-have for your cellar over the winter months. 91. Christelle Guibert
75cl Bottles: £19.50 Case Price*: £17.75
2012 TOKAJI ‘1413’ Édes Szamorodni Disznókő
Named after the year Disznókő’s vineyards were first mentioned in the land register, this late-harvest, botrytised wine is full of marmalade, sweet spice and honey notes. Whole the palate is lusciously sweet, it has amazing freshness too. 91. Christelle Guibert
75cl Bottles: £14.95 Case Price*: £13.95