By Charles Lea on 09/04/2024
In 2009 one group of like-minded 'grower-Champagne' producers ('Terre et Vins de Champagne') got together to put on a tasting which focused to a large degree on the vins clairs (the still wines) from the 2008 vintage, before they were bottled for the prise de mousse (the second fermentation in bottle which produces the bubbles).
By Caroline Tanner on 11/03/2024
A tiny part of the wine market as a whole (as explored in Charles Lea's blog here), grower Champagne has a disproportionate share of characterful, remarkable wines, thanks to the passionate vignerons behind the wines. We're shining a spotlight on our portfolio of grower champagnes this year, each month highlighting a different producer - this month: Marc Hébrart.
By Charles Lea on 08/03/2024
Last night saw the 19th time that L&S has sponsored the City Fine Wine Challenge quiz evening at One Great George Streeet. Teams of City luminaries competed for the Patrick Sandeman Trophy, and this year, in an upset of the long-standing dominance of headline sponsor FNZ, the quiz was won by the team from JP Morgan, who were clearly on fire! A late note addition - the final net figure for this year's CFWC was £203,797.
By Caroline Tanner on 05/03/2024
The Italian tasting is a moment in the L&S calendar that we all look forward to. This year, on a dull February day, a gang of Italian winemakers descended on Foyles bookshop, bringing a splash of Mediterranean/Alpine sunshine to London.
By Caroline Tanner on 06/02/2024
‘One of the most electrifying discoveries for me (at the L&S Champagne tasting in May) was Champagne Roger Coulon. The very first taste of the first wine on the table set my spine tingling. These are exhilarating, idiosyncratic wines.’ Tamlyn Currin – JancisRobinson.
By Ophelia Hirst on 02/02/2024
After many years of loving the wines of the Northern Rhône (and placing many orders for them!) I excitedly boarded a plane to Lyon to make my way to the Marché aux vins d'Ampuis (one of the largest wine fairs in France, focused entirely on the Rhône), at the epicentre of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu.
By Caroline Tanner on 07/12/2023
Wine critics can be creatures of habit and it’s always interesting when a new wine manages to break the mould and gain recognition for new regions or styles.
By David Porter on 06/12/2023
2022 is a wonderful vintage in Burgundy. For both reds and whites, top winemakers have not put a foot wrong. It’s no surprise that we found winemakers so smiley - the quality is superb, and for the first time in a while, they have some quantity too.
By Caroline Tanner on 06/12/2023
We all know that our feathery new world friend can emerge from the furnace a touch on the bland side. The old bird's silver lining is a free rein when it comes to wine pairing. Whites or reds make excellent matches, particularly those that are packed with flavour.
By Eve-Marie Letondel on 05/12/2023
We are always happy to read about others enjoying our wines and below we've picked out a selection of recent press reviews - here are the highlights of bottles that have recently caught the attention of the critics. How to choose festive fizz: from artisan to the best bargains, Fiona Beckett, The Guardian MARC HÉBRART Selection Extra Brut 1er Cru NV £35.
By Caroline Tanner on 18/10/2023
With a crisp chill in the morning air and fallen leaves underfoot, it's time to retreat from the garden for the comforting flavours of autumn in the kitchen. Squash, mushrooms, beetroot, celeriac, blackberries, apples and pears are all coming into season – beautiful earthy flavours that invite long, slow cooking and deep, satisfying red wine pairings.
By Charles Lea on 06/10/2023
36 years ago this autumn, I went to the office where we both worked at the time determined that I was going to speak to Patrick Sandeman about our future.