By David Porter on 09/06/2016
In what promises to be a busy day on Bordeaux's 'place', things have started briskly. The biggest name so far is CHÂTEAU COS D'ESTOURNEL 2ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe (£1250). This is quite toppy and it's hard not to see Pichon Baron as a more compelling buy if it was a choice of 'one or the other' at this level.
By David Porter on 19/05/2016
The dismal day here in London yesterday was somewhat mirrored by the dispiriting news from Bordeaux that they are not really getting the message on pricing! There were several releases that we would like to get excited about - some good wines - but they are as ever, only interesting en primeur at the right price.
By David Porter on 12/05/2016
A sunny start in London is matched by a surge of activity in Bordeaux with releases of some good wines this morning, they're coming thick and fast now. Amongst these are some of the more interesting wines that we tasted during 'primeur week' in Bordeaux. The headline release is probably Château Clerc Milon from the Rothschilds of Mouton.
By David Porter on 18/03/2016
Vintage Overview 2011 was generally a warm vintage in the rolling hills of Piedmont. Spring began with a good early heatwave that got the flowering of the vines off to a perfect start. The warmth continued and it was looking like it might be a very quick season, until June, when the temperature dropped a little and stayed cool to the end of July.
By David Porter on 16/01/2016
We were delighted to kick-off ‘Burgundy Fortnight’ in London with one of the opening tastings for our 2014 Burgundy primeurs on Monday. There is clearly great interest in this latest vintage release and rightly so – there are many delicious wines at every price level.
By David Porter on 19/11/2015
It’s Beaujolais nouveau day, but a recent trip to the region reminded us how much more there is to the region. There’s nothing nouveau about these Beaujolais!
By David Porter on 28/07/2015
In January I was fortunate enough to find myself in South Africa for a week which was a fabulous escape from the short, dark days of the UK winter but also a fantastic journey of adventure and learning about this beautiful country.
By David Porter on 17/07/2015
Last night Charles collected our newest trophy - the Merchant of the Year for London award at this year's prestigious IWC (International Wine Challenge) awards ceremony. Charles Lea and Sam Harrop MW We are delighted to win back London, which we held for four years between 2009 and 2012.
By David Porter on 10/07/2015
We have long been fans of the very impressive wines from the Lafite Rothschild family made in collaboration with the Catena family in Argentina - the name CARO comes from the two families - CAtena and ROthschild. This wine may well represent their best release to date. 2012 CARO, Barons de Rothschild/Catena, Mendoza "Incredible aromas of spice, cedar, walnut and dark berry.
By David Porter on 02/06/2015
With the release today of Château Montrose at the wacky price of £850/12 the show is pretty much over. It has been a long haul – with many disappointingly priced wines – but there are some good buys too, which we feel are really worth considering.
By David Porter on 22/05/2015
The view from Pichon towards Latour '.
By David Porter on 21/05/2015
This afternoon has seen the release of another of the 'Super Second' Saint Julien Chateaux - Léoville Poyferré. At £430/12 - this comes out at the same price as Léoville Barton. Jancis describes Poyferré as 'Rather glorious really' and Antonio Galloni notes 'This is without question one of the stars of the vintage.