By Caroline Tanner on 14/01/2026
Champagne Barnaut has been with us for over 20 years, which speaks volumes. Established in 1874, and still run by the same family, they are producing characterful, delicious Champagne, which continues to delight. One of the secrets to Barnaut's success is their prime location in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy, known for its particularly fine Pinot Noir.
By Derek Robertson on 17/10/2024
It is still day three of this trip as the Northern Rhône disappears in the rear view mirror. After a hasty dash down the motorway we head off west to Pont Saint Esprit and the little village of Saint Nazaire in the Gard.
By Jack Chapman on 03/07/2024
There is still yet to be a year, here at Lea & Sandeman, where we have had enough of Larmandier Bernier’s ‘Latitude’ to last us until Christmas. That said, we still cannot resist shouting about just how outstanding it is.
By Angus Barcroft on 26/06/2024
On the final day of our visits surrounding the annual Printemps des Champagnes jamboree last year, we stopped in Avize to visit Champagne Franck Bonville, one the newer signings in our 17-producer-strong Grower Champagne selection, where we were welcomed warmly by Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel, Olivier Bonville's son-in-law.
By Jack Chapman on 24/04/2024
When I first joined Lea & Sandeman, not even four years ago, Larmandier Bernier’s magnificent Vieilles Vignes du Levant 2011 was £80 a bottle – I drank a lot of it. I wish I’d drunk more.
By Caroline Tanner on 11/03/2024
An address in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ is a prestigious one to hold in the Champagne region, not only because you are rubbing shoulders with the likes of Philipponat and Billecart-Salmon but the vineyards are also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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 Eve-Marie Letondel on 04/01/2023
A customer wrote after the New Year festivities - 'Happy New Year! Gosh this is good and a way to go still.
By Charles Lea on 20/10/2021
An interesting report given that there seems to be a 'blanket' view that 2021 is a disaster in France. In Burgundy the quantity of white is certainly disastrously low, but there will as usual be some nicer surprises.
By Charles Lea on 20/10/2021
Asked how the harvest has gone, one négociant replied that he felt that Bordeaux has got away with frost losses much better than some other parts of France, with frosts that were -3C to -4C, the kind that the great Châteaux are able to deal with by using very expensive things like helicopters or candles in the vineyard.
By Angus Barcroft on 24/09/2021
Louis Roederer Collection 242 – a new multi-vintage blend based on a perpetual reserve and 44% of reserve wines. This shift away from a NV blend may come as a bit of a shock to those that have been avid followers of the Brut Premier.
By Jack Chapman on 18/06/2021
When someone around you decides to change for the better, it’s usually a lovely thing to watch. Maybe they start eating more healthily, correct an annoying trait or start doing charity work. Even if you really liked them before, the idea of them becoming even more lovely is always a positive thing.