By David Porter on 25/11/2017
2014 was undoubtedly a challenging vintage across Italy - and Bolgheri was no different with uncharacteristic rain, cool temperatures and a constant lack of sun adversely affecting the harvest like rarely before. This was a vintage that required understanding, hard work and unstinting commitment. Only in the right hands at the right estates was glory possible.
By David Porter 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.
By Ed H-B on 19/07/2017
We know Champagne Barnaut well, it’s been on the LEA & SANDEMAN list for many years and is our regular recommendation for quality and value and the brand that, perhaps more than any other, illustrates just what good value ‘Grower’ Champagnes can be.
By David Porter on 29/06/2017
Brilliant Vintage Wines At harvest time in 2015, the shippers were all talking about ‘Vintage quality’ and fairly sure that there would be a general 'declaration' - but then came the impressive 2016 in the cellars too, and a decision had to be made about which to declare. Both really are very good indeed.
By David Porter on 06/05/2017
Famed oenologist Carlo Ferrini who consults for some of the greatest estates in Tuscany has finally put his expertise - and his heart and soul - into his own winery in Montalcino. The results, as you would hope, are sensational. Not sensational in a big 'in your face way' - these are beautifully crafted, fine wines with a deft touch.
By Beth Thomas on 28/04/2017
The May 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.
By Beth Thomas on 15/03/2017
We were delighted in February to welcome no fewer than seventeen of our Italian wine producers to our Italian Tasting at Getty Images Gallery. It was here that we introduced Victoria Moore to Piero Lanza of Poggerino. Lanza is one of Chianti's greatest young ambassadors.
By Beth Thomas on 27/02/2017
Newspaper pieces about 'best value' wines are all too often littered with mass production supermarket own brands and big name labels. Whilst it is true that these certainly offer plenty of plonk for your pound, you aren't necessarily getting much bang for your buck.
By Ed H-B on 16/02/2017
'A rockstar 2012 vintage for Brunello' 2012, looks to be a fantastic vintage for Brunello di Montalcino. Like 2010, it has been awarded a 5-star rating by the Consorzio Brunello. Walter Speller of JancisRobinson.com was convinced by the number of wines he awarded 17 to 17.5 in his initial tastings (again, Fuligni is rated 17.
By Beth Thomas on 03/08/2016
'Our challenge has been, and remains, to find ways to vinify unfortified wines from the Douro that can take their rightful placeamong the great wines of the world, alongside the other great classic regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhone Valley' Christian Seely, Quinta da Romaneira It was during a stay at Château Pichon Baron in 2015 that Charles became reacquainted with its MD Christian Seely, and it is through this reintroduction that we came across the wines of Quinta da Romaneira.
By Beth Thomas on 12/06/2016
Bordeaux can be a rather confusing and confounding market and never more so than at 'primeur' time. It is very easy to switch off, and many of us do, with just some of the big names and wild prices making the headlines.
By Charles Lea on 03/05/2016
Releases continue to trickle out in Bordeaux, rather slowly given that, according to one rumour coming out from the Bordeaux trade, the majority of the big names intend to be out before Vinexpo Hong Kong, which runs from the 24th to the 26th May, and that's a lot of wines to release in a month with more French holidays than you'd think possible in a country that only works 35 hours a week anyway.