James Suckling

2014 Brunello & 2013 Riserva

Opposites Attract: Two Very Different Brunello Releases – 2014 & 2013 Riserva

By on 27/03/2019

Every March the new releases from Montalcino are unveiled. The rules stipulate that Brunello must be aged at the estate for 5 years and for the Riservas it is 7 years before hitting the market.  2019 therefore marks the release of the 2014 Brunellos and the Riservas from 2013.

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Le Macchiole

Le Macchiole: Latest releases from the Tuscan Coast – Pre-Shipment Offer

By 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.

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2015 Port – A great Vintage year, that almost never was

By 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.

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Il-Giodo-Brunello-Label

Il Giodo Brunello – Carlo Ferrini, The Maestro at home

By 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.

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Brilliant ’99 point’ Brunello – First release of Fuligni’s 2010 Riserva

By on 25/10/2015

Brilliant '99 point' Brunello - First release of Fuligni's 2010 Riserva 'The year 2010 for Brunello di Montalcino is the greatest modern vintage of Italy’s most famous red wine region. Never have the wines been so profound in quality, character, and quantity from the best hillside vineyards of Montalcino.

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Lea and Sandeman Independent Wine Merchants - 2013 Christmas

Christmas Tasting in Chiswick

By on 10/12/2013

The theme, such as you need a theme beyond ‘Christmas’, was to put a few less likely wines in front of people, to test and tantalize the taste-buds. With that in mind, we left out the traditional option of Champagne, and kicked off with the very splendid Gusbourne 2008 Brut Reserve from the Garden of England, a zippy but textured fizz that works really well as an aperitif.

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