By Charles Lea on 06/03/2026
A huge thank you to all who attended last night's NSPCC Fine Wine Challenge. With a couple more tables crammed in this year, this was the biggest yet, and even so, thanks to the other committee members solid work pre-Christmas, we even had a waiting list for tables.
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 Graeme Brandham on 20/10/2025
Top white wine trends 2025 | If you feel like all the real excitement in the wine world is happening with whites right now.
By Graeme Brandham on 13/08/2025
There are invitations in the wine trade that command a certain reverence, and a day at the Nyetimber estate is unequivocally one of them. And so, a party of eight from Lea & Sandeman recently journeyed to the rolling South Downs of West Sussex, home to England’s most celebrated sparkling wine producer.
By Graeme Brandham on 07/08/2025
If you’ve ever stared at bottles from the Dauvissat family in Chablis and wondered how they’re all related, you’re not alone. Their story is a perfect illustration of how family, history, and ancient French laws shape the wine in your glass. Let’s unravel the puzzle of one of Chablis's most revered names.
By Jack Chapman on 14/07/2025
I was in Lebanon when I first understood what terroir really meant. ‘The Cinsault, in this particular vintage, was magnificent,’ said Tarek Sakr, Technical Director of Château Musar, describing his most recent special cuvée. ‘It was so special that I asked the family if I might bottle 300 of them as a single varietal.
By Jack Chapman on 17/04/2025
If I had to summarise the 2024 Bordeaux wines in two words, it would be ‘Old School’. First and foremost because it is a vintage which almost entirely re-enforced the Bordeaux status quo. We all know the weather was challenging, and the only ways to combat it were via enormous amounts of labour in the vineyards, as well as rigorous sorting in the winery.
By Jack Chapman on 10/04/2025
We were lucky enough to welcome Piero Incisa Della Rochetta to London last week, for three days of tasting, touring and discussion, to welcome the 2024 vintage.
By Angus Barcroft on 13/03/2025
This marked the 20th year that L&S has sponsored the NSPCC’s City Fine Wine Challenge quiz. A really proud moment for everyone involved.
By Jack Chapman on 10/02/2025
I so often get asked if there is a strategy, or an axiom which can be applied to wine in order to guarantee something delicious. There is, of course, not – or at least I hope no one comes up with one, else we will all rapidly be out of jobs, but it has set me to wondering and I think I may have found a passable solution.
By Jack Chapman on 05/12/2024
Having returned last week, after tasting 200+ wines, I have been both trying to catch up on emails and find time to pen my thoughts on a vintage about which we were all… holding our breath. From what we saw in the cellars whilst tasting the 2022s, and discussions we had with producers, 2023 was big.
By Tom Lorimer on 28/11/2024
Two very educative Rhône tastings over the last month, doubly reinforced my view that this part of France is the next go-to region for sheer value and quality.