By Edward Richardson on 25/04/2018
As we mentioned in our initial post on the vintage, it was the frost that hit Bordeaux for several nights at the end of April which dominated the early headlines on the 2017 vintage. The frost was undoubtedly catastrophic for some but the more we chatted to winemakers across every appellation, we realised there was a subtler story to tell.
By Edward Richardson on 17/04/2018
(Staircase at Lafite Rothschild) Flicking through my diary over breakfast revealed another jam-packed day including two first growths and the lion’s share of ‘super-seconds’. Not bad for a cold, grey Wednesday! The fun began at Léoville-Poyferré where we tasted the superb Le Crock as well as a very impressive grand vin.
By Charles Lea on 12/04/2018
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Lea & Sandeman Co. Ltd. has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, effective from the 1st April 2018. As the company approaches its 30th Anniversary (trading started on the 1st June 1988), this wonderful news gives cause for double celebration.
By Edward Richardson on 11/04/2018
I’d love to go into more detail on all of yesterday’s fascinating tastings but sadly there were just too many and our first appointment today is at 08:30 so I’ll have to be brief. Troplong Mondot was interesting because of the change in tack this property is taking under the stewardship of Aymeric de Gironde (formerly Cos d’Estournel).
By Edward Richardson on 10/04/2018
Yesterday began with a 9am tasting at Cheval Blanc (you have to start somewhere!). Sadly, it didn’t begin well. First came the news that there would be no Yquem tasting in the Orangery this year (quel désastre!), next came the unwelcome revelation that the Château was quite badly hit by frost in 2017.
By Edward Richardson on 08/04/2018
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we hot-footed it from Bordeaux airport to our first appointment of primeurs week - a big negociant tasting on the left bank. It’s a useful way to appraise a new vintage as all the major villages are represented under one roof.
By Edward Richardson on 07/04/2018
Next week is primeurs week in Bordeaux and our tasting squad will be scurrying up and down the Gironde assessing the new vintage. Follow us on instagram and twitter if that's your thing, or check back here on the blog for our latest reports.
By Edward Richardson on 15/03/2018
Bollinger R.D 2004 - Global Launch On Tuesday last week we had a visit from the charming and engaging Karl Reuter, export director at Champagne Bollinger. Karl was introducing us to the latest release of this noble Grande Marque's legendary 'R.D', or Recently Disgorged, vintage Champagne.
By Ed H-B on 27/02/2018
2018 Lea & Sandeman Italian Tasting This year we are holding our Italian tasting in the upper room at Foyles Bookshop. This is a great opportunity to explore our award-winning Italian range, meet our producers and taste some brilliant new releases - including the latest Brunello vintages from Fuligni, Collematoni & Giodo.
By Ed H-B on 09/02/2018
We were delighted to sponsor the 22nd City Fine Wine Challenge at a new venue this year. One Great George Street, also the home to the Institute of Civil Engineers, turned out to be an ideal venue for the event.
By Charles Lea on 26/01/2018
Following our 2016 Burgundy tasting, this week's Country Life wine column by Harry Eyres picks up on the story of the small harvest as a result of frost, but also says: "at its best this is a very good vintage indeed, with especially elegant wines.
By Edward Richardson on 05/01/2018
2016 Lea & Sandeman White Burgundy Burgundy en primeur season kicks off next week and most of the talk will be about the frost and the tiny volumes produced in some areas. Don't be put off by the gloom! The fruit that survived has produced some wonderfully pure, classically-shaped Burgundy - right down to village level.