The Rhône Ranger – Derek Robertson
By Derek Robertson on 15/02/2017
It is fair to say that I am ever so slightly obsessed with the wines of the Rhône Valley.
BLOG
2008 Pol Roger Pre-release offer
By Ed H-B on 13/02/2017
Each release of Pol Roger vintage is eagerly anticipated by our customers who know how well these wines can age, but the 2008 is particularly highly regarded. The pre-launch tasting event last week showed just what a magnificent wine this is and will be, and we recommend that you don’t miss it.
The best value of all in the 2015 Red Burgundy vintage?
By Charles Lea on 26/01/2017
Domaine Francois & Isabelle Lumpp - Givry, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy Amongst all the chatter about high prices in 2015 Burgundy, some real bargains get overlooked. We have been happy to see some of our regionals - 'Bourgogne Rouges' gain good traction as critics realise what great value they represent - from as little at £90 a case of 12 in bond.
South Africa – A New Generation of Winemakers
By Phil Weeks on 19/01/2017
A week in South Africa in early December visiting a host of great wine producers was an easy invite to accept and so with bags suitably packed, off I headed for Cape Town. It was to be a series of incredible visits and a real eye opener to the vast improvements that have taken place in South African wine since my last visit in 2010.
Burgundy Tasting Round Up
By Ed H-B on 13/01/2017
On Monday, we welcomed members of the trade and press to our 2015 Burgundy En Primeur Tasting at 67 Pall Mall. Those who braved the appalling weather and tube strike were welcomed by a room of joyous wines. 2015 was a fantastic vintage across the board.
What we are drinking this Christmas – Pairings from the L&S team
By Beth Thomas on 22/12/2016
The saying goes that Christmas is a time to 'eat, drink and be merry', and this is certainly a mantra that we at Lea & Sandeman try to live by.
Understanding Californian Wines – Our New Kids on the Block
By David Porter on 25/11/2016
For many, Californian Wine means one thing – the big, rich, bold style – fruit-laden whoppers embodied most often by the wines from the Napa valley – but after 10 days hard study and exploration along the dramatic coastline of this beautiful state, we have learnt lots and there is great variety for those looking for more.
Seasonal Sparkles
By Beth Thomas on 22/11/2016
It that's time of year again and Champagne is back on the list of essentials. We've added our best possible prices to certain Grandes Marques champagnes as well as on one of our favourite Grower Champagnes: Barnaut Grande Réserve Brut (just £22.95 in a six pack).
Decanter – Weekday Wines: October 2016
By Beth Thomas on 31/10/2016
The December 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. The ‘Weekday Wines’ section is put together each month by Tastings Director Christelle Guibert. It features 25 wines for less than £20, all of them a little different or adventurous in their own way.
Fantastic Franciacorta!
By Beth Thomas on 21/10/2016
Whenever we are in Italy, we enjoy the great Champagne look-a-likes of Franciacorta (from Lombardy, in Northern Italy), and easily understand why these great wines have such a following in their home market, even though the Italians are great connoisseurs and consumers of Champagne as well.
Multi-Varietals from the Rhône and Alsace
By David Porter on 19/10/2016
With the emergence of new wine regions in the southern hemisphere came the freedom to grow what you wanted in terms of what grape variety you planted and what you called your wine. Things changed slowly as ‘Chablis’ from Australia was clobbered by the wine authorities and you can no longer grow ‘Sauternes’ in Livermore County, California.
A trip to TERRA d’ALTER, Alentejo in the Autumn
By Andrew Hooper on 05/10/2016
Late September is a good time to head to Portugal for a couple of days - you get some welcome sunshine before the Christmas run in begins and, as the harvest is coming in, there’s plenty to see.