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Patrick Sandeman

By on 26/09/2012

  Patrick Sandeman Many of you have heard of the terrible news from the weekend. Many have written and emailed and we and Patrick’s family are grateful for it. For those who have not yet heard, it is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Patrick Sandeman died in a skydiving accident on Saturday.

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Celebrate our latest award with a FREE bottle of Barnaut.

By on 12/09/2012

Last night we picked up the award for London Wine Merchant of the Year 2012 at the International Wine Challenge - for the fourth year in a row! Once again Lea & Sandeman had to fight off stiff competition to win this award, and far from being complacent we are already thinking about how we can improve every aspect of our business in order to be in line for next year's award.

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Sacrificing wine to the Inca Gods

By on 05/09/2012

Many things have been done to wines over the centuries in the name of improved quality. Much of the world’s best wine, for instance, is poured into oak barrels for various (often surprising) lengths of time. Casks of Madeira used to be shipped to India and back and, even, left out in the rain.

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Grouse about Burgundy.

By on 29/08/2012

Very generous friends of mine recently invited me to join them for a grouse dinner at White's club in St James'. Having ordered a very fine Chablis to accompany our starters (delicious smoked eel with a fiery but creamy horseradish sauce) the conversation turned to red wine, and what to drink with our grouse.

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Through a glass darkly?

By on 16/08/2012

Through a glass darkly? (Or where are my specs?)       Last night I hosted a 'shepherd's pie and claret' supper, something which has become a summer ritual, for nine of my closest 'August bachelor' friends. Only this year I intentionally did not serve any claret, but unintentionally served some wines as a result of not taking my specs  into the cellar, which proved interesting.

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Wine & the art of seduction – Victoria Moore

By on 15/08/2012

Wine & the art of seduction - Victoria Moore 'Does it matter what wine is poured when the intention is to seduce? And if so, what bottles might it be good to open? I ask these questions because I was browsing in wine merchants Lea & Sandeman last Friday when a chap, who I’ll call Mr X, walked in and asked for help.

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