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 Jack Chapman on 03/07/2024
There is still yet to be a year, here at Lea & Sandeman, where we have had enough of Larmandier Bernier’s ‘Latitude’ to last us until Christmas. That said, we still cannot resist shouting about just how outstanding it is.
By Angus Barcroft on 26/06/2024
On the final day of our visits surrounding the annual Printemps des Champagnes jamboree last year, we stopped in Avize to visit Champagne Franck Bonville, one the newer signings in our 17-producer-strong Grower Champagne selection, where we were welcomed warmly by Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel, Olivier Bonville's son-in-law.
By Charles Lea on 06/05/2024
As anticipated, the 2024 L&S Champagne and Sparkling tasting generated quite a buzz, with press reports from Tam Currin for JancisRobinson.com (see Grower Champagnes, Finding Value), and Anne Krebiehl for Vinous.com (see Champagne the 2024 Spring Preview). "The grower-champagne movement has achieved something that the grand houses can only dream of.
By Jack Chapman on 24/04/2024
When I first joined Lea & Sandeman, not even four years ago, Larmandier Bernier’s magnificent Vieilles Vignes du Levant 2011 was £80 a bottle – I drank a lot of it. I wish I’d drunk more.
By Caroline Tanner on 11/03/2024
An address in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ is a prestigious one to hold in the Champagne region, not only because you are rubbing shoulders with the likes of Philipponat and Billecart-Salmon but the vineyards are also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
By Caroline Tanner on 05/03/2024
The Italian tasting is a moment in the L&S calendar that we all look forward to. This year, on a dull February day, a gang of Italian winemakers descended on Foyles bookshop, bringing a splash of Mediterranean/Alpine sunshine to London.
By Caroline Tanner on 06/02/2024
‘One of the most electrifying discoveries for me (at the L&S Champagne tasting in May) was Champagne Roger Coulon. The very first taste of the first wine on the table set my spine tingling. These are exhilarating, idiosyncratic wines.’ Tamlyn Currin – JancisRobinson.