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Nestled on the sun-drenched Tuscan coast near Bolgheri, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia has been synonymous with excellence in winemaking since its founding in 1981. Revered as one of the world’s premier producers of Super Tuscan wines, Ornellaia has consistently crafted vintages that combine Mediterranean elegance with coastal sophistication, making it a benchmark for wine lovers and collectors alike. The Terroir: Where Sea and Soil UniteOrnellaia’s vineyards are uniquely positioned in rolling foothills that enjoy a rare maritime microclimate. Summer breezes cool the grapes, while protective hills shield them from harsh winter winds, creating ideal conditions for producing wines with balance, depth, and refinement. The estate’s diverse soils, marine, alluvial, and volcanic, nurture both red and white varietals, allowing for exceptional Bordeaux-style blends, limited-production whites, and the sweet, rare Petit Manseng Ornus dell’Ornellaia. Crafting Excellence Through Sustainable PracticesAt Ornellaia, sustainability and tradition go hand in hand. The estate is committed to environmentally conscious viticulture, ensuring that every bottle reflects a harmony between nature and human expertise. Through careful vineyard management and meticulous winemaking, Ornellaia consistently delivers wines that are not just products but experiences, capturing the essence of Bolgheri and the soul of Tuscany. Why Ornellaia Stands OutWhat sets Ornellaia apart is its ability to combine innovation with heritage. Each vintage tells a story of the land, the climate, and the winemakers’ dedication to perfection. The result is a collection of wines that are elegant yet powerful, complex yet approachable, and universally admired for their consistency and character. Whether you are a seasoned collector or exploring Super Tuscan wines for the first time, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia offers an unforgettable taste of Tuscany, one sip at a time. Discover our range of Ornellaia wines.

From Tuscan Soil to Global Wine IconNestled in the scenic coastal hills of Bolgheri, Tuscany, Tenuta San Guido is more than just a winery, it is a symbol of Italian innovation and a cornerstone in the history of fine wine. Best known for producing the world-renowned Sassicaia, this estate rewrote the rules of Italian viticulture and helped launch the iconic category we now call Super Tuscans.  The Visionary Beginnings: Marchese Mario Incisa della RocchettaThe story of Tenuta San Guido begins in the 1940s with Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, a nobleman with a passion for wine and a deep curiosity for terroir and quality. As a young man, Mario noticed striking similarities between his Bolgheri estate’s gravelly soils and those of Graves in Bordeaux, famed for producing some of the world’s greatest Cabernet-based wines. Acting on this insight, in 1944 he planted the estate’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines, a bold choice in a region traditionally dominated by Sangiovese and other native Italian varieties.  Unlike most Italian reds of the time, his Cabernet blend was aged in French oak barriques, a technique largely unheard of in Tuscany then. These experimental methods laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most treasured wines in the world.  Sassicaia: From Family Table to Wine LegendFor many years, the wine Sassicaia (whose name means “place of many stones”) was made exclusively for family and friends, an expression of personal passion rather than commercial ambition. That changed in 1968, when Mario’s son Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta, together with encouragement from cousin Piero Antinori, convinced him to release the first commercial vintage. It debuted on the market in 1971, initially in limited quantities, but with immediate impact. The early years were defining: at a 1978 blind tasting in London organized by Decanter, Sassicaia 1972 triumphed over top Bordeaux and other international wines, cementing its reputation as a world-class Cabernet blend.  Creating a New Wine Category: The Super Tuscan RevolutionLong before Italian wine laws recognised this style, Sassicaia was classified as Vino da Tavola due to its use of non-traditional grape varieties, a lowly label that belied its extraordinary quality. This defiance of appellation norms was a defining moment in Italian oenology, giving birth to the now-famous Super Tuscan movement: wines made outside the classic DOC/DOCG framework, but driven by passion, terroir and innovation.  Where others followed tradition, Tenuta San Guido forged a new path, one rooted in meticulous vineyard work, modern winemaking methods, and an enduring commitment to excellence. DOC Recognition and Enduring LegacyRecognition of Sassicaia’s quality continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with critics such as Robert Parker awarding perfect scores to standout vintages and further boosting its global reputation.  In 1994, Sassicaia achieved a historic milestone when it was granted its own Denomination of Controlled Origin, Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, the only wine in Italy produced by a single estate to have its own appellation, a testament to its unique status and influence.  Today, Tenuta San Guido remains family-led, blending tradition with innovation. Its vineyards extend over prime Bolgheri land, planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and vinified under the guidance of successive generations committed to preserving Sassicaia’s unparalleled style. More Than Sassicaia: A Growing PortfolioWhile Sassicaia remains the crown jewel, Tenuta San Guido has expanded its range over the years to include:• Guidalberto – introduced in 2000 as a younger, expressive Bordeaux-style blend• Le Difese – launched in 2002, combining Cabernet with Sangiovese for a fresh Tuscan character  These wines reflect the estate’s ongoing commitment to quality at different levels, inviting more wine lovers into the world of Bolgheri excellence. Why Tenuta San Guido Still Matters TodayWhat began as a nobleman’s inspired experiment has grown into one of Italy’s greatest wine legacies. Tenuta San Guido did not just produce a remarkable wine, it redefined Italian red wine on the world stage, proving that Tuscany could stand among the greatest wine regions globally. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an aspiring enthusiast, understanding the history of Tenuta San Guido offers insight into why Sassicaia remains one of the most revered names in wine. Discover our range of Tenuta San Guido wines.

Few wineries in the world command the reverence and prestige of Bodegas Vega Sicilia. Widely regarded as Spain’s most iconic wine estate, Vega Sicilia has played a defining role in elevating Ribera del Duero to global acclaim. Its story is one of vision, patience, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. A Visionary Beginning in 1864 The history of Vega Sicilia begins in 1864, when Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves founded the estate with a revolutionary idea for Spanish winemaking. Inspired by Bordeaux, he introduced international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, blending them with the region’s native Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). Set within the arid, high-altitude soils of Ribera del Duero, this bold approach laid the foundation for a new standard of premium Spanish wine, long before the region itself became famous. International Recognition and a Growing Reputation In 1903, the estate came under the ownership of Antonio Herrero, a period during which Vega Sicilia achieved significant international recognition. Its wines won prestigious awards and earned a reputation for elegance, longevity, and depth, qualities that would become hallmarks of the brand. The Álvarez Family Era: Precision and Patience Since 1982, Vega Sicilia has been owned by the Álvarez family, who have meticulously preserved and enhanced the estate’s legacy. Their philosophy centres on low yields, green harvesting, and rigorous grape selection, ensuring only the highest-quality fruit reaches the cellar. A defining feature of Vega Sicilia wines is their innovative ageing process. Using a combination of French and American oak barrels of varying sizes and ages, the wines develop remarkable complexity while retaining freshness and balance, never overwhelmed by oak. Iconic Wines of Vega Sicilia Vega Sicilia’s portfolio is legendary, led by some of Spain’s most sought-after wines: Vega Sicilia Único – The flagship wine, often aged for up to 10 years, crafted as a multi-vintage blend with extraordinary depth and longevity. Único Reserva Especial – A rare and refined expression, blending selected vintages to achieve ultimate balance and finesse. Valbuena 5° – A more approachable yet still profound wine, aged for five years and showcasing the purity of Tinto Fino. Each bottle reflects the estate’s seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Beyond Ribera del Duero Vega Sicilia’s influence extends far beyond its original estate. The group also oversees Bodegas Alión, Bodegas Pintia, Macán (in Rioja, in partnership with the Rothschild family), and the historic Oremus estate in Hungary’s Tokaji region, further cementing its global stature. A Symbol of Spanish Fine Wine Today, Bodegas Vega Sicilia stands as a symbol of Spanish fine wine craftsmanship. Its unwavering dedication to quality, patience, and terroir has not only shaped Ribera del Duero but also earned Vega Sicilia a place among the world’s greatest wine estates. Explore our selection of Vega Sicilia wines and experience a true legend of Spanish winemaking.

Over a Century of Family LegacyFounded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has remained family-owned for four generations. As one of the few major Argentine wineries still proudly in Argentine hands, it is a symbol of tradition, passion, and excellence in South American winemaking. High-Altitude Malbec InnovationIn the 1980s, Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata revolutionized Argentine wine by planting high-altitude vineyards in the Andes foothills of Mendoza. His pioneering work with Malbec helped establish Argentina as a world-class wine region, gaining international recognition for its unique terroir and rich, bold flavours. A New Generation of ExcellenceBy the mid-1990s, Dr. Laura Catena joined the family mission, continuing the Catena legacy of innovation and quality. Today, Catena Zapata has earned more 100-point wine ratings than any other winery in South America, solidifying its reputation as a leader in premium Argentine wines. Sustainability, Research, and TerroirCatena Zapata is committed to sustainability and innovative research, including studies on soil, historic grape clones, and vineyard terroir. Certified by Bodegas de Argentina, the winery sets the benchmark for world-class Argentine wine while maintaining environmental responsibility. Explore Catena Zapata WinesWhether you are a Malbec enthusiast or discovering Argentine wines for the first time, every bottle of Catena Zapata tells a story of family, innovation, and unmatched quality. Explore the full range on the Catena Zapata producer page and experience the best of Argentina in every sip.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a Gold Medal for our New World List at the Wine Searcher Retailer Awards. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to curating exceptional wines and providing our clients with an outstanding selection from across the globe. A huge thank you to our team and to all of our clients who continue to support us. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to bringing you even more incredible wines in the future.

When a new vintage is bottled and imported into the UK, the wine is first stored in a bonded warehouse, meaning it is officially held “In Bond.” Wines stored In Bond have not yet had Duty or VAT applied, and they must remain in a HM Customs & Excise–approved bonded warehouse until they are withdrawn. All our In-Bond wines are safely cellared at LCB Eton Park, a trusted facility known for optimal storage conditions. What Are the Advantages of Buying Wine In Bond?Choosing to buy wine In Bond offers several important benefits for wine enthusiasts, collectors, and investors:1. Duty and VAT Are DeferredBecause taxes are not paid upfront, you avoid immediate Duty and VAT charges. This makes buying fine wine In Bond a cost-efficient option, particularly when acquiring wines meant for long-term ageing or investment.2. No Duty or VAT If You Sell the Wine LaterIf you decide to sell the wine while it remains In Bond, you will never pay Duty or VAT. This is why In-Bond purchasing is popular among those building or trading a wine investment portfolio.3. VAT Is Calculated on Original Purchase PriceIf you eventually choose to have the wine delivered (and therefore release it from bond), the VAT is charged only on the original purchase price, not the wine’s current market value.This can lead to significant savings for wines that have appreciated over time.

This week, Alan attended the 'For The Love of Bordeaux' tasting at Stationers Hall, St Pauls in London. Focusing on the 2022 vintage, which was noted for a hot summer which confounded many. A vintage blessed with high intensity and good structure, but balanced by elegance and freshness. Many great wines.