Australia

‘South Australia: The Might of McLaren Vale Grenache’

Erin Larkin of The Wine Advocate is no stranger to the greatness of McLaren Vale Grenache. Recently, she compiled a report of the region’s best examples, highlighting iconic producers like Sami-Odi and S.C. Pannell. Her only 100 point wine was S.C. Pannell’s 2022 ‘Sunrise’ Grenache. “Steve Pannell has been fundamentally instrumental in the success of McLaren […]
Read More

South Africa

‘Day by Day: South Africa in 2025’

For Vinous, Neal Martin spends a week in South Africa, visiting many of the Western Cape’s major wine regions. He sings the praises of producers, but also of the country’s beauty, positivity, diversity, and incomparable value. “Despite everything, [South Africa] is the eternal optimist,” Martin writes. “Its wines dazzle with both quality and diversity, a […]
Read More

South Africa

‘The Best Value White Wine You’re Not Drinking Yet’

For Food & Wine, Ray Isle rounds up many Chenin Blancs from around the world that overdeliver for their price. “In sommelier-land, Chenin Blanc is unquestionably one of the favorites of the moment,” Isle writes. “But head out into the world of regular U.S. wine drinkers, and this white variety remains one of the least familiar […]
Read More

South Africa

Meet South African Cinsault, Your Next Red Wine Crush

South African Cinsault is having its moment in the sun. “What truly sets modern South African Cinsault apart,” writes Food & Wine contributor Lauren Buzzeo, “is its adaptability.” She praises Craven Cinsaut for showcasing “the grape’s delicate, Pinot-like charm,” and calls Mother Rock’s version “a perfect summertime sipper.” In the more serious category of Cinsault, […]
Read More

Australia

“How Chenin Blanc Became the Cool Kid’s Grape”

For Wine Enthusiast, Christina Pickard dives deep into the world of Chenin Blanc. How did this grape become the poster child for honest, small-batch wines around the world? Interviewing industry experts like Alice Fiering and Craig Hawkins of Testalonga, Pickard recounts the rise of this grape across all four corners of the earth. Read more […]
Read More

South Africa

“Steenwold! South Africa: Ten Years On”

Can South African wines age? That is the central question asked during the Steenwold tasting in May 2025, inspired by the UK’s famous Southwold Bordeaux event. Its debut brought together 78 top South African whites and reds, including those from Craven, Thorne & Daughters, and Patatsfontein, from the standout 2015 vintage, served blind and grouped […]
Read More

England

‘English wine leaves home’

“It’s one thing to start a wine industry from nothing in a marginal climate with no culture (and only the most tenuous history) of wine production,” writes Jancis Robinson. “It’s another thing to scale that up to commercial viability. It’s yet another thing to take on the rest of the world in competitions, blind or […]
Read More

South Africa

‘Decanter cellar: 18 must-try Pinot Noirs’

Pinot Noir has come a long was since its rise to fame in Burgundy during the the Middle Ages. “Since then,” writes Mark O’Halleron, ” it has more than spread its wings, hanging its hat in both hemispheres, especially in cooler climates where it shines, delivering wines with a breezy, crunchy fruit character that take […]
Read More

Australia

“There are more interesting and delicious Australian wines on American shores than ever before”

For Bon Appétit, wine writer Christina Pickard highlights ten of Australia’s most interesting wines to drink right now. She calls the Dr. Edge ‘Tyrannosaurus dREDge’ a “perfect chillable red” made by “an Aussie wine rock star” (Peter Dredge) and underscores the singularity of Harkham’s zero-sulfur-added Sémillon and Ochota Barrels’ “evocative” Gamay. “Compared to the eye-watering price […]
Read More