Wine Spectator recently asked renowned producer Michel Chapoutier for his thoughts on the Roussillon region – an undervalued appellation in Southern France that is producing rich, concentrated reds at affordable prices. According to Chapoutier, Roussillon may well be the next great region for red wines as it has ‘some of the best soil in France and [...]

Michel Chapoutier, sometimes a controversial figure, reckons that the Languedoc-Roussillon could become one of the finest wine regions in France as climate change affects the more marginal regions, such as the Northern Rhône. His Languedoc-Roussillon property, Domaine Bila Haut, produces some of the best value wines on our portfolio and VIT is on par with [...]

In this week’s episode, Pia recommends Bryan McRobert’s Tobias 2012. At just R90 per bottle, this fresh, opulent wine from the Swartland is the perfect anytime red. To order, email Pia@winecellar.co.za.

According to VinPro, the 2013 grape crop is the largest on record and is expected to exceed that of 2012 by 5%. Harvests across the Cape winelands are bigger than usual (with the exception of Robertson) and a number of wine districts are likely to bring in their largest crop to date. In terms of [...]

After a week of holidays in France and the UK, the Bordeaux en-primeur campaign is back in full swing. Prices are consistently being set only slightly lower than 2011, except for the Pichons, which are down 20%. Pichon Comtesse Lalande is as dependable as ever, but Pichon Longueville Baron, which is usually denser and richer, [...]

Wine Advocate contributor Neal Martin has published a definitive and entertaining guide to Pomerol – a major Bordeaux commune whose understated and, at times, shabby estates form a counterpoint to the grand châteaux of neighbouring appellations. Having risen to prominence as recently as the 20th century, the region is home to superstars such as Pétrus, [...]

The wines from the famous French appellations are becoming ever more expensive as the emerging markets start acquiring a taste for fine French wine. Less prestigious regions, unhindered by more stringent appellation laws, can, however, produce absolutely delicious wines at a fraction of the price. ‘This, dear readers, is the best sub-£10 wine I have [...]

Decanter has selected 12 leading white blends from SA that ‘rival the best from Bordeaux, the Rhone and beyond’. Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2011 is among their top picks (having been awarded 19/20), along with Mullineux White 2011 (18.5/20), Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2010 (18/20) and Adi Badenhorst’s Funky White NV (17.5/20). Visit Decanter.com for the full list of wines. As [...]

Robert Parker has added three new critics to his editorial team at The Wine Advocate. Following the departure of Antonio Galloni earlier this year, Monica Larner, the former editor of Wine Enthusiast, will cover Italy, whilst Jeb Dunnock of the Rhône Report will take over the Rhône beat. Luis Gutiérrez, Spanish correspondent for Jancisrobinson.com, will review the [...]

Today we introduce a new series of Wine Cellar videos: Pia’s pick of the week. Pia is a fellow lover of the grape and is keenly interested in local wines (as well as cycling, music and the finer things in life). She joined Wine Cellar late last year and has taken over from Tessa on [...]