While Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety in South Africa, it still too often accounts for high volume, commercial production wines lacking individuality or character. Consequently, it is also the variety that is being pulled up at the fastest rate. Nevertheless, the quality potential is high as long as the site is appropriate.&...
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Atlas, we have championed the remarkable turnaround that has taken place at Château Les Carmes Haut Brion since it was acquired by Patrice Pichet in 2010. The vineyards were once part of the First Growth Château Haut-Brion when it was owned by Jean de Pontac. The story has it that, as de Pontac approached the end of his life,&n...
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We continue to champion numerous grower Champagnes at Atlas. Why? Simply put, they can offer exceptional quality at lower prices than the branded Champagnes from larger-scaled houses. There is a need to be selective, but it is still possible to access vintage Champagnes from individual Cru solely from Grand Cru classified vineyards via smaller s...
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You may already know that Simon has long been fascinated with the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco; in part due to the proliferation of different styles of Nebbiolo from specific sub-regions and vineyards, and in part due to the fact that it still offers the wine buyer the opportunity to explore, discover and find considerable value. Nothing is mo...
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Five years ago, I wrote the following paragraph as the introduction to an offer and I think the comments made then still ring true today. Spain has always puzzled and intrigued me. Such a vast wine-producing country and yet most people’s view of the Spanish wine is limited to Rioja, perhaps the Ribera del Duero and maybe Priorat. Jus...
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Since we first offered the wines of Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers four years ago, we have been dreading the moment when we would have to say that it is not the Atlas way to take vintage upon vintage of any given wine. But each time we taste the new releases we find ourselves compelled, once again, to offer these astonishing expressions of Au...
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