Collectibles for the Cellar

One of the greatest advantages of looking beyond the traditional fine-wine regions of the world is just how much value remains at the very top of the market. The most collectible wines from Napa, Bordeaux, and Burgundy can command sky-high prices, often reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per bottle, while some of the Southern Hemisphere's most collectible wines remain surprisingly accessible by comparison. This is particularly true for wines like Bell Hill Pinot Noir and Bass Phillip Pinot Noir, which represent some of the most site-specific and ageworthy expressions of their respective regions yet can still be purchased for a fraction of what comparable Burgundy might cost. The same holds true in South America. Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Cabernet Franc has earned a cult following for its combination of high-altitude freshness, complexity, and remarkable longevity, while Seña, Almaviva, and Clos Apalta have established themselves among the great names of Chile, producing wines with the pedigree and aging potential to stand alongside classified Bordeaux. Yet even at their highest levels, these wines remain remarkably well priced relative to their Old World counterparts. For the wine-curious collector, that creates an unusual opportunity. These aren't inexpensive wines because they lack ambition, pedigree, or longevity. Rather, they are wines from regions whose reputations have not yet fully caught up with their quality. That makes the Southern Hemisphere one of the most exciting places to look for world-class wines without paying the full premium of the traditional icons.

Wine Newsletter, Southern HemisphereRachael RyanBell Hill Pinot Noir, Bass Phillip Pinot Noir, Penfolds Grange, Gran Enemigo Gualtallary, Almaviva, Seña, Clos Apalta, Rachael Ryan