Robert Parker is the most influential wine critic in the world. The Wine Advocate, his bi-monthly newsletter, was first published in 1978 and now has a significant effect on both prices and market demand for fine wines around the world.  

The Wine Advocate's most recent Buyer's Guide listed its Top 5 Outstanding New Zealand wineries as being Ata Rangi, Felton Road, Pegasus Bay, Te Mata Estate and Rippon.