Wine news, April 15 2014

The Wine Enthusiast on Napa whites.

Virgin head Richard Branson to buy South African hotel and vineyard, reports Decanter.

LVMH buys into Central Otago and Burgundy, reports Winesearcher.

Wines and Vines shows direct to consumer shipments rising 10% over last year.

What makes a wine sell, Forbes has some takeaways from Vinitaly.

Punch goes drinking red wine with Scandal's Olivia Pope. Also check out Dorothy J. Gaiter on House of Cards Frank Underwood's favorite wines.

The Wine Economist on a new direction at the Wine Enthusiast.

Harpers.co.uk on bulk wine growing to 50% of world exports.

In the New York Times, Eric Asimov on Napa Cabs from a cold, wet year, "juicy, fresh wines rather than plush and syrupy".