Jay Miller resigns from Wine Advocate

Insisting the move has nothing to do with the unfolding controversy of paid-for wine visits to Spain, Miller, who was Robert Parker’s official critic for Spain, said ‘nothing could be further from the truth.'

‘Finally, some may believe my stepping down is in response to my critics,’ he said in a posting on the Wine Advocate’s bulletin board.

‘Nothing could be further from the truth. I have felt constrained in responding while still on The Wine Advocate staff. While the office has defended my actions, justifiably, now it is time for me to speak for myself. In what format I will do that remains to be seen. This much is clear....I have never accepted (or requested) fees for visiting wine regions or wineries.’

Neal Martin will now take over responsibility for Spain.

Miller's resignation comes against a backdrop of questions over visits to Spain organised by Spanish Wine Academy founder Pancho Campo. Read the full background, including Robert Parker's response to the controversy, here