Steve Elder

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827, Dop

Bodegas Y Viñedos Alion 2006

Second tasting Mar 2019: A completely different experience. Pitch perfect fruit, with excellent floral and mineral complexity. On the oak-y side, but to be expected. Long and satisfying finish. Suspect that they first bottle might have had cork taint, or really just was in a dumb period.
This was a disappointment. Maybe I approached it too early. Maybe it's in a "dumb" period. Perhaps this was a bottle with mild taint. But whatever the reason, it simply didn't provide much of anything. Dull fruit, dull mouth feel, unexceptional finish.

Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2017, Wo, South Africa

Stanners Vineyard Pinot Noir The Narrow Rows, Prince Edward County 2017, Prince Edward County

Light ruby colour. Quite full nose of ripe strawberries and something like violets. The med bodied frame has surprising heft, although definitely on the “ethereal” end of PN. Fruit is perfectly ripe, and balance and persistance are excellent. Closes with just a hint of earthiness. Really sings, and does feel like it will deliver pleasure for many more years. I really love the lightness (read low alcohol) combined with penetrating flavours of County Pinot, and this is a classic. Seems to speak of a golden past, but very much of the moment.

Foxen John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County

Fine PN. Medium ruby colour, shimmering at the edges. Lovely nose of small berry fruit with a hint of spice and cedar. Med to full bodied; a lot of heft for PN but no heaviness. Classic PN fruit across the palate with just a bit of tannic grip in the finish. Lovely stuff.

Closson Chase South Clos Pinot Noir 2017, Prince Edward County

Urbina Reserva 1998, Doca Rioja

Such a vibrant and lively wine! Into secondary fruit flavours at this stage with nicely integrated oak. Classic and compelling.

Nativ Bicento 2013, Doc Irpinia Campi Taurasini

Domaine Taupenot-merme Bel Air Gevrey-chambertin 1er Cru 2007, Ac

Montes Purple Angel 2007

Sat on this for a few years to see what would emerge -- very impressive wine with depth, complexity and a finesse I did not expect. Still very deep ruby, and nose very ripe. Full bodied, with the tannins ripe and nice use of oak. The only thing I'd say is that I would not have guessed this as carménère -- I amost missed the green flavours.

One last note: absurdly heavy bottle. Actually weighed it -- over 1 kg! More than double a standard bottle. To me, has the opposite effect of that intended: makes me less likely to buy again.