Steve Elder

Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza

Il Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico 2015, Docg Tuscany

Hill Smith Estate Chardonnay 2015, Wild Ferment, Eden Valley, South Australia

This is a very fine Chardonnay in a lightly oaked style. Med to full bodied with ripe tropical fruit, excellent mouth feel and some persistence on the finish.

Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos

A fantastic amontillado. Med brown in colour. Full nose and palate with plenty of rancio but also some delicate dried fruit that really ups the complexity. Dry without being astringent. A wine to sip slowly and contemplate life. Excellent value.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2015, Coonawarra

I am a fan of Sue Hodder. This is my first time with the Shiraz, but it seems to me to reflect her style: pitch-perfect fruit married to bright acidity, approachable but with plenty of depth. Meant to keep this in the cellar for a few years, but it didn't last that long!

Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Sparkling Riesling 2020, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

Lanciola Le Masse Di Greve Chianti Classico 2013, Docg

Traditionally styled Chianti marked by dried fruit and earthy flavours. Quite pale and ambering at this stage. At its peak and not for the long term. Found at bin end for $19 which seems a fair price. Would not have been happy to pay original $24.

Muga Reserva 2014

Nice ruby colour. Ripe fruit up front with strong oak notes, and balancing acidity. Med to full bodied, and all in balance. Pretty much at its peak, and very much in the Muga style.

Moillard Cuvée Prestige Rully 2015, Ac

Nice med red colour, quite deep for PN. Nose is a bit reserved, with hints of red berry fruit. Quite rich on the palate, solidly mid-weight with nice tart fruit notes (cranberry) and some spice for complexity. Good persistence. Enjoyable now but I suspect will reveal more in a couple of years. Good value in the world fo Burgundy but for a true PN drinker; not a party wine!