Steve Elder

Tawse Riesling Quarry Road Vineyard 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge

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

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!

Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Wo Stellenbosch

Theulot Juillot Vieilles Vignes Mercurey 2015, Ac

Pale ruby, with a hint of brown starting to develop; more evolved than you’d expect. But flavours are all in ripe red berry spectrum in a med-bodied package that is all about zip and zing. Descent mineral finish wth some persistence. Not the most profound PN you’ll come across, but very satisfying. Nothing weak or washed out here. Made for food and conversation.

Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011

Quite restrained, almost brooding, but with lots of complexity.

Il Molino Di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2014, Docg

Pale ruby, but bright. Classic nose of dried flowers and spice. Quite rich and ripe fruit, with a persistent mineral finish. Classic styling with modern technique.

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.

Soléna Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir 2012, Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley

Good colour, quite deep for PN. Fresh and appealing, with no heaviness in spite of the fairly high alcohol. A nice middle style, with lots of stuffing but balancing acidity to make it refreshing.

Willakenzie Estate Gisèle Pinot Noir 2013, Certified Sustainable, Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley