Steve Elder

Château Des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Gamay Noir Droit 2012, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Quinta Das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional 2011, Doc Douro

Yalumba Viognier 2013, Eden Valley, South Australia

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018, Wo Stellenbosch

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Peumo Vineyard Block 27 Carmenère 2011, Entre Cordilleras, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley

With a few years in the cellar, this has turned in to compelling wine. Starting to amber a bit. Very full with ripe fruit, underpinned by wood and spice notes. Balanced and carries the high alcohol well. Certainly justifies the “entry premium” price.

Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico 2016, Docg, Italy

Nice vibrant Chianti here, with ripe cherry inflected fruit and a wash of minerality and earthiness across the middle. Tart, snappy and quite long. Classic idiom. Drinking well now but will hold a few more.

Schug Pinot Noir 2017

Nice ruby colour. Quite penetrating nose of fresh strawberries, with something minerally almost earthy beneath. Med bodied, bright berry fruit and good acid zing to keep it fresh. Lingering mineral finish. Highly drinkable and true to the variety. You can tell they aim for a classic, cooler climate PN vibe. This delivers.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia

Jean Max Roger Cuvée La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rouge 2015, Ac

Quite deep colour. Nose is a bit closed; hints of small berries, red candy and spice. Med bodied, firm with tart fruit and noticeable acidity. Lingering anise-inflected finish. Very much a Loire expression of PN and a bit austere. May develop more charm in a year or two. Fair value.

Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

This is drinking beautifully. Nose just explodes from the glass with berries and the best kind of funk. Complex, round and entirely delicious. Plenty of life yet.