Steve Elder

Gekkeikan “Horin” Ultra Premium Dai Ginjō, Kyoto, Kansai Region (300ml)

Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2018, W.O. Stellenbosch

Muriel Reserva 2017, Doca Rioja

Chartron Et Trebuchet Santenay 2018, A.P.

Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2008, Do Ribera Del Duero

Didn't take detailed notes, but this was quite fine. Balanced, with quite a lot of fruit still and lots to dig your nose into.

Studert Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2007, Prädikatswein

San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Igt Toscana

Nov 2012: How is it that grape varieties change so when they cross the Alps into Italy? Certainly so with Pinot Nero and Pinot Grigio, and so with this "Cabernet Sauvignon." Tuscan to its soul. CS is suggested by its dark colour and cedary notes, but flavours are very Italian: ripe fruit, but rooted in earth, with puckering tannins begging for something rich. If there's oak, it's blended in not standing out. Long and satisfying, with the high alcohol nicely integrated. Yummy.

Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2005, Docg

Starting to amber, but still quite deep and bright. First impression is of fruit, with dried flowers, followed by spice and cedar notes. Med bodied, with refined tannins and moderate complexity. A modern style of nebbiolo; more depth would have been nice.

Trinity Hill Syrah 2021, Hawke's Bay, North Island

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.