Steve Elder

Daniel Rion & Fils Vieilles Vignes Nuits St Georges 2011

Sepurb Pinot Noir. Quite pale now, but brimming with life. Nose carries fantastic array of aromas of spice and fruit; eucalyptus too. Round, mouth filling, with ripe fruit and tannins. Plenty of great Pinot Noir out there from other regions, but this is why I still stump up for Burgundy. In hindsight, a very good buy. Earlier note: At very fine PN, with deep fruit and lots of complexity. Delicious.

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

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.

Pradorey Adaro 2009

Deep red, starting to amber at the rim. Lots of oak on the nose, but doesn't overshadow very nice ripe fruit and floral aromas. Round and full on the palate, with ripe fruit and minerality. Tannins are fully ripe and softened at this stage. Lingering spicy finish. Drinking perfectly now, but would hold for several more years.

Tendil & Lombardi Blanc De Noirs Brut Champagne

An excellent champagne, with lively mousse and deep leesy flavour.

Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006, Doca Rioja

Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

This was a very pleasant surprise. Quite deep colour, and full nose of plums and spice. Med to full bodied, with ripe fruit and and just enough tannin to make it a great food wine. Nice modern winemaking while staying anchored in Tuscan soil. Will hold a few years, but it's so delicious now why bother. Very good value.

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.

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.

Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza