Steve Elder

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2010

Just an arch-classic Chianti, full of umami-driven flavours but also endowed with ripe plum fruit. Loved this.

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

Tendil & Lombardi Blanc De Noirs Brut Champagne

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

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.

Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2009, Igt Colli Della Toscana Centrale

Another excellent Il Corto, although seems more evolved than the 2007 at a similar age. Packed with flavours of earth, spice, and dried fruit. Very Tuscan. Perhaps not quite as fine as the 2007.

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.

Quinta Sta Eufêmia Late Bottled Vintage Port 2007, Unfiltered, Bottled In 2011

Not the most refined LBV I've ever tasted, but certainly good 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.

Henry Of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula

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.