Steve Elder

Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Coonawarra

Stina Cuvée White 2022, Island Of Brac

Ramón Bilbao Reserva 2016, Vegan, Sustainable, Doca Rioja

Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Teurons 2006, Ac, 1er Cru

Jackson Triggs Delaine Vineyard Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Les Hauts Du Castellas Vacqueyras 2007, Ac

May 2013: Quite evolved now, with the fruit into the secondary stage. Lovley nose of violets, and just loaded with flavour. Drink soon, but still so delicious.
Sept 2011: Finally got around to cracking one of these open. A very nice surprise, combining clean ripe fruit flavours with lots of herb and garigue character -- rates high on the umami scale. Will hold well for a couple of years yet, but raring to go now.

Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2007, Igt Rosso Dei Colli Della Toscana Centrale

Aug 2012: Very fine, and very Tuscan, with the Cab supporting the Sangiovese to give body and richness. Nose is full & ripe, with nice herbal notes and something like the "cigar box" you get from good Bordeaux. Full bodied, round and just loaded with earthy, umami-driven flavour --clean as a whistle, though, nothing funky. Lovely lingering finish. Lovely now, but plenty of life left.

Bouchard Père & Fils 2007, Ac Beaune Du Château Premier Cru

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2007, Igt Toscana

Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes Hermitage 2007, Ac

August 2012. Pulled this from the cellar, having not tasted it when purchased. Good deep colour, just beginning to fade to pinke at the rim. Very nice peppery, heather nose with ripe fruit beneath. Fully ripe, but flavours are driven by the earth tones. Tannins are ripe, but this will hold a while yet. All in all, right on target for Northern Rhone, if not quite reaching to the heights of the big boy wines from Hermitage or Cote Rotie.