Steve Elder

Rustenberg Rm Nicholson 2009, Wo Stellenbosch

Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvée Philippine Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2010, Ac

Volpaia Chianti Classico 2009

Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2010, Igt Toscana

Mcnab Ridge Shadow Brook Farms Roussanne 2009, Mendocino

Quinta De Foz De Arouce Red 2008, Vinho Regional Beiras

Planets De Prior Pons 2008, Doq Priorat

Jean Geiler Gold Medal Muscat D'alsace 2011, Ac Alsace

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage 2010, Ac

A classic Northern Rhone syrah; just loved this. Dominated by notes of white pepper and other spice, but fruit is ripe and round. Not profound, but completely delicious and a wine you just want to drink all night. Drinking very well right now but probably has a couple of years yet.

François Villard L'appel Des Sereines Syrah 2010, Ac Vin De Pays Des Collines Rhodaniennes

Dark purple, with just a hint of light at the rim. Lovely, classic syrah nose of pepper and violets, with cassis beneath. Med to full bodied, round and ripe, with hardly a trace of tannin. Finish is all pepper again -- fleeting but quite deliciuous. Calls to mind Shiraz from a delicate hand, but lighter and livlier. Lots of fun and certainly excellent value. Not one for the cellar, even in this vintage.