Steve Elder

Trius Showcase Riesling Ghost Creek 2019, Four Mile Creek, Niagara On The Lake

Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007, Docg

Excellent blend of traditional and modern styles with earthy complexity and vibrant fruit flavours.
Second bottle Oct 2018: Aging gracefully, but a bit shyer. Needed some time to open up (didn't decant, and should have). All dried flowers and gentle tannins at this stage; could hold a few years more I'm sure.

Urbina Reserva 1998, Doca Rioja

Such a vibrant and lively wine! Into secondary fruit flavours at this stage with nicely integrated oak. Classic and compelling.

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Pradikätswein

Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso Sherry, Do Jerez Xérèz Sherry

Bachelder Wismer Parke Ouest Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario

Stanners Vineyard Pinot Noir The Narrow Rows, Prince Edward County 2017, Prince Edward County

Light ruby colour. Quite full nose of ripe strawberries and something like violets. The med bodied frame has surprising heft, although definitely on the “ethereal” end of PN. Fruit is perfectly ripe, and balance and persistance are excellent. Closes with just a hint of earthiness. Really sings, and does feel like it will deliver pleasure for many more years. I really love the lightness (read low alcohol) combined with penetrating flavours of County Pinot, and this is a classic. Seems to speak of a golden past, but very much of the moment.

Kacaba Cabernet Franc 2013, VQA Niagara Escarpment

Very impressed. Fine ripe cab franc with a lot of complex mineral flavours.

Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Do, Spain, Cream Sherry (500ml)

This remains an excellent PX sherry, full of fig and walnut notes, certainly sweet but with acidity to balance. Tops the charts on the umami scale.

Closson Chase South Clos Pinot Noir 2017, Prince Edward County