Steve Elder

Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Do Jerez (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.

Clos Du Marquis 2000, Ac St Julien, 2nd Wine Of Château Léoville Las Cases

Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso Sherry, Do Jerez Xérèz Sherry

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

Domaine Taupenot Merme Bel Air Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2007, Ac

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Pradikätswein

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.

Montes Purple Angel 2007

Sat on this for a few years to see what would emerge -- very impressive wine with depth, complexity and a finesse I did not expect. Still very deep ruby, and nose very ripe. Full bodied, with the tannins ripe and nice use of oak. The only thing I'd say is that I would not have guessed this as carménère -- I amost missed the green flavours.

One last note: absurdly heavy bottle. Actually weighed it -- over 1 kg! More than double a standard bottle. To me, has the opposite effect of that intended: makes me less likely to buy again.

Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2016, Pyrenees, Victoria

Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf Du Pape 2012, Ac

What a complete and compelling wine! Still quite full ruby colour, and nose is youthful too. Ripe berries, wild flowers, and incredibly delicious mineral notes on the mid-palate. Tannins are fully resolved and everything just works. Full bodied, but such energy and airiness. Not sure anyone but the French can make wine like this. Has reached a beautiful plateau that will last for many years.