Steve Elder

Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano 2015, Docg Barolo

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Pradikätswein

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.

Nativ Bicento 2013, Doc Irpinia Campi Taurasini

Foxen John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County

Fine PN. Medium ruby colour, shimmering at the edges. Lovely nose of small berry fruit with a hint of spice and cedar. Med to full bodied; a lot of heft for PN but no heaviness. Classic PN fruit across the palate with just a bit of tannic grip in the finish. Lovely stuff.

Henschke Henry's Seven 2015, Barossa, South Australia

Bright shimmering ruby in colour. Nose is packed with flavour: cherry, herbs, spice. Lovely sweet-ish entry, and spreads across the palate to a long anise-inflected finish. Just enough tanin and acid to prevent it from being cloying. Fine stuff, and it will keep going for a good 5 years yet, me thinks.

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

Closson Chase South Clos Pinot Noir 2017, Prince Edward County

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.

Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso Sherry, Do Jerez Xérèz Sherry