Steve Elder

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.

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.

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.

Kacaba Cabernet Franc 2013, VQA Niagara Escarpment

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

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.

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Pradikätswein

Il Molino Di Grace Il Margone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

Osborne Bailen Dry Oloroso Sherry, Do Jerez Xérèz Sherry

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.