Steve Elder

Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2012, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

This is starting to take shape. Full nose of freshly washed berries, with just a hint of something stony. Quite stern on the palate with tannic grip and noticeable acid, but very good fruit definition as well -- linear. Med bodied, and lingering. I'd hold this a while yet; just entering its drinking window. Classic P-N, but won't please everybody.

Pérez Cruz Reserva Limited Edition Carmenère 2012

Keint He Portage Pinot Noir 2012, VQA Prince Edward County

Pale shimmering ruby. Classic PN nose of fresh strawberries and red candy. Really quite good body, with savoury flavours and a nice streak of acidity. Red fruit reappears as well. A well-made cool-climate PN, albeit lighter in style.

Thirty Bench Red 2012, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Dark ruby, with just a hint of lightening at the rim. Lovely nose of spice and oak notes, with good fruit and just a hint of earth. Mouthfilling and ripe, with a spicy finish that lingers. Excellent cool-climate winemaking, IMHO, emphasizing elegance and balance. Most certainly worth the price of admission.

Tamaya Gran Reserva Syrah 2011

Very good character here for the price. Will need to pay more attention for the second bottle to get detailed notes.

Loan Wines Special Reserve Semillon 2005, Unoaked, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Volpaia Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

Fading to ruby at this stage. Very appealing nose in which fresh berry fruit still dominates. Med weight and nicely plush, with perfect ripeness and minerality. Good length. Clean, modern style but in the CC idium. Drinking very well now, might hold a year or two more (a theoretical consideration in my case!).

Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Walla Walla Valley

Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Ondarre Reserva 2008, Doca Rioja