Steve Elder

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

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Cabernet/Merlot 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Bikandi Vendimia Seleccionada Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja

As noted by others, improbably youthful looking. Very oak driven nose, with hints of violets and lavender. Med-full bodied and quite powerful, almost hot. Ripe fruit and spice, but strikes me as a bit out of balance.

Creekside Syrah 2013, Niagara Peninsula

Domaine Faiveley Mercurey 2012, Ac

Mayschoss 140 Jahre Jubiläumswein Trocken Pinot Noir 2013, Qualitätswein, Ahr

This way overdelivers. Suprsing peppery nose, but lots of small berry fruit as well to identify it as PN. Med bodied, juicy with herbal notes that will evolve to forrest floor over time, methinks. Good density and length; this is not light PN. Not a lot of finesse, but very enjoyable. Made for food.

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico 2012