Steve Elder

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

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is really excellent for the price and the best Flat Rock I've had in a while. Full nose of eucalyptus (unusual for PN!) and floral notes. Med bodied, perfectly ripe fruit with nice mineral touch. Quite long. Succulent and very satisfying. 2013 is clearly a good vintage. Will hold a few years yet, so worth tucking a couple away. Surprised restaurants haven't bought it all up.

Wolfberger Signature Muscat 2013, Ac Alsace

Cosme Palacio Reserva 2009, Doca Rioja

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009, Douro Valley

Murua Reserva 2007, Doca Rioja

Tucked a couple of these away for a few years. I think Mr. Szabo's judgement on longevity is right: this will go years yet. At 11 years of age, this is just softening, with good colour, vibrant tart fruit, spice flavours, and loads of oak in the traditional Rioja style. Long, oaky finish with the tannins still noticeable. Quite yummy in the classic idiom. But you'd better like oak!