Steve Elder

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!

Fontanafredda Barolo 2011

Pale ruby. Quite pleasant aromas of dried flowers and berries, with a touch of cedar. Med bodied, round with the tannins well resolved at this point. Restrained by pleasing.

Domaine Lafage Cuvée Centenaire 2014, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon

Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Zapallar Coast

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2011, Douro Superior

Viticcio Chianti Classico 2012, Docg

This just isn't doing it for me. Nice enough aromatics -- spice, dried flowers -- but rather thin flavour profile. Second bottle, same impression.