Steve Elder

Lafage Côté Sud 2014, Igp Côtes Catalanes

Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Langhe Freisa 2014, Doc

Great little wine, driven by bright berry flavours, freshness and a nice hint of spice. A great not-Pinot wine for lovers of that grape

Miguel Torres Cordillera De Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley

Castello Di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2015, Docg

Dark ruby, but starting to show some orange. Fairly reserved on the nose; suggestions of spice and earth tones. Medium bodied, crunchy ripe fruit with some tannic grip (not unpleasant). Reasonable concentration as you’d expect from a Riserva, but to my palate it doesn’t have the complexity you’d also expect and it’s not giving me the umami dance I look for in sangiovese. Decent length on the finish. Fair value, but not memorable.

Clairmont Classique Crozes Hermitage 2015, Ac

Margan Family Hunter Valley Semillon 2016, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Morandé Gran Reserva Carmenère 2014, Maipo Valley

A pleasant wine, well made and designed for broad appeal. But it didn't strike me much as Carmenere. I actually like the green flavours of Carmenere, so the heavy oak here and super ripeness missed the mark for me. But I can't say it was a bad wine.

Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2015, Docg

Pale translucent ruby. Nose is dominated by dried flowers and spice. Med bodied, with similar flavour profile. Finish has a bit of tannic grip and some persistence. Correct, but doesn’t strike me as particularly good value. Better to pay another $3-5 for more depth and complexity.

Magnotta Cabernet Sauvignon Venture Series 2016, Niagara Peninsula

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2017, Wo Stellenbosch

Such a characterful wine! Wish I had bought more.