Steve Elder

Henry Of Pelham Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

April 2013: Good deep colour, only just starting to lighten at the rim. Initial wiff utterly classic -- blackberries, smoke, tobacco & cedar. With time some earthiness developed. Palette is a little more New-World-ish, with the oak evident, and lots of ripe fruit beneath. Med to full bodied -- you can tell it's a ripe vintage. Lingering spiciness on the finish, with the tannins still quite noticeable. This will probably go another 5 with no problem. Enjoyable, but not quite delivering in the complexity department to hit the 90 point threshold.

Graham Beck Brut Sparkling, Sustainable, Traditional Method, Wo Western Cape, South Africa

Ghione Piccole Gioie Moscato D'asti 2010, Docg

Les Ormes De Pez 2008, Ac St Estèphe

This is really hitting its stride. Much better than first bottle a year or so ago. Deep garnet colour, quite brilliant. High-toned nose of oak (cedar) and classic cassis fruit. Med bodied, with tannins grippy but appealing. Fruit is ripe, but flavours are dominated by quite lovely forest floor notes (good kind of funky). Went beautifully with a lamb ragu. Restores my faith in Bordeaux after a string of disappointments.

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Pale ruby. Nicely typed, with candied fruit n the nose and some light spice. Med bodied, round, with decent complexity.

Inniskillin Winemaker's Select Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Lornano Chianti Classico 2009

Château De La Gravelle Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Gorges 2006, Ac

Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Crianza 2009

Château Des Charmes Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2012, Estate Bottled, VQA Niagara On The Lake