Steve Elder

Quintay Winemaker's Experience Blend 2015, Do Maipo Valley

Deep opaque purple. Fruit and wild flowers on the nose with a hint of pepper (the Syrah?) and eucalyptus (the C-S??). Full and rich and extracted but carries the 14.5% alcohol well. Certainly seems Malbec dominated, but I also detect the Carménère in the green flavours on the finish (perfectly correct). Intriguing and enjoyable. Will certainly hold some time yet

Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2015, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Almirante Marqués Del Real Tesoro Oloroso, Do Jerez

How do Sherry producers stay in business charging this kind of price for this kind of quality? Ah well, I guess you do what you must when you're out of fashion. As others have noted, this has classic nutty, figgy flavours, but I was impressed with how smooth and supple this Oloroso is. Lingers on the palate for a good minute. Wonderful stuff.

Denis Père Et Fils Pernand Vergelesses 2015, Ac

Bright ruby colour, perhaps starting to fade just a bit. Earthy nose with dried flowers on opening; lovely berry fruit emerges with some time in the glass. You sense the concentration. Juicy, round and ripe on the palette with the tannins fully resolved now and helping to drive the finish. Wanted a bit more depth for the price but straight as an arrow Beaune here that certainly charms. Will hold some time yet, if anyone still has any tucked away!

Delta Pinot Noir 2017, Marlborough, South Island

Juicy, vibrant PN here, with loads of ripe berries on the nose but with good balance of flavours from the mineral notes underneath. Mid-weight with enough acid crunch to keep it aligned and in character. Pretty solid stuff at the price.

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage 2017, Ac, Rhône

This is just lovely at the moment. Pours a deep ruby, starting to amber a bit. Fresh berries and a hint of eucalyptus on the nose, followed by pepper and dried herbs. Medium bodied, ripe and fresh, with a nice lingering finish of dried fruit and herbs (“garrigue” I suppose). I recall disappointment at the first bottle, but not now!

Il Molino Di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

Classic Chianti, all savoury and umami-laden at this stage but still quite vital.

Lan Gran Reserva 2011, Doca Rioja

Bellingham Homestead Series The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc 2018, Wo Paarl

Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009

Still quite deep ruby just ambering at the rim. Lovely nose of violets, spices and cedar -- almost exotic, maybe due to ripe vintage. True to its roots, however, with great savoury character that you look for in Sangiovese. Ripe and med-full bodied, with fine tannins and lots to chew on. Lingering finish. Enjoyable now but will hold for years. Very fair price for Brunello but can't help feeling that a top shelf Chianti comes close while leaving $10-15 in your pocket.