Steve Elder

J.L. Chave Crozes Hermitage Rouge Silène 2013

Cune Gran Reserva 2012, Doca Rioja

Bright ruby colour, not showing much age at all. Nose is similarly vibrant and open, with notes of violets, herbs and dried fruit. Quite light on the palet — only medium bodied — with ripe fruit flavours and the oak supporting and not dominating. Tanins are all resolved but a bit of acid bite on the end, so I’m thinking drink up over the next 1-2 years while fruit is still present. Nice modern style Rioja.

Lan Gran Reserva 2011, Doca Rioja

Messias Colheita Port 2005, Doc, Portugal

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

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir Unfiltered 2017, Beamsville Bench

Il Poggio Taburno Sannio Coda Di Volpe 2018, Dop

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!

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.

El Esteco 1947 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Cafayate Valley, Salta