Steve Elder

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.

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

Il Poggio Taburno Sannio Coda Di Volpe 2018, Dop

Hedges Family Estate Red 2011, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley

Medium ruby, just starting to fade. Ripe nose with penetrating cedar and spice. Very nice entry, with the fruit still quite ripe and lots of complexity. A bit hot, however on the finish and final oak notes a bit heavy for my palette. Not a finesse wine, and as such not much to my taste. Purchased on its first Vintages appearance for quite a bit less than the $40 of the second release.

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2019, Wo Stellenbosch

Bollig Lehnert Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2011

Spot on. Packed with stony, mineral flavours with a nice seam of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir Unfiltered 2017, Beamsville Bench