Steve Elder

Muga Reserva 2012

Staring to show just a hint of pale red at the edge. Not as fruit forward as I recall other vintages, and more classically Rioja with wood spice to the fore. Med to full bodied and good complexity. But I feel I may have been better off opening this earlier, or leaving it another couple of years. Tannins are still fairly severe, but fruit has faded. Seems in a transition phase at the moment and not showing its best.

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2012, Docg

Excellent sangiovese in the traditional style, dominated by dried fruit and earth notes. Really opened up with breathing.

Willakenzie Estate Gisèle Pinot Noir 2013, Certified Sustainable, Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley

Moillard Cuvée Prestige Rully 2015, Ac

Nice med red colour, quite deep for PN. Nose is a bit reserved, with hints of red berry fruit. Quite rich on the palate, solidly mid-weight with nice tart fruit notes (cranberry) and some spice for complexity. Good persistence. Enjoyable now but I suspect will reveal more in a couple of years. Good value in the world fo Burgundy but for a true PN drinker; not a party wine!

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Sparkling Riesling 2020, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

Soléna Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir 2012, Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley

Good colour, quite deep for PN. Fresh and appealing, with no heaviness in spite of the fairly high alcohol. A nice middle style, with lots of stuffing but balancing acidity to make it refreshing.

Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, Docg

Vincent Girardin Vieilles Vignes Santenay 2013, Ac

Pale ruby at this stage, quite attractive. Full nose of ripe berry fruit, which carries on to palette. Nice mineral notes beneath. Medium bodied, taught and linear. This is quite fine for Santenay, although perhaps lacking the layers of complexity of great PN. Holding well, but at its peak.

Il Molino Di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2014, Docg

Pale ruby, but bright. Classic nose of dried flowers and spice. Quite rich and ripe fruit, with a persistent mineral finish. Classic styling with modern technique.

Grand Vin De Glenelly Red 2009, Wo Stellenbosch