Steve Elder

Emiliana Coyam 2019, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley

Cave Spring Estate Blanc De Blancs, VQA Beamsville Bench

Nice classic styling — biscuity, leesy with ripe apple notes. Lively mousse if a bit course. Works well before and with food.

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2019, Igt Toscana

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

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

Muga Reserva 2014

Nice ruby colour. Ripe fruit up front with strong oak notes, and balancing acidity. Med to full bodied, and all in balance. Pretty much at its peak, and very much in the Muga style.

Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Igt Toscana

Nice purple colour, starting to amber at the rim. Lovely, very Italian nose of dried flowers, herbs and forresty notes. Reveals itself on the palate a c-s with cassis fruit and good tannic structure. Med-bodied, with a long spicy finish. Very enjoyable, and I suspect it will continue to evolve. Fine of expression of c-s in the Italian idiom.

Muga Reserva 2015

Jean Max Roger Cuvée La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rouge 2015, Ac

Quite deep colour. Nose is a bit closed; hints of small berries, red candy and spice. Med bodied, firm with tart fruit and noticeable acidity. Lingering anise-inflected finish. Very much a Loire expression of PN and a bit austere. May develop more charm in a year or two. Fair value.

Schug Pinot Noir 2017

Nice ruby colour. Quite penetrating nose of fresh strawberries, with something minerally almost earthy beneath. Med bodied, bright berry fruit and good acid zing to keep it fresh. Lingering mineral finish. Highly drinkable and true to the variety. You can tell they aim for a classic, cooler climate PN vibe. This delivers.