Michael Loken

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2012, Docg

Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2013, Doca Rioja

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia

Rich purple in colour. Aromas of blackberries, stewed fruits, tobacco and a hint of earthiness. Flavour is well balanced with a pleasing amount of charred wood and minerality. Absolutely excellent for the price. Not as big as a comparable Shiraz, but more elegant.

Teusner The Independent Shiraz/mataro 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia

This wine is all about big fruit. It is dark and luscious with strong flavours of, well, grapes. There are also cassis, plum and a hint of chocolate on offer. What was missing was the spice and earthiness that I personally crave.

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009

Definite amarone flavours of currants, plums and ripe red fruits, mixed with lovely raisined taste and earthly hints of coffee.

Castello Di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2013, Docg

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2011, Igt Toscana

Full of black currants and plums, the wine presents a full nose, with moderate intensity and length. Drank well on its own.

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2011

Mullineux Kloof Street Red 2016

Simply put, year after year, this is the best Bordeaux style blend that you can buy for this price. It outperforms wines from Bordeaux worth twice as much.

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

This wine was excellent with a full, earthy flavour profile with a balsamic note. The aroma was full of dark stone fruits, particularly plums. The finish on this wine was nice and long, and I went back for more at the end of the tasting.

Tasted blind in March 2015 at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event.