Michael Loken

Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2014, Colchagua Valley

A nice, simple red. The aromas are balanced with notes of oak, blackberries, cherries and leather. The taste is not as deep as the nose - but this pairs well with food. I just think that there are better wines available at the same price (particularly primitivos, if you want a fruit forward wine)

Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Barossa, South Australia

Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2011, Mendoza

Although the deep purple colour and oak on the nose gave indications as to what to expect, this was not a stereotypical Malbec. The structure of the wine was tight, and very Italian in feel. This was a more restrained, elegant wine compared to others of the same type.

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2012, Igt Toscana

Convento San Francisco Special Selection Reserva 2005, Do Ribera Del Duero

This wine was initially very confusing. There was still lots of tannin left, and the flavor profile was very dry and dusty. it came into its own once paired up with food, specifically cured meat. The fat and the salt really elevated the flavor profile and made it very nice to drink.

the style was most definitely Spanish, and the flavor was most definitely aged. And still has a couple of years left in it.

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2014, Swartland

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2010, Doc Basilicata

Dry and dusty with flavours of cedar, tobacco and mineral earth, this is a really interesting wine. The dry finish was not overpowering for people around my dinner table, but it could be unappealing if you don't like dry reds. A great bottle for fans of rustic, Italian wines.

Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2013

A consistent solid buy, particularly as it goes regularly on sale for $2 off. A rich, full flavoured malbec with notes of chocolate, spices and black fruits. A bottle I regularly keep in the cellar.

Famille Perrin La Gille Gigondas 2012, Ac

The experience of this wine was dominated by a saline, salt water character that that overpowered the other flavours and aromas involved. No one who tasted the bottle had ever sampled a wine with this type of flavour profile. Not a wine I would drink again.

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Not being a huge pinot drinker, I really don't have a lot of context on this. That being said, the wine is smooth and composed, full of bright red fruit flavours. Something we will probably try again.