Michael Loken

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.

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.

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2012, Igt Toscana

Pieropan Soave Classico 2014, Doc

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.

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2014, Swartland

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.

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009, Douro Valley

This is a really sensational port for the price. It has a lovely, sweet nose which does not contain some of the harsh or overpowering notes that can be imparted by the fortifying liquor. The ,mouth feel is silky and luxurious with flavour of chocolate and plums complimented by some floral notes.

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)

The Mentors Shiraz 2012, Wo Paarl

This wine shows really smooth on the palette with an array of concentrated dark fruit flavours. The wine remains elegant and really well constructed despite the obvious power and very long length. Worth the money.