Michael Loken

Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

There were no surprises here - this was a wine full of wood and spice notes, with a good depth of flavour and a dusty, drier finish. Expect aromas of cedar, sandalwood, cassis, pepper and dried herbs. This was good value for an aged wine bought from the LCBO that can be opened right away.

Avignonesi Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2011, Docg

Ruby red going to pink on the edges, the aroma displayed notes of cherry and red fruits. The wine was pleasant enough, but does not justify the price.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak and Burgundy club event, Jan. 2015.

Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2012, Ac

This wine was really excellent with spicy pepper notes and ripe dark fruit flavours. The wine is quite warming with its higher alcohol content, but it was presented in a very controlled way. Extremely enjoyable.

Château De Nages J T Costières De Nîmes 2012, Ac

This wine hit above its price point. It was fruity, warm, complex and had a very long finish. The overall feeling when drinking this wine, however, was how composed and sophisticated it was. IT was smooth and easy to drink. A lovely wine when paired with a steak. A shame I only had one.

Henry Of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Villa Ponciago Beaujolais Villages 2012, Ac

Light, fruity and refreshing. This wine is excellent for summer drinking, but as indicated by a number of reviewers - it needs a bit of time to open up.

Purchased at the LCBO when it was discontinued - for less than $7 this is an absolute steal.

Trapiche Reserve Syrah 2013, Mendoza

This wine was a bit of a surprise. I picked it up as a backup bottle for a dinner party where we only drank wine from Argentina, and it turned out to be the favourite wine of the night. The strong black pepper on the nose and the good finish stacked up very well against the more expensive bottles of Malbec served. A bargain at the price.

Finca Los Alijares Graciano 2009, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

A very interesting wine that showed a profile I would not normally associate with Spanish wines. The flavour was tight and controlled with blackberries, cassis and hints of black licorice. The tannins were quite firm, and the finish was pleasingly dry. This wine was almost Italian in style.

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2010, Rapel Valley

This wine was reasonably well balanced with strong tannins and aromas of dark fruits.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, November 2014.

Montgras Antu Carmenere 2015, Santa Cruz