Michael Loken

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cusumano Nero D'avola 2013

Medium bodied, this wine had some complex earthy and leathery flavours coupled with a pleasingly dry finish. This was excellent value for the money.

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Margaret River

Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2011, Trinidad Vineyard, Maipo Valley

This wine was quite intense as it was quite "hot" on the nose, showing quite a bit of alcohol. The flavour profile was full of herbaceous notes and unripe fruits - indicating its cooler climate conditions.

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

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008, Douro Barraida

Cathedral Cellar Petit Verdot 2013, Wo Western Cape

Load of dark fruit to match the deep purple/black colour. The flavour is pleasing and round with good length.

Jacob's Creek Classic Shiraz Cabernet 2012, Southeastern Australia

A good wine for large groups; it has the fruit forward flavours typically associated with Australian wines, but lacks the depth of a 100% Shiraz bottle.