Michael Loken

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2013, Mendoza

Mullineux Kloof Street Red 2014

Complex, earthly with strong pepper notes expected from the shiraz component. A powerful wine that holds it all together with elegance - and a bargain at the price.

Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2013, Doc Douro

Very typical for Portuguese flavours of rocky soil, blackberry, and cassis round out this wine. For $14 this is a really good value and I have stocked up on it as it pairs well with so many foods.

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2014, Mendoza

De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2014, Unwooded, Wo Robertson

Viña Maipo Gran Devócion Carmenère/Syrah 2012, Maule Valley

Well composed and balanced, this wine offered fruit herbaceous flavours and soft tannins. It was good, but was lacking age and complexity.

Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera D'alba 2014, Doc

This was a fantastic wine. It was bright vibrant and juicy, without being weak. The wine showed a vibrant acidity and power that stood up against spicy and Meaty dishes and made it a pleasure to drink.

Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008, Doca Rioja

This wine was just not what I wanted out of a bottle so highly rated. The flavours were muted, very woody and dry; almost as if it had aged a bit too long. Although very drinkable and pleasing in some ways I don't think it is worth a 90 (and by no means a 95 as rated in a competing publication).

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.

Château Pierre De Montignac 2009, Cru Bourgeois, Ap Médoc