Michael Loken

Laurent Perrier Cuvée Brut Rosé Champagne, Ac, France

Pleasing and light, this champagne showed notes of ripe strawberries an a hint of citrus. Very easy drinking as it is not as "yeasty" as other champagnes.

Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2006

Extremely well balanced with a rounded, mature flavour this wine was exactly what should be expected for this price point and label.

Château Léoville Barton 2009, Ac St Julien

Unfortunately, this wine did not have enough time open to fully develop before it all disappeared! The wine was very well balanced, showing the quality of the 2009 vintage. Notes of tobacco and cassis lead to a significant sense of terroir. This was a really robust wine that was exceptionally satisfying to drink.

Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Puento Alto

This wine developed a great deal while sitting open during the tasting. It has a long, earthy finish, and represents one of the best Chilean reds I have tasted.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy club event - November 2014

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino 2008, Docg

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2009

Versado Reserva Ancient Malbec 2011, Mendoza

This is a serious Malbec. The fruit forwards elements expected with a Malbec are mingled with cedar, spice and black current flavours. A wine worth savouring, with a very smooth mouthfeel. A truly enjoyable bottle.

Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec 2009, Uco Valley, Mendoza

This is most likely the most impressive and expressive bottle of Malbec I have ever tasted. The nose is full of tart fruit, chocolate and spice and the palette is full, deep and complex. The high alcohol content is paired with a dry finish and robust tannins. This was a massive wine to taste; everyone around the table was amazed by what was in the bottle.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, May 2015.

Stratus Red 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Hard to believe that such a good Bordeaux style blend can come from Ontario. A wine that impressed at a "'wine night" with friends. Will buy again from Stratus in the future.

Château Guiraud Sauternes 2011, 1er Grand Cru Classé (375ml)

Lovely, balanced Sauternes with notes of honey and dill along with a pleasant earthy note from the botrytis.