Michael Loken

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Vieilles Vignes Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2012, Ac

Pierre Laplace Madiran 2012, Ac

This wine shows quite intense tannins upon initial opening that soften quickly with exposure to air. After a couple of hours, the flavour has softened out and displays raspberry jam, blackberry and mint aromas. The length is moderate, but lacks significant depth.

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.

The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvedre Viognier 2013, Western Cape

The Wolftrap is a very interesting wine with lots of wood, leather, wet rocks and blackberries on the nose. The wine is dark purple to tawny on the edges and has legs and finish to match the 14.5% alcohol. This pairs really well with fatty foods and is an excellent value. I’ll be keeping a couple bottles of this around.

Tenuta Stefano Farina Le Brume Langhe 2009, Doc

This wine showed nice full flavour with elements of oak, blackberry and moderate earthiness. I would look for this again for the price.

Rocca Di Castagnoli Poggio A'frati Riserva Chianti Classico 2010, Docg

Château Fongaban 2014, Ac Côtes De Castillon

Tormaresca Trentangeli 2012, Doc Castel Del Monte

A very powerful, deep wine with a long finish. The flavour profile is full of cassis and tart red/black fruits (raspberries and blackberries) with a long, dry finish. What was missing is the rustic, cedar quality that brings me back to Italian wines again and again. Definitely something to start a conversation, and it did pair extremely well with wild game (venison).

Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Dark fruit and wood on the nose. Earthy and dry on the tongue. This wine improved quite a bit with over an hour open.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2014, Doc Douro