Michael Loken

Delas Frères Saint Esprit Côtes Du Rhône Rosé 2014, Ac

This was a very nice rose; refreshing, light and (most importantly) not overly sweet. The aroma had notes of fresh red berries with a lovely mild herbaceous note. This is a wine I will most likely purchase again to enjoy on sunny summer days.

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2013

This is a wine to pair with food. It is sharp and bright and has red fruit, herbal and distinct mineral notes. We will keep a couple of bottles on hand for something to cut through big flavoured meals.

Running With Bulls Tempranillo 2013, Wrattonbully

Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2013, Doc

Alsace Willm Gewurztraminer 2013, Ac Alsace

This wine was well balanced and composed. In a blind tasting of 6 Gewürztraminers, it came off as one of the more elegant bottles. It has a lovely brightness to it, and a long finish with a bit of spice (white pepper?).

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

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2013, Mendoza

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.