Michael Loken

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Margaret River

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.

Perrin & Fils Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2013

This was an outstanding wine. We decanted for about two hours and were rewarded with flavous of black pepper, dark cherries, blackberries and rocky earth. The wine is warming on the palette and has a slightly dry finish. Very pleasing.

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley

This wine was a disappointment. Although it had a pleasant aroma with red fruits and earth, the wine was thin and acidic and did not have as long a finish as desired. We did drink this wine on its own, and with the bright acidic profile it has, it would have paired much better with food.

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.

Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, Docg

A lighter weight Chianti with a softer touch. Aroma is full of leather and cassis with a hint of cedar. Length is good, but don't expect a huge punch on the palette. Not my favourite Chianti, but a well crafted wine.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2014, Doc Douro

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).

Louis Moreau Domaine De Biéville Chablis 2014, Ac Bourgogne

This was a lovely, composed chardonnay showing some crisp flavours and refreshing minerality. I'll be going back for more of this.