Michael Loken

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

Dalva Colheita Port 1995, Bottled 2020, Doc, Portugal

Truly excellent value. It is hard to imagine paying such a low price for a product that has been aged for 20 years. The flavour profile is full of baking spices, caramel, tobacco and leather. the colours is a beautiful amber with hints of garnet. Fantastic value, and a real treat for those who have not tasted tawny port before.

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.

The Good Wine Cabernet Franc 2012, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore

This wine was just a bit too much on the green, herbaceous side for my tastes. The flavour profile showed green bell peppers mixed in with oak. The flavour profile could change with time, but I'm not certain.

Tasted Blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, April 2015.

Il Molino Di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

Just coming into its own in 2017, this could have easily aged for a few more years before drinking.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2013, South Australia

Almost as dark as squid ink, this is one powerful wine. Massive black fruits with moderate tannins. I don't think that this is a wine to drink on its own; it needs to be paired with food.

Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

Despite being a California Cab, this wine showed a nice sharpness and level of acidity. Upon opening, there was a significant amount of alcohol (acetone?) on the nose, but that dissipated quickly as the wine had time to breathe. What was left was a wine that showed some black fruit and coffee flavours in a nice balance with a strong backbone of tannin that kept everything together.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak and Burgundy Club event, May 2016.

Tenuta Valdipiatta "Vigna D'alfiero" Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano

This wine was very balanced and smooth on the tongue. Lovely wood and chocolate notes mixed with flavours of plums and blackberries to make this quite enjoyable.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak and Burgundy club event, Jan. 2015.

Montes Alpha M La Finca Estate 2010, Apalta Valley

Although this wine does show a great flavour profile, and is a fine example of a Chilean red - it just does not justify the price for me.

Messias Colheita Port 2005, Doc, Portugal