Michael Loken

Trius Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Surprisingly good for the price, the wine shoes dark fruits, plums and blackberries along with a nice level of spice. The acidity level was very pleasing.

Yonder Velt Gruner Veltliner 2011

This was actually quite surprising. Fresh green apple and pepper on the nose lead to a very clean and crisp palette. This is a wine that would be at home on any summer day and works extremely well with spicy or rich foods.

With the LCBO clearing this out for $6 a bottle, this is a bit of a steal.

Villa Sandi Pinot Grigio 2012, Veneto Igt

Mr. Thurlow's review is right on the money. A reasonable wine for a good price.

Pocketwatch Shiraz 2011, Central Ranges

Not as fruit forward as I would expect for a shiraz, but a nice balanced wine. Definite oak on the tongue, but lacking just a bit on the red fruits.

Beso De Vino Seleccion Red 2014

A bargain at $10. Not big on the nose, but nice flavour with hints of fig and plum and a slightly dry finish.

Cline Zinfandel 2012, California

A fruit forward, juicy wine showing all of the typical elements seen in a mid range Californian Zin. This was easy drinking at the end of the night.

Lacrimus Crianza 2009, Doca Rioja

An outstanding rioja. The nose was full of oak, pepper and dark red fruits. The palette was full and warming with distinct cherry flavours. For the price, this wine represents excellent value.

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

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel 2012

Based on the zinfandels I have tried, I thought it was a varietal that did not suit my taste as they are often far too sweet. This wine has gone a long way to convince me otherwise. The ripe, red fruits on the nose and the spicy, hot finish give this wine a sense of place - it just screams California and would be fantastic to drink on a hot summer night.

Cape Heights Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Western Cape

Lots of mineral elements in the taste, it was overall quite chalky. A little too much tannin and a little thin.

Beso De Vino Old Vine Garnacha 2011, Carinena

Great value for the price. Lots of red fruit with flavours of cherries and plums. This is a great wine for a casual drink.