Michael Loken

Tic Tok Pocketwatch Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Central Ranges

Bought on closeout at the LCBO, the wine was quite pleasing for the price paid ($8.95/bottle). The nose is subtle, with a nice amount of oak. The taste is relatively smooth with a moderately dry finish along with dark fruit flavours. Tasted with a roast beef dinner, the wine did not have quite enough power to stand up to the meal.

Rendola Rosso Toscano 2004, Igt

Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz 2012, Southeastern Australia

Blackberries, a hint of pepper and good fruit on the front of the tongue. Nicely balanced with a hint of tannin on the finish.

Fetzer Shaly Loam Gewürztraminer 2012, Mendocino County

This was a really nice surprise. It is on the sweeter side, but contains it in a nice way. There are lovely citrus and floral notes and the flavour is quite concentrated. In a blind tasting flight of 6 Gewürztraminers, this one was the majority favourite as it paired well with a number of foods - particularly Asian cuisine. A bargain at less than $12.

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

Mike Weir The Underdog Red 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula

How can you go wrong for $6.45 when this wine got discontinued? It is a reasonably well balanced red that shows a nice dark purple colour in the glass. The flavour profile is not overly complex, but does have some smoky/earthy and plum notes that make it pair well with BBQ food..

Chateau St. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Columbia Valley

This wine showed a little tart fruit on the nose with a nice clean flavour. Not an exceptional example, but not a bad one either.

Citra Trebbiano D'abruzzo 2013

Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Wahluke Slope

This wine has really strong caramel and charred notes, and does have a sweet palette. If I was looking for a wine with smoky, charred notes I would rather go with a pinotage blend than this...it just seems a bit out of balance.

Rib Shack Red 2013

This is a big brute of a wine. Powerful aromas of charred wood, smoke, burlap and fruit make a distinct first impression. The taste is definitely new world shiraz with tons of flavour up front and pepper on the tongue. This would be a great wine with Bbq meats as it has a fatty, charred quality about it. Definitely not something I would buy a case of - but interesting nonetheless.

Trapiche Astica Merlot Malbec 2014, Cuyo

Ruby red in colour, the wine has a mild aroma of wood and leather. Although not an incredibly complex wine, it is more complex than the $8 price tag suggests.