Michael Loken

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.

Masciarelli Villa Gemma 2004, Doc Montepulciano D’abruzzo

Extremely dark in colour with some sediment in the glass. Very rich in taste with notes of chocolate, black currents and wood. The finish was long and displayed the complexity of the wine.

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

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo 2009, Brunello Di Montalcino

Vibrant ruby in colour, the wine has a very pleasant aroma with floral notes. The taste has elements of oak spice, leather and dark fruit and finishes quite long.

Tasted blind in March 2015 at a Beefsteak & Burgundy club event.

Domaine Acer Charles Aimé Robert 10 Year

A very unique wine, and worth the price to try - but it was not the crowd favourite we hoped for. The wine was overly sweet for those sharing in the bottle. One friend described it as "maple syrup port, but lacking that depth and richness of port that makes it so good."

Very happy we tried it, and it will be incredible for some...just not us.

Château Dereszla 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2008, Hungary (500ml)

Nice aroma with honey, lychee and a slight funky, earthy note. Easy to drink and very enjoyable for the price.

Antinori Castello Della Sala Cervaro Della Sala 2012, Igt Umbria

This wine showed an extremely complex flavour profile with a generous application of oak used to smooth all of the individual elements into one fantastic wine.

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.

Messias Colheita Port 2005, Doc, Portugal

Poggio Verrano Dròmos 2005, Igt Maremma Toscana

Simply outstanding. This wine had true depth of flavour with stewed red fruits, leather, cedar and a lovely organic, earthy note. The flavour just lasted and lasted. All were impressed around the table.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2012, Docg

Mature, complex and deeply satisfying this Chianti showed all of the flavours that make Italian wines so pleasing to my tastes. Strong cedar, leather and tobacco components mix with the dark fruit and berry flavours. Totally worth the money and more.