Michael Loken

Messias Colheita Port 2005, Doc, Portugal

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.

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.

Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo 2013, Doc

After buying two bottles, I will hold the other for a few more years as I think this was just too young. This wine was tannic and full of oak; my hope is a few more years will soften and harmonize it. Definitely a wine to pair with rich foods that need that cutting type of wine.

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.

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.

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.

Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Dop, Portugal

The port has a lovely brown tawny colour, and the taste is lovely at the start. However, the aftertaste did not suit me. Not my favourite for a 10 year old port.

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.