Michael Loken

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.

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.

John's Blend Individual Selection No. 35 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia

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.

Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2006

Extremely well balanced with a rounded, mature flavour this wine was exactly what should be expected for this price point and label.

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Docg

Tasted as part of a vertical for my 40th birthday (2007-2012). This was nicely balanced and very much a top quality Brunello, but it simply did not match up to the 2007 and 2011.

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.

Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2012, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Clos St Antonin Côtes Du Rhône 2016

Pintia 2005, Do Toro

A very pleasing wine. The Pintia, which is 100% Tempranillo, was very dark in the glass. The nose was slightly earthy with dark fruits, cassis, oak and a hint of chocolate.

The flavour was deep and complex with a long, slightly dry finish. It gave you the feeling of a vineyard in a hot, dusty plain. This is wine that leaves you wanting to take the next sip.