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

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.

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

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.

Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do Ut Des 2012, Igt Toscana

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.

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.