Michael Loken

Barón De Ley Gran Reserva 2011, Doca Rioja

Typical Spanish reserve wine; dark in colour and slightly dusty in flavour. Nicely balanced with smooth finish

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.

Château Haut Bages Liberal 2009, Ac Pauillac

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do Ut Des 2012, Igt Toscana

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.

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.