Michael Loken

Privato Tesoro Pinot Noir Woodward Collection 2014, Okanagan Valley

A nice wine for a summer evening. Well put together, with strong red fruit flavours. Unfortunately, it lacks the depth to make it memorable.

Messias Colheita Port 2005, Doc, Portugal

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.

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.

Château Haut Bages Liberal 2009, Ac Pauillac

De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2008, New South Wales (375ml)

The aroma has strong notes of honey, apricot and stone fruits. The wine is extremely balanced and sweet. For those who like sweet wines, this is a fine example.

Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Rutherford, Napa Valley

Despite the high reviews from the pros, this wine did not strike the same notes for me. The main flavour profile was centered on dark fruits (black currant, black cherry) while also showing some green/herbaceous notes, along with tobacco and cedar undertones. The wine had a decent level of acid and length. In my amateur opinion, there are just better wines available for same money.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, May 2016.

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

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.

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.