Michael Loken

Domaine Acer Charles Aimé Robert 10 Year

A very unique wine, and worth the price to try - but it was not the crowd favourite we hoped for. The wine was overly sweet for those sharing in the bottle. One friend described it as "maple syrup port, but lacking that depth and richness of port that makes it so good."

Very happy we tried it, and it will be incredible for some...just not us.

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.

Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf Du Pape 2004, Ac

A superbly mature wine with class and elegance. I think it has a couple of years left in it if you want to keep it in the cellar, but it is drinking superbly right now.

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.

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.

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.

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.