Michael Loken

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.

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.

Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

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

Il Molino Di Grace Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

Just coming into its own in 2017, this could have easily aged for a few more years before drinking.

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.

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.

Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do Ut Des 2012, Igt Toscana

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

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.