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

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.

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.

Château Haut Bages Liberal 2009, Ac Pauillac

L'expression De Margaux 2010, Ac Margaux

Road 13 Vineyards 5th Element 2012, Okanagan Valley

Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2014, VQA Ontario

This might be the best bottle of Ontario wine I have ever tasted. It was superbly deep and complex with earthy, blackberry overtones. The length was excellent, and all around the table fought over the last drops in the bottle.

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

A couple more years seems to have smoothed out this bottle a bit. It was still powerful and deep - as you would expect from Barossa - but was also pretty silky on the tongue. Black currants, mineral, oak spice and enough tannins to ago for a while more.

Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2016, Igt Toscana

Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2015, VQA Ontario