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.

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.

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.

Château Haut Bages Liberal 2009, Ac Pauillac

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.

Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Santa Ynez Valley

An excellent California wine displaying the signature traits expected - a hot, full wine with a generous amount of oak. This was a nice treat, and would pair well with anything on the grill.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia

Rich purple in colour. Aromas of blackberries, stewed fruits, tobacco and a hint of earthiness. Flavour is well balanced with a pleasing amount of charred wood and minerality. Absolutely excellent for the price. Not as big as a comparable Shiraz, but more elegant.

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

Quinta Das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional 2011, Doc Douro

Lovely and full wine with aromas of vanilla, lavender and black fruit. Soft on the palette with a very long finish. This wine will be even better in a few years, but is very enjoyable right now.