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.

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.

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

Clos St Antonin Côtes Du Rhône 2016

Domaine De Bonserine La Sarrasine Côte Rôtie 2008

Prototype Syrah; spicy, full, loaded with pepper. The wine still had years left in it, but was mature and wonderful.

La Dame De Malescot 2009, Ac Margaux, 2nd Wine Of Château Malescot St Exupéry

When first tasted it had not opened up enough and was really tannic. After another hour or two, the wine opened right up and showed sweet cherry flavours and a medium dry, smooth finish.

Duemani Cabernet Franc 2007

This wine was sampled along with other Tuscan Cabernet Francs at a blind tasting and just came up a bit short. Although still very good, the taste had certain menthol notes that did not suit my preferences. The aroma was pleasing with raspberry and macerated fruit notes.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, April 2015.

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2011

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009

Definite amarone flavours of currants, plums and ripe red fruits, mixed with lovely raisined taste and earthly hints of coffee.

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.