Michael Loken

Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2013, Doca Rioja

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2012, Docg

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.

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.

Rustenberg Merlot 2010, Wo Stellenbosch

I thought this was an excellent wine. Presenting the kind of value you look for when buying a South African wine, this was big and complex. This tasted like a bordeaux with really nice tobacco, leather, sage and cedar notes. The wine opened up over time and presented a very long finish.

L'Expression De Margaux 2010, Ac Margaux

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/shiraz 2012, South Australia

What a powerful wine. Warm, full and complex with notes of cassis, vanilla, oak, chocolate and baking spices. This wine will only get better with age, but was remarkably approachable now.

Henry Of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula

La Giustiniana Gavi Di Gavi Lugarara 2016

Lamole Di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Docg

This wine had a very firm flavour profile that opened up nicely while tasting. Full of dark fruit flavours, it was quite pleasing overall

Tasted blind in March 2015 at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club Event.