Travis Oke
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Reviews (67)
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Travis Oke is a high school teacher by day and a wine writer by night. I drink under the assumption that Gentlemen Prefer Rhone(s) but a strong affinity to Rioja keeps my life in balance. My blog - pullthecork - appears in the online edition of the Guelph Mercury. I am also the Guelph restaurant reviewer for the KW Record and Guelph Mercury.
Reviews
E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone 2006
Rhône, France$19.95
Great producer - an excellent introduction to the SGM wines of the Southern Rhone.
3.5 Stars
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Hecht & Bannier St Chinian 2007
Languedoc, France$20.75
I agree with Mr Schildknecht on the rating here - it is an excellent wine and I lament having purchased only one bottle - which I have finished. "Highly quaffable" (from the label), juicy with surprisingly matured tannins.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Bodegas Lan Viña Lanciano Reserva 2004, Doc Rioja
Spain$28.95
This is simply the best Rioja I have had in Canada that was not a Gran Reserva. Worth the price (and it's double what I usually spend). Layered, complex, deep flavours that last a long long time
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Alvear Medium Dry, Montilla Moriles
Andalusia, Spain$12.85
This is the best "sherry" on the LCBO regular list. Located in Montilla, which is just outside of Jerez, this is a nutty, dry wine that is not your grandmothers sweet sherry. One of the BEST VALUES in the lcbo
3.5 Stars
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Castano Hecula 2008, Yecla
Spain$12.60
I've rated and reviewed this on my wine blog and selected it as one of my 10 best at the LCBO. The manager at the local LCBO told me to stop promoting it because it was the best kept secret at the store and now everybody was going to buy it.
Also, saying Hecula from Yecla is fun.
3.5 Stars
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Bellingham Shiraz Viognier 2007
South Africa$11.40
An manly Aussie style Shiraz with a touch of Viognier to bring out it's sensitive side and voila, this SAfrican wine tastes quite French.
3.5 Stars
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Hardys Bankside Shiraz 2008, South Australia
Australia$14.65
"Dry your mouth" tannins - even dusty. A bit of a plum aftertaste which is not to my taste. A bit of the tar / tobacco intensity but it didn't quite work for me.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Torres Celeste Crianza 2006, Do Ribera Del Duero
Ribera Del Duero, Spain$20.95
I always buy the Celeste when Vintages carries it - it is a good value for a Tempranillo from Ribero del Duero. It is lighter and spicier than the deep Rioja wines I usually buy. It has strong tannins for a juicy wine.
3.5 Stars
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Farnese Casale Vecchio Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2009, Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy$10.95
This wine should not cost $10 but don't tell the people at Farnese. Deep red/purple in colour, medium body and spicy fruits. This is a great deal.
3.5 Stars
(0)G
Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006, Penedès
Spain$19.95
Any Torres wine is a good option to buy and try. This one is a Reserva - aged 15 months in oak - and is a dark deep colour with a tobacco nose. Pretty tannic - you may want to grill meat with it.
3.5 Stars
(0)V