Travis Oke

Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2009, Ac

Alvear Medium Dry, Montilla Moriles

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

Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006, Penedès

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.

Torres Celeste Crianza 2006, Do Ribera Del Duero

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.

Bodegas Castaño Hécula Monastrell 2009, Do Yecla

I've been told by my reliable Vintages guy that this is the "little sister" to the former Hécula that I loved so much.
Well, I guess I just fell in love with the little sister. A "Heck Ya" of a buy (sorry, I couldn't resist) for under $12.
Enough tannins to make me happy, and the monastrell fruit is prominent.

Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau 2010, Burgundy

I can't imagine giving a Nouveau anything higher than an 85. This one is the best year after year out of all the Nouveau released in Ontario. And if you are one of those people who "pooh pooh" Nouveau then don't buy and don't bug the rest of us that like a good party.
Grapey, fruity, juicy - everything Nouveau is supposed to be.

Cusumano Nero D'avola 2009, Sicily

Excellent because of the value in this bottle. The best bottle under $10 in the LCBO. Dry with a hint of cherry - you'll feel like you are sitting in a Trattoria.

Mezzomondo Negroamaro Salento 2009, Puglia

I see why Steve picked this as a Top 50 Value pick - in fact it may be #1.
I've actually created a new category in my wine catalogue for Mezzomondo called "I can't stop drinking this and I can't believe the price". Classic Salento - it tastes like a wine at twice the price.

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island

I don't get Michael Cooper's "green-capsicum" but it is vibrant and nicely acidic. Medium to full bodied Sauv Blanc with nice dry finish. Classic NZ Sauv Blanc. Makes a nice gift.

Jackson Triggs Proprietors’ Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Niagara Peninsula

Good value for Niagara Chardonnay. Oak and vanilla and acidic enough to keep it from being sweet on the finish. A party wine.