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
Las Rocas Garnacha 2008, Do Calatayud
Spain$14.95
I found this a touch sweet and one dimensional - a good argument for always blending Garnacha. Having said that, I would drink it if somebody else brought it to a party.
3.0 Stars
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Bouchard Pere & Fils Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2008, Bouchard Pere & Fils
Burgundy, France$19.85
Nice earthy Pinot Noir from Bourgogne. A simple Pinot but a good value when compared to some of the Burgundies out there. Good for a BBQ.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2011
Burgundy, France$14.95
This isn't the correct label for this wine so read the labels carefully. This was a good Nouveau but had a bit of a vitamin C aftertaste - a common complaint of Nouveau.
Too pricey for a Nouveau although I would never return it if given it as a gift.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau 2011, Burgundy
Burgundy, France$6.60
This is what Nouveau is supposed to taste like - Georges isn't trying to make a "wine" - he's making a Nouveau. Light, fruity, quaffable (that's a word), and juicy. Best price of the 2011 lot too.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Lealtanza Reserva Selección 2004, Doca Rioja
Spain$19.95
Complex, layered, dark - the perfect compliment to paella
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Pierre Sparr Brut Réserve Crémant D'alsace, Traditional Method, Ac, Alsace, France
Alsace, France$20.95
I like a good cremant and this one is light but dangerously close to watery. There is a grapefruit citrus undertone that is nice and the bubbles are tiny.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Bodegas Hermanos Laredo Senorio De Laredo Gran Reserva 1998, Doca Rioja
Spain$25.95
1998! I love letting the Spanish age my wines for me. A great Gran Reserva - you can certainly taste the barrel aging and notice that the tannins have been smoothed out. Maybe it's the paella speaking but this is the best wine I've had this year.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Fontanafredda Duale Rosso 2007, Doc Langhe
Piedmont, Italy$12.70
The Barbera won this Duale for me. I served this lightly chilled and the wine was quite refreshing but the Nebbiolo allowed it to stand up to the salty Asiago cheese.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2009, South Australia
Australia$12.40
This is a "kick butt" blend of tough manly shiraz with a sensitive side - viognier. Tannic and juicy - maybe the best BBQ party wine of the summer.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Giocale Novello 2011, Terre Di Chieti
Abruzzo, Italy$7.70
This Novello hardly tasted like a Nouveau at all. It was a good hearty wine for the style. It was the dryest Nouveau of the release this year. I would go out and buy more to serve with pasta or pizza.
At this price it's a good deal
3.0 Stars
(0)G