Value Wines: $20 and Below

Our Value Wines section is designed to be an on-going, ever-changing reference to the best valued wines available to purchasers in BC and Ontario. Many of the wines are available in the other Provinces and in the United States as well, but the "value" reflects the price one pays here.

The following wines are commonly available for $20 or less. Also see our $10 and Below and $15 and Below sections.

Maison Calvet 2009 Reserve - $16
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Notes: A charming vein of sweetness runs through the nose of this pleasing Bargain Bordeaux. Ripe, dark fruits and black licorice candy aromas dominate the juicy and concentrated nose.
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Bodega Renacer 2008 Punta Final Malbec - $16
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Notes: A fruit-forward and food-friendly pleaser with just a touch of French oak aging added for complexity of aroma and flavour. Big, juicy dark fruits on the nose and on the medium+ bodied palate with a splash of Cabernet Franc aromatics.
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JL Giguiere 2006 Matchbook Syrah - $16
Region: California
Country: USA
Notes: The dry palate offers high acid, medium-plus tannins and flavours of raspberry, spice, tobacco, cassis and a touch of vanilla all. Easy-drinking with a super smooth mouth feel: if the texture were sheets, we'd be discussing 600 thread count.
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Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White - $17
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: The new vintage is lighter in body and posses a different flavour profile but continues the trend of well-balanced, refreshing white wines. Kind-of like taking a different, yet equally effective route home from work.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Off-dry and richly aromatic with mountains of spice on the medium intense nose and full palate. Stonefruit, citrus and peach fruit characters aplenty with a well-balanced, long finish.
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Lake Breeze Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Crisp, fruity and refreshing; a perfect wine for a hot patio or deck. Intense fruit aromas and flavours of grapefruit, orange blossoms, peach skins and ripe pears with tart citrus acidity and strong minerality.
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Van Westen Vineyards 2008 Vivacious - $19
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Excellent concentration of orchard fruits on the nose and palate with brawny mineral characters. Crisp, natural acidity helps balance out the wine and does not interrupt the long-ish finish.
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Loosen Bros 2008 Riesling "Dr L" - $19
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany
Notes: The nose offers aromas of stone fruit, lemon and mango with lively floral notes. The palate offers flavours of Newton apples, Asian pears and minerals with tangy citrus acidity balanced nicely by the sweetness from the concentrated fruit.
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SummerGate Winery 2009 Riesling Two - $20
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Harvested in late October, the extra hang-time on the vine contributes to the impressive concentration in this wine. The acid is handled well and never seems tart due to the excellent balance of stonefruit flavours.
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Haras de Pirque 2008 Equus Carmenere - $20
Region: Maipo Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: The nose presents fruity and spicy aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, vanilla and white pepper. The palate offers flavours of dark fruit, pepper, toasted oak, cooking spice and nibs that will please your mouth and culminates in a smooth and lingering finish.
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