The Aug 29 LCBO Vintages Release has a wide variety of 90-point+ scoring wines <$20 and some classic Loire and Burgundian white wines if you are looking to add to your collection.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my (free!) recommendations to get the best wine for your money!
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If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! Leave your comment below to let us know how you liked it. If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!
Best White Wines Under $20:
BACALHÔA CATARINA WHITE 2024 Península de Setúbal, Portugal Vintages #51579 $15.95 This is scoring 90 among critics. This blend of native Portuguese grapes Fernão Pires and Arinto, with Chardonnay added, expresses the region's unique minerality under fresh peach and lively floral notes. A perfect choice for a seafood lunch with Italian Inspired Cod. Score - Gold (Mundus Vini, Summer 2025) (XD - 2 g/L)
LAURENZ V. FORBIDDEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2025 Niederösterreich, Austria Vintages #49090 17.95 Lively yellow apple, mango, and honey define this well-balanced, delicate wine. Off-dry with a fruity finish. Pair with Honey Mustard Pretzel Salad. Score - 91 (Peter Moser, falstaff.com) (M - 12 g/L)
VIEIL ARMAND ORIGINE PINOT BLANC 2023 Alsace, France Vintages #48640 $18.95 Showing the classic lively tension Alsace is known for, look for clean peach and lime notes on a silky palate. Enjoy on its own or with Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches. Best Buy. Score - 90 (Aleks Zecevic, Wine Enthusiast) (XD - 5 g/L)
TOI TOI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #454785 $18.95 Cam Douglas of camdouglasms.com gives this a 93 and describes powerful citrus peel and gooseberry with passionfruit, herbs and hints of bell pepper. An acid backbone keeps it crisp and mouthwatering. (XD - 4 g/L)
PA ROAD MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2025 Marlborough NZ Vintages #41804 $18.95 Look for rockmelon, Asian pear, apricot and white floral notes. The palate is fruity and silky with fine acidity and a long, delectable finish. Serve with Melon and Crispy Prosciutto Salad. Score - 94. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 5 g/L)
Best Rosé Wines Under $20:
PAUL MAS LE ROSÉ 2025 IGP Pays d'Oc, France Vintages #37666 $16.95 This is getting low-90s scores consistently. Made from Rhône-style red blends, it is showing cherry, raspberry and grapefruit with underlying flinty minerality. Pair with Herb Crusted Salmon and Lemon Sauce. (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
MARYNISSEN CABERNET FRANC 2023 Niagara Peninsula, ON Canada Vintages #23973 $16.95 This is scoring 90/91 among critics. Look for dark berry, cherry, cedar, oak and spices. Enjoy with grilled vegetables or Basil Pesto Tomato Pizza. (XD - 4 g/L)
RAVANAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Valle de Colchagua, Chile Vintages #542183 $16.95 This is scoring consistently in the low 90s among critics. It is full-bodied and polished. Look for black currant, black plum, tobacco, and chocolate notes with silky tannins. This deserves a Pistachio Black Olive Crusted Steak. Score - 92 (Claire Nesbitt, jamessuckling.com, Jan. 19, 2024) (XD - 2 g/L)
MALMA CHACRA LA PAPAY SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2024 Patagonia, Argentina Vintages #49831 $17.95 This is a savoury, fresh, medium-bodied pour showing crushed stone, wet earth and wild berries. Look for chalky tannins and hints of minerality. Score - 91 (Claire Nesbitt, jamessuckling.com) (XD - 2 g/L)
TORRE ZAMBRA MADIA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2024 Abruzzo, Italy Vintages #17403 $17.95 This is scoring in the low 90s among critics. Look for black cherry, blackberry and tea notes with crushed rock and herbs. It is firm and dense with a strong acid structure. Plan to enjoy with classic Italian dishes like this NYC restaurant recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs. Score - 91 (Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast) (D - 7 g/L)
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2022 Roussillon, France Vintages #119354 $19.95 This is a classic South West France of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Carignan. It has savoury black olive and balsamic notes with dark cherry. Bold with chalky, sturdy tannins. Pair with Tuscan Ribs with Balsamic Glaze. Score -95 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 3 g/L)
CORRYTON BURGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 South Australia Vintages #50147 $17.95 This is being well received by consumers and critics. Look for dark plum, cassis and some toasty, nutty notes. Finishes with hints of cedar and 'seductive' sweet notes. Score - 93 (Andrew Caillard, MW & Ken Gargett, The Vintage Journal, 2025)
(XD - 6 g/L)
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SPLITTING HARES TEMPRANILLO/GRENACHE 2022 South Australia, Vintages #30847 $19.95 This gem is getting 93/94 scores across the board. Look for bright red fruit, subtle spices and a firm tannic structure. Score - 94 (Rich Cook, Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2025) (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Sparkling Wines Under $40:
PERE VENTURA PRIMER ORGANIC RESERVA BRUT CAVA 2023 DO Cava, Spain, traditional method Vintages #51587 $20.95 This is a perennial favourite. The traditional method lends pastry, honey and caramel notes to this Xarel-lo 50%, Maestri 35%, Parellada 15% blend. It is buttery but with good freshness and finesse. Great length and harmony. All that for a fraction over $20! Pair with Balsamic Pear Tarts. Score - Gold (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, 2025) (D - 12 g/L)
ANDRÉ DELORME TERROIRS MINÉRAUX CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT SPARKLING Burgundy, France, traditional method, Vintages #50637 $23.95 Layers of complexity here, starting with apple, pear and shortbread and transitioning to creamy peach, plum and violets. Crushed stone emerges on the edges. Polished and versatile enough to sip on its own, lunch or dinner. Score - 91 (Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast) (D - 10 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines Under $40
LIEBLING LINGARD VINEYARD RIESLING 2023 St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada Vintages #41257 $22.00 Sugar and acidity here are balanced to a perfect crisp. Look for lime and grapefruit with some floral, peach tones, and ginger on the finish. Pair with Hasselback Roasted Beets with Lime Butter. Score - 90 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com) (XD - 9 g/L)
EDOUARD DELAUNAY SEPTEMBRE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2023 Burgundy, France Vintages #49000 $29.95 This is scoring 90 consistently among critics. Sourced from 3 iconic regions, Côte d'Or, Mâconnais and Chablis, it delivers well beyond its price. Look for citrus, orchard blossoms and hazelnut notes. Pair with Champagne Chicken. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHATELAIN HARMONIE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2024 Loire, France Vintages #50130 $30.95 Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are the Loire's most prestigious offerings, so this is a chance to experience the elegance of the Loire. 100% Sauvignon Blanc; its flinty, floral and herbal notes reflect its limestone pedigree. Pair with Salmon in Puff Pastry with Lime Cream. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Rosé Wines Under $40:
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L'ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2025 Côtes de Provence, France Vintages #319392 $20.95 This is scoring 90 consistently. Crisp and dry with bold style, boasting red fruit and cherry notes. Fresh herbs and minerality are typical of its Provence heritage. Consider serving this with a Tea pastry course that includes Tea Scones with Raspberry Butter. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages # 403345 $20.95 This is scoring firmly in the mid 90s range among respected critics. The profile is dominated by blackcurrant and pepper. The palate is firm but elegant and sleek. Pair with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. Score - 92 (Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas, jamessuckling.com ) (XD - 3 g/L)
ENTRE RESTANQUES ET GARRIGUES CAIRANNE 2023 Rhône, France
Vintages #15449 $23.95
Another one in the 94/95 point range consistently. This is a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape-type blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre from just a stone's throw away. It is plush with juicy strawberries and garrigue over a hint of minerality. Tannins are velvety. Pair with Red Wine Braised Beef. Score - 96 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 5 g/L)
CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020
Tuscany, Italy
Vintages # 643205 $27.95
This is a racy and vivid Chiant with generous ripe cherry, currant, rose and wild herbs. Generous fruit and mineral elements on the long finish. 'Terrific energy and blanace.' Best from 2026 through 2040. (XD - 3 g/L)
Score - 94 (Bruce Sanderson,winespectator.com)
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FAQs
What Are LCBO Vintages Releases?
Twice a month, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) releases a selection of special wines they have chosen from around the world. They are not part of the regular stock that is replenished regularly. So if you see something that is good value, you need to order it or pick it up while you can.
I am WSET 3 Certified, and I use my experience as an LCBO-approved media taster to highlight good value wines. I also have the opportunity to taste wines from all over the world as showcased in industry Master Classes and wine tastings. See my About page for more details on my experience.
The Best Buy wines I recommend tend to be wines that score 90 or above and are in the $20-$30 ish range. I research the wines to see which are scoring consistently in the 90 + range. You can expect these wines to represent the characteristics of their varietal and region well; display some complexity, depth and length. I suggest food pairings for many of the recommendations because... that is what it's all about here at The Wine Lover's 
Kitchen.
Wines I call 'cheap and cheerful' wines are wines < $20 that are hovering around the high 80s to 90-point mark. They are not going to win gold medals in competition, but they should be a solid choice for weeknight sipping or dock or deck sitting. They also make for a good value choice if you are serving a crowd and your lively guests are too busy chatting to discuss the depth and length of their wine!
Premium Wine recommendations are edging up on my $40 limit. They may be 'entry' level wines of prestigious regions or producers. Often cellar-worthy and always wines that you want to pay attention to when you serve them to ensure you appreciate their complexities!
The $40 is a rather arbitrary level, but if you are spending more than $40 routinely on a bottle of wine, then you are probably a wine enthusiast doing your own research.
Decanter World Wine Awards taste and score wines according to their price bracket. So a 95 Score for a $20 bottle of wine means it is outstanding among wines 'in that price range'. Decanter scores from an individual or a panel are scored against the 'Gold standard' for that varietal.
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