The April 12 2025 LCBO Vintages Release is a great opportunity to compare Sauvignon Blancs from around the world. There are also 2 good value Sparklings to go with your Easter celebrations.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - and they're free!
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If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!
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Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful Rosé Wine Winners:
PLAIMONT COROLLE ROSÉ 2024 IGP Côtes de Gascogne, South West France Vintages #37685 $14.95 Looks like Rosé season has launched! This is scoring 88-ish but is still well-regarded and good value. It is a Merlot/Cab blend that is fresh and vibrant with berries and grapefruit. Pair with a spring-inspired Salmon with Citrus Cream sauce. (XD - 6 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
TENUTE ORESTIADI MOLINO A VENTO CATARRATTO 2023 IGP Terre Siciliane, Italy Vintages #39443 $14.95 I am not sure if I have had the Cataratto variety before but I have had some lovely Sicilian whites, so I am definitely going to experiment with this one. It gets a 91 from David Lawrason of winealign.com, who says this is 'huge value'. A generous nose shows yellow fruit with some jasmine and some yeasty, honeyed notes. Medium-bodied and lively with 'excellent length'. Notes indicate a touch of bitterness so plan to enjoy this with a meal, perhaps featuring Almond Asiago Salad. Drink now. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
CYGNUS SADOR ORGANIC RESERVA BRUT NATURE CAVA DO Penedès, Spain, Vintages #352856 $19.95 This consistently scores in the 90s year after year. This is bright, zesty and dry with zero dosage. Look for floral tones, 'snappy' citrus, some toasty notes and a hint of salinity. 'Freshness' appears in many reviews. Plan to enjoy with Ginger Crusted Pork with Maple Mustard Sauce and Toasted Orzo for a match made in heaven! (XD - 4 g/L)
CA' DI RAJO EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE 2023 DOCG, Veneto, Italy Vintages #369447 $20.95 I would go for this even if it didn't score 94 from the Panel, International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024. Extra dry and from arguably the most highly regarded region for Prosecco are all I need to know! Look for a floral nose with tangerines, apples and pears followed by ripe orchard fruit and melon on the palate. This would be great with an Easter brunch with Italian Easter Bread.
Best Buy White Wines
There are several high-scoring Sauvignon Blancs in this release, so I will start with the other varietals and group the Sauvignon Blancs below so you can easily compare prices and reviews.
FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #519025 $18.95 Ontario produces a decent Gewürztraminer; not quite as taut as Alsatian but a lovely off-dry pour to go with Asian dishes. This gets a 90 from Natalie Maclean, who describes rose petals and grapefruit with ginger notes and citrus on the finish. Pair with Bobo Noodle House Asian Ribs and Singapore Noodles. (D - 12 g/L)
CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY 2023 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #918805 $20.95 This gets a 93 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com who calls it fresh with creamy notes along with lemon curd and toast. Juicy and elegant with a lengthy finish. Enjoy with Chicken Pot Pie. (XD - 2 g/L)
LA CHABLISIENNE ÉMOTIONS MINÉRALES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2023 Burgundy, France Vintages #455147 $21.95 If you are in the mood for a classic Burgundy Chardonnay, this one's for you! It is scoring consistently low 90s. Look for crisp, bright wine with ripe apple, citrus, vanilla and subtle spice. Enjoy with Cornish Hens with Orange Apricot Glaze. (XD - 2 g/L)
HENRY OF PELHAM THE DRY RIVER RIESLING 2022 VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, On, Canada Vintages #557165 $19.95 This is scoring consistently mid-90s among critics. Vic Harradine of winecurrent.com describes aromas of citrus with 'tang and pizzazz' on the palate. Look for grapefruit, lemon and lime flavours. Off-dry, enjoy with Lemoncello Chicken. (M - 21 g/L)
Natalie's Score: 94/100
Score -94, Natalie Maclean
From Henry of Pelham, The Dry River 2022 Riesling is produced from sustainably grown grapes from vines planted in 1984 at their certified-sustainable winery on the Short Hills Bench. Henry of Pelham was one of the first wineries to plant Mosel Riesling vines in Ontario. Excellent value at $20 on this tangy Riesling with fresh grapefruit, lime zest and passion fruit aromas and flavours on the palate. Drink or hold.
Sauvignon Blancs From Around The World
This is a great opportunity to compare a classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc to a benchmark New Zealand one. Canada and Chile both hold their too!
FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #89011 $17.95 This scores consistently 90 year after year. While most is fermented and aged in stainless steel, 20% was fermented in neutral oak barrels to add depth and complexity. Look for crisp citrus, pear, gooseberry and spice. (XD - 5 g/L)
LEYDA GARUMA COASTAL VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 DO Valle de Leyda, Chile Vintages #99309 $18.95 The 2021 vintage got a 91 from Decanter while the 2023 scored 93 from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl
(score 91 from decanter for 2021). 15 % of this one was barrel fermented, adding texture and creaminess. Look for juicy, lemon acidity in this refreshing pour. (XD - 2 g/L)
DOMAINE PRÉ BARON TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 AC Loire
107128 $21.95 I stock up every time I see this in stock, it is such good value. It got Gold at Concours Général Paris, 2024. From 25-year-old vines, look for gooseberry, lime and grassy notes with 'fine minerality'. Good concentration and intensity. (XD - 2 g/L)
STAETE LANDT ANNABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #648691 $24.95 This gets a 94 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. who describes nectarine and citrus aromas with fresh herbs that carry to the 'powerful and flavoursome' palate. (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Rosé Wines
BODEGA GARZÓN ESTATE PINOT ROSÉ DE CORTE 2024 Uruguay, Vintage #15265 $17.95 This is not breaking into the 90s as far as scores ,but the one I tasted and served last year was well made and well received so I wouldn't hesitate to pick this one up. It is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Merlot and 20% Marselan showing tangy red fruit and flowers. Enjoy with Smoked Duck Breast Salad. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC 2023 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #261867 $19.95 This scores well into the 90s year after year. From 40 year old + vines, it is well-made and features ripe dark fruit along with chocolate, licorice and vanilla. Enjoy with Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak. (XD - 3 g/L)
DOMAINE LAFAGE CAYROL VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2022 IGP Côtes Catalanes, France Vintages #494039 $19.95 I have a soft spot for Carignan, especially old vines. (This is from 60 year old + vines.) Vintages notes call it big and bold and rich with herbs and chocolate notes. Look for black and red fruit, some earthy notes and dried flowers. Pair with charcuterie or Ottolenghi Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu. (XD - 5 g/L)
VIÑA REAL CRIANZA 2021 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #657411 $19.95 James Suckling gives this a 93 and describes it as a 'benchmark-quality Rioja'. Look for peppery, fruity tones with fine tannins and a long finish. If you are a Rioja fan, stock up! (XD - 3 g/L)
LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #251645 $19.95 This wine overdelivers so consistently it qualifies as a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wannabe! (At a fraction of the price!) It is big and rich with red and dark fruit. Wild and savoury herbs, spice and earthy tones add complexity. Vintages notes say it is 'beautifully contained and balanced'. (XD - 3 g/L)
BLEASDALE FRANK POTTS 2022 Langhorne Creek, South Australia Vintages #619999 $29.95 This Cab dominant blend (Cabernet Sauvignon 72%/Malbec 18) is getting rave reviews and a 96 score from Campbell Mattinson of winecompanion.com.au. He calls it a 'seriously good wine' that is characterful with balance, length and interest. Dark fruit (blueberry and black currant) is concentrated yet the palate is fresh with cloves and some minerality. Drink now through 2040. (XD - 2 g/L)
Cellar Suggestions
SHANAHANS THE OLD DOG SHIRAZ 2022
Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintages #13030 $19.95 This is a classic big, bold Aussie Shiraz. Look forripe blackberry, chocolate, licorice and plum notes. Decant for an hour or 2 if drinking before 2027 and pour carefully as minimum fining may leave some sediment. Will continue to evolve through 2030. At this price, buy a few and check it out every couple of years. (XD - 3 g/L)
Appetizers For Your Sipping Pleasure
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-$30ish 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 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 then $40 routinely on a bottle of wine then you are probably a wine enthusiast doing your own research.
Decanter World Wine Awards tastes 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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