The April 26 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has a good range of varietals - so a little something for everyone! Check out the Priorat Grenache/Carignan blend for $20!
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - and they're free!
Jump to:
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!
Please leave a comment below so others can benefit!
Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2024 Rousillon, France Vintages #175232 $14.95 Saint Roch is known for providing quality in a value niche. This White Grenache-based blend is being well-received. Look for fresh, round palate with lemon and honeysuckle notions and buttery brioche on the finish. Enjoy with Seafood Pie. (XD - 3 g/L)
CUATRO RAYAS 40 CUARENTA VENDIMIAS SELECCION ESPECIAL VERDEJO 2023 Rueda, Spain Vintages #41261 $14.95 If lively and lemon-y is your jam consider this one! It gets a 92 from Tim Atkins, who describes grapefruit, pine and lime. 40-year-old vines lend personality to the palate. Enjoy with Nova Scotia Lemon Pepper Haddock Bites. (XD - 2 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Rosé Wine Winners:
PÉTALOS DE ARESAN TEMPRANILLO ROSÉ 2024 La Mancha, Spain Vintages #37864 $13.95 This is getting pretty solid 90 scores among reviewers. Stainless steel ferment and time on the lees add some body and complexity here. Look for red fruit, apple and citrus notes. It is crisp and food-friendly so plan to enjoy with lunch or Strawberry Balsamic Crostini. (XD - 6 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
M. CHAPOUTIER LA CIBOISE LUBERON 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #43441 $14.95 This Grenache/Syrah blend is scoring 90- 91 among critics. Look for fresh, red fruit, cherries and hints of herb and pepper. 'Fresh and fun' according to James Suckling. Enjoy with quesadillas on the patio! (XD - 3 g/L)
CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA 2019 Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal Vintages #548867 $15.95 This robust red blend gets a 90 from James Suckling who describes nutty black and blue fruit with savoury notes. Enjoy with Fennel and Sausage Pasta. (D - 8 g/L)
MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2020 DO Cariñena, Spain Vintages #166579 $16.95 Monasterio always delivers a respectable pour! This Grenache/Tempranillo blend gets a 90 from James Suckling who describes cherry, mint and chocolate on the nose. It is full-bodied and spicy with 'sleek tannins'. Enjoy with Serrano Ham with Fig and Walnut Tapas.
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
MARYNISSEN HERITAGE COLLECTION CHARMED ROSÉ SPARKLING 2022 VQA Ontario, Canada Charmat method Vintages #25234 $24.95 This off dry Pinot Noir, Merlot, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Riesling blend gets a 90 from Natalie Maclean who describes bright cherry, raspberry and lime flavours delivered on a zesty mousse. Drink now with Creamy Shrimp Tarte. (M - 23 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
CHÂTEAU LABROUSSE 2023 AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, France Vintages #43764$17.95 This Sauvignon Blanc-based blend gets a 93 from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024. Look for some oak on the nose with citrus and apricot. The palate is full-bodied and balances freshness and creaminess. Enjoy with Italian Inspired Cod. (XD - 2 g/L)
SOHO PEGGY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #144386 $18.00 Sam Kim gives this a 93 and calls the nose 'brilliantly expressed' with lemon/lim and melon notes. The palate is juicy and fruity with an 'exuberant' finish. Enjoy with Ham and Asparagus Crepes. (XD - 4 g/L)
If you can't find that consider VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Vintages # $21.95 that gets a 94 and has grapefruit and lime notes with a powerful palate of juicy acidity. (XD - 5 g/L)
SPY VALLEY PINOT GRIS 2022 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #41807 $19.95 This off-dry pinot gris has honeysuckle, ripe pear, green nectarine and green apple flavours. according to Bob Campbell, MW of therealreview.com, who gives it a 93. The hint of sweetness lends silkiness and weight tot he palate. Enjoy with Walnut and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches. (M - 5 g/L)
TORRE DE ERMELO ALBARIÑO 2023
DO Rías Baixas, Spain Vintages #40863 $20.95 Albarino is the perfect wine for a summer day or a light lunch. David Lawraison of winealign.com gives this a 90 and describes tropical notes of peach and pineapple with lemon-lime and a hint of florals. The medium weight palate is generously fruited with excellent length. Enjoy with BBQ Chicken Thighs with Jezebel Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
INNOCENT BYSTANDER CHARDONNAY 2024 Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia Vintages #280206 $20.95 Philip Rich of winecompanion.com.au gives this a 90 and describes ripe stone fruit and fresh pear aromas that carry to the palate. '...finishes well for a wine at this modest price point.' (XD - 3 g/L)
TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH RIESLING 2021 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada Vintages #431593 $21.95 Searing acidity balances out the sugar here to an off-dry drinking perception. David Lawrason of winealign.com gives it a 92 and describes 'intense aromas of petrol, crushed pineapple and lemonade.' The palate is intense and fresh with an excellent lemony finish. Very refreshing. Enjoy on the patio with Quick Pickled Shrimp. (M - 21 g/L)
CLOSSON CHASE K.J. WATSON VINEYARDS PINOT GRIS 2023 VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, On, Canada Vintages #469445 $25.00 Closson Chase knows their way around Pinot Gris! This gets a 90 from John Szabo, MS of winealign.com, who calls it one of their best yet. Look for yellow orchard fruits with zesty citrus. Mid-weight with 'impressive concentration', enjoy now with Almond Poached Chicken Salad with Champagne Vinegar Aioli. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Rosé Wines
STONELEIGH WILD VALLEY ROSÉ 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #15267 $18.95 This gets a 90 from Natalie Maclean who calls it a 'snappy' Rosé with 'bright raspberry, strawberry savoury herb and subtle spicy flavour'. Enjoy with Spicy Strawberry Salad. (XD - 5 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2022 Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintages #15495 $17.95 This gets a 92 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz which describes dark berries, olive and spicy oak on the nose. The palate has rich fruit and a fleshy texture and a 'delectable finish'. Tannins make it sturdy and supple. Enjoy with Australian Sausage Roll with Ground Pork. (XD - 3 g/L)
CLOS DE TAFALL 2021 DOQ Priorat, Spain Vintages #574616 $20.95 The wines of Priorat are amazing. Many vineyards have vines well over 50 years old -even in the 80-100 years old! I will definitely be snapping up a few of this Grenache/Carignan blend since they often start north of $30. Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast gives this a 92 and describes aromas of black plums, vanilla and smoke over a palate of cassis, blackberry, milk chocolate with savoury notes. Well-balanced with a 'vivid, black-pepper infused finish.' Enjoy with Montreal Spice Marinated Lamb Chops. (XD - 3 g/L)
BROTTE GROSSET CRÉATION CAIRANNE 2021 Rhone, France Vintages #33852 $19.95 This is a mini-Chateauneuf-du-pape wannabe. It gets a score of 89 from Kristen Bieler, winespectator.com. The wines of Cairanne are elegant and refined so I am willing to bet my $20 on the 'enjoyability' of this one! Look for cherry and raspberry flavours with some graphite and lavender. Some spice and pepper add interest. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Pair with Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin. (XD - 3 g/L)
AC
CASA NATAL MALBEC GRAN RESERVA 2019 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #38498 $19.95 This gets a 93 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com. Look for ripe berries, walnuts and graphite aromas with a juicy, fruit-driven palate. Finish is 'long and pure'. 'An outstanding, delicious malbec to enjoy now, but it can hold, too.' Pair with (XD - 4 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE LES BRUYÈRES RÉGNIÉ 2023 Beaujolais, France Vintages #42731 $19.95 If you are in the mood for a Beaujolais, consider this one, from 50-75 year old vines. Vintage notes call it elegant and earthy, brimming with brambly fruit. Enjoy with Duck Risotto. (XD - 3 g/L) Score - Gold (Concours International de Lyon, 2024)
CHÂTEAU TANESSE 2020 AC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, France Vintages #666628 $19.95 Score - 91 (jebdunnuck.com) This medium-full-bodied Bordeaux is polished with an elegant mouthfeel and classic raspberry, currant and spicy wood notes. 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, drink now through 2035. Enjoy with steak with Sauce Bordelaise. (XD - 3 g/L)
HUGH HAMILTON THE VILLAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #489880 $24.95 This gets a 94 from Sam Kim who describes classic Cab Sauv notes of blackcurrant, cedary oak, spice and some gamey notes. Palate is plump and silky with layers of fine tannins. Splendid balance, structure and persistency. Enjoy this one with Marinated Flank Steak on the BBQ. (XD - 4 g/L)
PROSPER MAUFOUX DOMAINE VIGNE AU ROY BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS 2023 Burgundy, France Vintages #43436 $31.95 This entry-level Burgundy gets a 91 from AnnaChristina Cabrales of Wine Enthusiast, who describes rose and violet aromas with black cherry, mushroom and green peppercorn on the palate. (XD - 3 g/L)
Cellar Suggestions
MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021
Tuscany, Italy Vintages #288530 $24.95 This gets a 94 from James Suckling who calls it focused and vibrant with wild currant, cherry and herbal notes. It is structured and well-balanced with great energy on the palate. Juicy fruit migles with dried herbs. Enjoy with Venetian Duck Ragu from 2026. (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.
Leave a Reply