The Aug 1 LCBO Vintages Release will delight Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts. There is also a good selection of Best Buy varietals.
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 Sparkling Wines Under $20:
TIMBERLAY BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX Bordeaux, France Vintages #48906 $17.95 This is scoring 89 but is well received by consumers. Made in the Traditional method, it is fresh and lively, showing ripe apple, citrus and a suggestion of redcurrant. Sounds like a match for Strawberry Chicken Tea Sandwiches at afternoon tea. (XD - 13 g/L)
Best Rosé Wines Under $20:
There are not really any noteworthy Rosés in this release (IMHO), so I would check out the July 18th Rosé release recommendations first. Failing that there are 2 that are being well-received below.
ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ 2025 Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada Vintages #16296 $19.95 This won Bronze at the All Canadian Wine Awards and scored 88. Cab Franc with a Pinot Gris accent, it is crisp and lively, showing grapefruit, strawberry and dried herbs. (XD - 3 g/L)
or
CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS ROSÉ 2025 Rhône, France Vintages #707281 $19.95 This is a well-regarded Vintages favourite scoring in the 88-89 range. Look for cherry peach, citrus and hints of garrigue. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best White Wines Under $20:
ALVI'S DRIFT SIGNATURE SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #41453 $14,95 This has won Gold medals various competitions (albeit not top tier ones), including White Wine of the Year from Ultra Value Wine
Challenge, 2025. South Africa does a good job with Sauvignon Blanc so I would give this a go for sipping on the deck or dock (especially if I thought I might put an ice cube in it...) It is young and refreshing with passion fruit and herbs. (XD - 4 g/L)
LES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2024 Rhone France Vintages #18600 This gets a 90 from Anna-Christina Cabrales of Wine Enthusiast who describes a complex nose of stone fruit, floral tones, tea and a hint of earthiness. The palate is round with pronounced florals, peach, honey and citrus. The finish is slightly bitter, offsetting the palate somewhat. Serve with Almond and Asiago Salad. Drink now. (XD - 2 g/L)
BRIGALDARA SOAVE 2024, Veneto, Italy Vintages #23030 $16.95 If you are a fan of Soave, snap this one up. It is rich and full-bodied with tropical fruit, honeysuckle, tea and some hallmark flinty notes. The palate is intense and energetic with a very long lemony finish. Plan to enjoy with a meal, such as Pan Fried Trout with Red Onion and Blood Orange Relish. Score - 92 (David Lawrason, winealign.com) (XD - 3 g/L
ANGOVE PINOT GRIS 2025 South Australia Vintages #50150 $17.95 This is scoring 91 among respected critics. It is crisp, fresh and fruity showing stone fruit and apple/pear notes. There is a clean acidity and some minerality on the finish. Pair with Cucumber Salad with Kiwi and Canteloupe. (XD - 3 g/L)
LA TOUR BEAUMONT HAUT-POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024, Loire France Vintages #50397 $18.95 Gotta tell you ... I was thrilled to see this one in the release (along with the Touraine from last release) because my Sauvignon Blanc stores need to be replenished! This Sancerre-adjacent gem has the style and elegance of the Loire and is showing hints of green, grapefruit and passion fruit. Pair with Viking Cruise Poached Salmon and Dill Sauce. Score - 90 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 0 g/L)
MOHUA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #536219 $19.95 This gets a 95 from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2025 and will be bolder than the Haut Poitou above. Look for 'zingy' grapefruit with underlying apple, pear, peach and melon. The palate is textured and the finish is 'long and harmonious'. (XD - 5 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2023 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #208322 $16.96 This gets a 91 from Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com. It is expressive with plum, cherry and hints of balsamic and oak. Well-made, full-bodied and creamy, it will have wide appeal. Pair with Tuscan Balsamic Ribs. (XD - 3 g/L)
LOS CLOP RESERVA MALBEC 2023 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #186650 $19.95
This is an elegant choice with lavender and blackberries. The palate is dense with a complex finish. Score - 94 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU VALADE BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR 2020 Bordeaux, France Vintages #50760 $16.95 This Cab Sauv dominant blend, from a great vintage, is being recognized a 'solid value' Bordeaux. Look for generous dark berry and cherry fruit. Serve with Montreal Spice Marinated Lamb Chops. Score - Gold (Concours de Bordeaux, 2022) (XD - 3 g/L)
XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 Rhone, France Vintages #297317 $19.95 The Xavier brand is always a good sign as far as value is concerned. This 70/30 Grenache/Syrah blend, from old vines, is showing generous blackberry, raspberry, pepper, herbs and has a hint of salinity on the finish. Score 91- nataliemaclean.com (XD - 4 g/L)
JERZU ANTICHI BANTU CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2023 Sardinia, Italy Vintages #51716 $19.95 Cannonau is Grenache à la Sardinia. This one leans toward the savoury with licorice, black pepper and spices. It is medium-full-bodied with a long, spicy finish. Score - 94 (Aldo Fiordelli, jamessuckling.com) (XD - 0 g/L)
EL GORU GOLD MAD HAIRY FELLA MONASTRELL/SYRAH/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Jumilla, Spain Vintages #13621 $19.95 Look for violet, strawberry and spicy notes in this one. Full-bodied with blackberry, plum, strawberry and a silky texture, it would be a great match for Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. Score - 94 (Decanter World
Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines Under $40
BOECKEL MIDELBERG RIESLING 2023 Alsace, France Vintages #48639 $23.95 If you are in the mood for an Alsatian Riesling, this one's for you. Round and elegant with an intense but well-balanced palate. Look for ripe fruit and savoury minerality and a long, enjoyable finish. Score - 90 (Stephan Reinhardt, robertparker.com) (XD - 4 g/L)
KONZELMANN RESERVE SERIES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 Niagara Peninsula, ON Canada Vintages #392357 $24.95 This gets a 91 from Natalie Maclean. Gewurzt is a very specific taste, but if you like it, this one sounds enticing. Vintages notes call it ripe and rich with classic tones of rosewater, lychee and ginger. Tropical fruit floats you to a 'stunning long and spicy finish'. A classic to pair with Chinese Duck Salad. (D - 14 g/L)
SOHO STELLA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #554311 $21.95 This is an expressive SB showing passionfruit, kiwi, lime and herbs. The palate is concentrated and juicy with 'terrific fruit purity' and a 'long and exuberant' finish. Score - 95 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
DANDELION MENAGERIE OF THE BAROSSA GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MATARO 2024 Barossa, South Australia Vintages #399899 $22.95 This is an easy-drinking blend with bright plum, cherry and blueberry fruit. Notes of spice, citrus and tea and chocolate add complexity. Tannins are sandy. Special Value. Score - 94 (Dave Brookes, winecompanion.com.au) (XD - 3 g/L)
BYRON & HERALD RAGS TO RICHES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #50142 $23.95 From a stellar vintage and a stellar region, you can't go wrong with this one. Well-made with layers of aroma and taste, look for black cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and earthy tones. A good balance of juiciness, sleek tannins and acidity. A match for Peppercorn Steak. Score - 92 (Ken Gargett, winepilot.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
HARE'S CHASE IRONSCRAPER SHIRAZ 2021
Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintages #33730 $25.95
This scored 95 and took Red Wine Producer of the Year at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, 2025. Look for black and blue fruit with eucalyptus and baking spices on a velvety palate. It wraps up with a pleasant lingering finish.
(XD - 3 g/L)
RÉVA NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 2023
Piedmont, Italy Vintages #38310 $29.95
Another Barolo-adjacent-option for Nebbiolo at a reasonable price. It is scoring low 90s and is well-received by consumers. Vintage notes describe' gorgeous aromas of cherry and rose hip. The palate is still tight but is bright with good intensity. I would hold for another 1-5 years.
(XD - 2 g/L)
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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.
Charlotte Panagapka
Like those tiny potato recipes as we have a good source of those potatoes near us Charl.🥰