The Aug 30 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has some interesting red choices, including a Super Tuscan and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape wannabe.
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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Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
MURIEL BLANCO 2023 DOCa Rioja Vintages #645127 $13.95 A white Rioja is a welcome sight in my opinion! This 100% Viura is mostly made in stainless steel but a small percentage was fermented in aged French oak. It is intense with floral and citrus notes and lovely texture and complexity thanks to the oak. Plan to enjoy well chilled with smoked trout or calamari. (XD - 2 g/L)
FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #89011$17.95 This gets a 90 from Rick VanSickle & Peter Rod of winesinniagara.com. A light oak treatment to 20% of the fruit adds some spice, texture and complexity to the otherwise grapefruit/peach/herbaceous profile. Look for a 'vibrant' finish. Enjoy with Italian Inspired Cod. (XD - 5 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
MANZANOS LAS CAMPANAS RESERVA 2018 DO Navarra, Spain Vintages #44367 $14.95 This 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha blend gets a 91 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com, who describes a juicy berry-driven, medium-bodied palate with hints of chocolate, mushrooms and vanilla. Tannins are firm so plan to enjoy with Tapas. (XD - 3 g/L)
SAN ALEJANDRO EVODIA GARNACHA 2022 Spain Vintages #23914 $16.95 DO Catalyud, Spain This 100% Garnacha is from 100-year-old vines planted at high altitude in slate soils. It is amazing to me that it can sell at this price.... It has generous wild strawberry and red plum with smooth supple tannins and good length. I will be stocking up on this one to go with my Double Bourbon Bacon Burgers or pizza. (XD - 3 g/L) Score - 95 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024)
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #14081 $16.95 This 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah blend gets a 90 from Anna-Christina Cabrales of Wine Enthusiast. Look for black plum and cranberry, cherry and wild thyme notes. It is rustic with noticeable tannins so plan to enjoy with Fennel and Sausage Pasta or charcuterie. (XD - 3 g/L)
EL CIPRÉS MALBEC 2023 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages # 42736 $15.95 Score - 91 James Suckling. Look for ripe, dark berries with hints of lavender and licorice. Medium-to-full-bodied with a silky, juicy palate. (XD - 3 g/L) If you can't find that one MARANTIQUA MALBEC 2024 Vintages #42751 $17.95 Score - 93 Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas of jamessuckling.com would be another good bet. The palate is 'firm and angular' so plan to enjoy with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU LA ROSE DE VITRAC 2022 AOC Bordeaux, France Vintages #43908 $17.95 Score - 95 Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024 This 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend is showing generous cassis, cherry and blueberry fruit along with some graphite notes. 'Poised and fresh with a silky mocha finish.' (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
LAURENZ V. SINGING GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 DAC Kamptal, Austria Vintages #87627$18.00. We are seeing more and more Gruner Veltliners on our shelves. Good news since they are lively and refreshing. This one is showing white grapefruit with melon and apple morphing to zesty lime and gooseberry. It is elegant with minerality and delicate marzipan on the finish. Enjoy with Almond Poached Chicken Salad. (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024) (XD - 2 g/L)
THE LANE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 Adelaide Hills, South Australia Vintages #429233 $19.95 This gets a 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz, who describes it as 'beautifully fruited' with ripe stone fruit, vanilla and cashew aromas. The palate is supple yet structured with a lingering silky finish. Pair it with Chicken Pot Pie. (XD - 2 g/L)
RUSTENBERG WILD FERMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 WO Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintages #45167 $18.95 South Africa does a great job with Sauvignon Blanc and this one is being well received among consumers. It is a barrel-fermented and offers gooseberry, peach and pineapple with a nice, round mouthfeel. Has potential to 2030 and beyond. Enjoy it with Chicken Fricasée With Orzo. (XD - 0 g/L)
MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island,NZ Vintages #981670 $18.00 While any NZ Sauvignon Blanc is a safe bet, this one gets the value award. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) Look for a generous nose of apple, melon and lime with an intense, fruity, vibrant palate. Pair with Hasselback Beets with Lime Butter. (XD - 4 g/L) 750mL
PIERRE SPARR SOL CALCAIRE PINOT GRIS 2020 AOC Alsace, France Vintages #19482 $20.95 I am a softie for an Alsation Pinot Gris so I will be stocking up! This is spicy and ripe with apple, grapfruit, pear and lemon. It is well-integrated and balanced. Just off-dry it would pair perfectly with Thai Shrimp Bisque. (D - 13 g/L)
DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #417774 $33.70 Queylus is widely recognized as one of Ontario's premier Chardonnay producers. This one gets a 92 from David Lawrason of winealign.com, who describes the tertiary notes of toasty hazelnut and honey that are evolving. It is rich, textured and well-balanced with excellent length. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Best Buy Rosé Wines
VILLA AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ 2024 AOP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France Vintages # 668426 $19.95 This gets a 92 from Cody Wexler of Wine Enthusiast who describes herbal aromas with underlying we stone and hintes of floral. Look for a complex palate with ripe peach and grapefruit supported by salinity and minerality. Food friendly so plan to enjoy with Salmon in Puff Pastry. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
ADEGA COOPERATIVA DE VIDIGUEIRA ALICANTE BOUSCHET 2022 DOC Alentejo, Portual Vintages #45323 $19.95 If you are a fan of big fruity Shiraz or Zinfandel, then consider this Alicante Bouschet. Generous ripe cassis and Mediterranean herbs define the palate with peppery notes and a granite-infused finish. Pair it with Spicy Black Pepper Beef. Score 95 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024) (XD - 4 g/L)
ACCORNERO CAMPOMORO BARBERA PIEMONTE 2023 DOC Piedmont, Italy Vintages #475269 $20.95 This gets a 91 from James Suckling, who describes crushed dark berries and chocolate with hints of mocha and spice. Concentrated with good balance and harmony. Tannins are firm. Perfect with Braciole. (XD - 4 g/L)
FAMILLE PERRIN PEYRE BLANCHE CAIRANNE 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #650960 $21.95
If Chateauneuf-du-Pape is not in your snack bracket, then consider this 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah from just a stone's throw away. Look for ripe, plush and peppery fruit with herbal notes. Enjoy with Beef Bourguignon. (XD - 3 g/L)
ASTROLABE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2022 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #538918 $29.95 This gets a 94 from James Suckling who describes dark berries and cherries with violet and potpourri. The fruity palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good balance. Pair it with Duck Risotto. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DU CHATELARD CUVÉE LES ROCHES MORGON 2020 Beaujolais, France Vintages # $21.95 Of the 10 Beaujolais Cru regions, Morgon tends toward the weightier end of the scale. From parcels that include some 65-year-old parcels, it is concentrated and juicy with blackberry and raspberry with earthy notes and hints of mushroom. With excellent balance, it will continue to evolve over the next few years. If you are looking for a well-made, substantial wine at a very competitive price -then this one's for you! Enjoy with Duck Ragu. (XD - 5 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DE LA CHAPELLE 2020 AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, France Vintages #25385 $23.95 This 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blend is showing spicy dark plum with hints of chocolate. The palate is warm and firm. Treat yourself to Sirloin Roast with Bordelaise Sauce. Score - 95(Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022) (XD - 3 g/L)
TEDESCHI CAPITEL SAN ROCCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2021 Veneto, Italy Vintages #719294 $23.95 This is a lively, fresh wine according to Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas of jamessuckling.com, who gives it a 93. Look for aromas of pepper, dried flowers and a hint of green. The palate is lively, fresh and fruity, medium-to-full bodied. (XD - 4 g/L)
PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2021 Puglia, Italy Vintages #261784 $26.95 Papale never fails to deliver. This is scoring low 90s among critics but seems to be a real fan favourite among consumers. Look for rich black cherry, raspberry and plum with cocoa and spice. Enjoy with Tuscan Ribs With Balsamic Glaze. (D - 13 g/L)
BANFI ASKA BOLGHERI ROSSO 2021
Tuscany, Italy
Vintages #459644 $27.95
This Cabernet Sauvignon/Cab Franc Super Tuscan gets a 94 from James Suckling. Look for cedar and leather aromas over subtle cassis and hits of eucalyptus. The energetic palate is full-bodied with crisp acidity and crunchy tannins. The finish is long and savoury. The structure will take it through the late 2030s. (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-$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 than $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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