The Dec 14th 2024 LCBO Vintages Release includes some bubbly for every budget, Sauvignon Blanc choices and a couple of great Cheap and Cheerful red choices.
Good 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!
Please leave a comment below so others can benefit!
Cheap and Cheerful
The Cheap and Cheerful white wine winner this release is:
FEUDO MACCARI OLLI GRILLO 2023 DOP Sicilia, Italy Vintages #477877 $16.95 This is a welcome offering because Grillo has a devoted fan base among those inclined toward crisp, lemony, white wines and it isn't always available in our LCBO. Look for floral notes over honey and lemon with some salty minerality. This will be ideal with seafood or Orange Roughy with Mango Lime Salsa. (XD - 4 g/L)
CHÂTEAU HYOT 2020 AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France Vintages #63537 $15.95 This is scoring low 90s among a few respected critics. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast gives it a 92. Look for rich dark plum, cassis, pepper spice and flinty mineral notes. Enjoy with Goulash Soup. (XD - 4 g/L)
MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2019 DO Cariñena, Spain Vintages #166579 $16.95 This gets a 90 from John Szabo of winealign.com who describes savoury, spicy dark fruit with 'impeccable balance'. Good length, substance and depth complete the picture. Drink now through 2030 with Pork Osso Buco. (XD - 2 g/L)
MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2019
John Szabo, MS, winealign.com
Always a killer value, Monasterio's 2019 Reserva, a blend of garnacha, tempranillo, cariñena and
cabernet sauvignon, delivers marvellous complexity in the price category...
CHÂTEAU COURAC CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021 #25109 $16.95 Score - 95 Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023 This has a 'gorgeous nose' with dark fruit and spice. The palate is ripe, soft and juicy. Drink now. (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
This release has a strong focus on Sparkling wines, many way outside the <$40 snack bracket. If you are looking for bubbles for the upcoming holidays there is still something for every budget.
Prosecco is always a reliable choice if you like your bubbly light and fruity.
CASERE TERRA VIZINA MILLESIMATO EXTRA DRY PROSECCO 2023 Vintages #39675 $18.95 (D - 13 g/L) or FOSS MARAI MILLESIMATO GUIA BRUT VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE PROSECCO 2023 Vintages #39641 $24.95 DOC, Italy, will both be wonderful sippers on their own or take you through brunch with Eggs Benedict.
JUVE & CAMPS BRUT NATURE GRAN RESERVA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CAVA 2019 Cava, Spain, traditional method Vintages #39815 $27.95 This gets a Score - 91 from Alison Napjus of winespectator.com who describes rich, nutty notes with apricot and cherry hints. A creamy mousse ends with citrus peel, ginger and honey on the finish. This would be perfect for pastry appetizers like Fig Tarts with Blue Cheese and Walnuts. (XD - 2 g/L)
Kew Vineyards Estate Winery Niagara Escarpment, On, Canada specializes in Sparkling wines. There are 2, traditional method, on offer this release and both would be welcome additions to any holiday party or meal. KEW BLANC DE BLANCS 2017 Vintages #438994 spent five years ageing on the lees in barrel lending richness and depth. Look for apple, pear, nuts and a touch of citrus. Score - 90 National Wine Awards of Canada, 2023 (D - 9 g/L). KEW BLANC DE NOIRS 2020 Vintages #380030 $32.95 100% Pinot Noir. Look for generous crunchy red apples, yellow plums and citrus delivered on a delicate mousse. There are also nutty notes on the crisp, mineral finish. Score - 96 Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024 (D - 6 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
If your Christmas Eve or holiday menus include seafood you are in luck with the array of Best Buy White Wines this release.
THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #734798 $17.95 This is a great value Sauvignon Blanc because NZ really can't go wrong with SB. It gets a 91 from Sam Kim of wineorbitz.com.nz. This one is a bit more restrained on the nose and palate than some of the more forward New Zealand SBs, which is ok with me. It has inviting grapefruit and melon aromas. The palate is clean with good fruit intensity. This would be great for brunch with a Salmon and Shrimp Sandwich Cake. (XD - 5 g/L). Alternatively, STONELEIGH ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island Vintages #36894 $19.95(XD - 4 g/L) is a reliable bet from a reliable producer.
BABICH SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Marlborough, South Island Vintages #36903 $23.95 will be more complex than the first 2. It gets a 94 from Cameron Douglas, MS of camdouglasms.com. He describes fresh aromatics of apples and pear with some citrus and wet stone elements that carry to the palate. The palate is silky and elegant with balanced acidity. Serve this with a Caviar Hors d'Oeuvre Plate. (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ 2021 Langhorne Creek, South Australia Vintages #72975 $18.95 This gets a 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz who describes dark fruit, violets and peppery spice. The palate is 'succulent' with fine-grained tannins. 'Terrific drinking'. Pair with Australian Sausage Rolls at your holiday party. (XD - 3 g/L)
PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET FRANC 2022 DO Valle del Maipo, Chile Vintages #10591 $19.95 Pérez Cruz is a respected producer in Chile and Cab Franc is gaining popularity as a varietal. This gets a 91 from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl. Look for lots of fruit with some herbal and tobacco touches on a silky palate. (XD - 3 g/L)
MERAYO LAS TRES FILAS MENCIA 2020 Bierzo, Spain Vintages #462788 $20.95 100% Mencia. If you are looking to expand your palate this is an excellent opportunity. Mencia is only grown in Spain and Portugal, where it is called Jaen. If you are a fan of fruity and peppery, somewhere between a Syrah and a Pinot Noir, this might hold appeal for you. It got a 97 and Best in Show from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023 so if you are ever going to try Mencia -this would be the one! Look for vibrant wild plum and woodland aromas. The palate is also energetic and fruity with smooth tannins and a stony finish. Drink now through 2030. A perfect match for Steak with Peppercorn Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2022 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #79798 $21.95 This gets a 94 from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl. He calls it a succulent Malbec with ripe black fruit and sweet oaky touches. The palate is round and generous. Pair with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
FONTANAFREDDA EBBIO NEBBIOLO 2022 DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy Vintages #397448 $24.95 Score 90 from Jeff Porter of Wine Enthusiast. Look for raspberry and roses on the nose with some herbal notes. The palate is fresh with a good balance of fruit and savoury notes that add up to nuanced complexity. Pair with Braciole. (XD - 2 g/L)
CASISANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2022 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #551267 $26.95 This poor man's Brunello gets a 90 from Eric Guido of vinous.com. He describes crushed blackberry on the nose with herbal, Balsamic and menthol notes that carry to the palate. The palate is ripe with mineral undertones and it 'finishes with admirable length and poise, firming up nicely as licorice resonates.' You can't beat the combo of Saviovese and Spaghetti with Meatballs. (XD - 3 g/L)
Premium Red Wines
CARPINETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #47118 $31.95 Carpineto is a respected Tuscan producer. This one gets a 92 from Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com. Look for cherry, blackberry, violet and spicy notes. Dusty tannins underscore the palate and the finish is long and balanced.
(XD - 3 g/L) (Note: Carpineto brand has a certain caché if that is important to you, but before you shell out the price for this one - check out the Chianti in the Cellar Suggestion below that also scored 92 from Bruce Sanderson for $19.95.)
Premium Exception: I couldn't resist including ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany Italy Vintages #704346 $45.95 even though it is above the $40 threshold. This is scoring 92-94 among critics. It is from the legendary producer Paolo de Marchi who is often credited as a leader in the 'renaissance' of the Chianti region. After 45 years, the iconic Isole e Olena plots have been sold off to EPI group. So the 2021 is the last vintage under Paolo's tutelage. That alone makes it 'collectable'. Drink 2024-2028.
ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021
Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast
The nose is savory and earthy, with aromas of damp soil, leaves, tobacco and wild sage, but undertones of dark chocolate and dried cherry add just enough sweetness. Persistent chocolate notes provide an anchor on the bouncy, lively palate, where powerful currents of salt and citrus, along with electric acid, lift a much lighter, brighter cherry element.
Cellar Suggestions
VALLEPICCIOLA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #39690 $19.95 This is great value, scoring 92 from Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com and <$20. Red cherry, blackberry and tar meld in a light oak frame. The palate is vibrant, energetic and balanced. Decant for an hour before enjoying now or hold through 2038.
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.
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