The Feb 15 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has something for everyone! The Cheap and Cheerful category is doing exceptionally well this release, thanks in part to our tax holiday that ends on the 15th.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - and they're free!
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:
CURVOS LOUREIRO 2023 DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal Vintages #471284 $11.80 Do yourself a favour and grab a few of these for this summer when you will appreciate something fresh with grapefruit and herbs on the nose. The palate is textured with a mineral finish. Enjoy with shrimp or calamari. 100% Loureiro. Score - 92 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024)
(XD - 5 g/L)
CHÂTEAU DE LA GRANGE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE GRAND LIEU MUSCADET 2022 Loire, France Vintages #637868 $13.10 45-year-old vines and a few months on the lees add some character to this zesty, floral, citrus and peachy white. As many of you may know, this is my summer luncheon wine. It is neutral and approachable and pairs beautifully with lighter fare like Creamy Shrimp Tarte. (XD - 3 g/L)
WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY Clare Valley/Limestone Coast, South Australia Vintages #711556 $15.10 This is scoring 90 consistently among critics. This a tangy Chardonnay with tropical peach and citrus notes over buttery, toasty notes. Pair with Dijon and Tarragon Grilled Chicken. (XD - 2 g/L)
COLLAVINI T FRIULANO 2022 DOC Collio, Fruili, Italy Vintages #631622 $14.95 This gets a 91 from Jeff Porter of Wine Enthusiast who calls it a Best Buy. Mint and honey tones greet the nose. Look for a rich full-bodied palate with almonds, apricot and mixed baking spices. 'Exquisite balance and structure.' Pair with Chicken Saltimbocca with Lemon Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
PARAJES DEL VALLE ECOLÓGICO MONASTRELL 2022 DOP Jumilla, Spain Vintages #41734 $14.50 This gets a 91 from Ines Salpico, decanter.com (not Decanter World Wine Awards, see FAQs below)! She describes a 'crisp' Monastrell (Mourvedre) with a 'delicious' core of red fruit and citrus. Look for red currant, cherry and pomegranate notes. 'Juicy with delicious acid drive.' Chill lightly and enjoy now with medium cheeses. (XD - 3 g/L)
THOMAS GOSS SHIRAZ 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #927723 $15.20 This gets a 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.com who describes rich blackberry fruit, Asian spices and hazelnut aromas. The palate is generous and silky with a persistent and satisfying finish. Drink now -2030. (XD - 3 g/L)
STONEHAVEN STEPPING STONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 Limestone Coast, South Australia, Vintages 41309 $15.65 This gets a 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.com. Look for aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, pepper spice and cedar/oak. The complex palate is firm and rich 'offering terrific drinking.' (XD - 3 g/L)
NIETO SENETINER PATRIMONIAL BONARDA 2022 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #38500 $14.65 Bonarda is the 2nd most planted grape in Argentina and a local stalwart. This one is scoring low 90s among critics. Look for generous red cherry and potpourri notes with hints of cassis. Silky and fresh. Score - 92 Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com (XD - 3 g/L)
XANADU CIRCA 77 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #18344 $16.85 Wow! From Australia's premier region for Cabernet Sauvignon, this gets a 94 from Sam Kim. Look for blackcurrant, herbs, clove and nuts on the nose. The palate is equally complex and alluring with fine chalky tannins and excellent structure. Amazing at this price - stock up! (XD - 3 g/L)
LA BELLE MARGUERITE RESERVA MALBEC 2021 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #38491 $14.55 This gets a 94 from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl. From a mix of 100-year-old vines and 6-year-old vines, you should expect a balance of complexity and freshness. Tapia describes it as a surprising mix of crisp, refreshing fruit and ethereal character with no rough edges. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Fortified Wines
GRAHAM'S SIX GRAPES RESERVE PORT DOP, Portugal Vintages #208405 $24.95 Symington Family Estates This is a 'crusted port', which means it is a blend of two vintage ports, making it known as 'a poor man's vintage port'. That being said it is typically good value, rivalling the quality of a Vintage Port at a fraction of the cost. This one is mainly 2020 and 2019. James Suckling gives it a 94 and describes it as full and rich with fresh, juicy, dark fruit, crushed oranges and floral notes. Tannins are firm yet the texture is fine with a very long finish. This is unfined and unfiltered so it will continue to evolve in the bottle for years to come. Decant to allow sediment to settle before serving. (S - 101 g/L) See How To Serve Port for more detail.
Best Buy White Wines
MOHUA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #536219 $17.10 This is scoring consistently in the low 90s. Sam Kim gives it a 91 and describes melon and lemon aromas. The palate is fruity with fine texture and juicy acidity. Enjoy with whitefish and Chimichurri Sauce. (XD - 5 g/L)
RABL LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2022 DAC Kamptal, Austria Vintages #377457 $17.10 Look for apple and melon notes on the nose. The palate is juicy with white stone fruit, elegant and balanced. Score - 92 Peter Moser, falstaff.com. Enjoy with Schnitzel. (XD - 4 g/L)
TRIUS DISTINCTION BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #251470 $17.70 This signature Ontario Chardonnay is scoring consistently low 90s among critics. Look for toasty apple lemon and spice with a buttery richness. Enjoy with Chicken Pot Pie. (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2022 AC Beaujolais, France Vintages #534339 $18.30 Beaujolais is always well priced and Fleurie is one of the top-rated of the Beaujolais crus. Highly aromatic with a juicy fruit showing dark fruit and spicy top notes. Acidity is 'assertive' so plan to enjoy with food. Enjoy with Wine Braised Oxtail Stew. Score - 93 Rod Phillips (XD - 3 g/L)
PREDATOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Lodi, California, USA Vintages #508242 $20.20 Fans of bold, juicy California Zinfandel Cab will want to know about this one! It gets a Score of 90 from Tonya Pitts of Wine Enthusiast, who describes raspberry herbal, floral and caramel aromas. The palate has strawberry-rhubarb, red licorice and cinnamon with some citrus and cherry on the finish. Silky tannins. Enjoy on its own or with charcuterie. (D - 8 g/L) (correction 14/2/25)
Fans of California Zinfandel will want to know about IRONSTONE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2021 Vintages #951889 $18.05; another fan favourite from 45-60 year old vines.
KAIKEN ULTRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages # 135202 $21.05 Although this gets 94 from James Suckling, you don't need a critic's score to know that the Ultra line of Kaiken are always excellent quality and value. Look for blue fruit with some citrus and chocolate notes. 80-year-old vines lend complexity to the palate here with some nutty and lemon notes as well. Medium-bodied and fresh with soft tannins. Highly drinkable! (XD - 3 g/L)
I SODI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2019 DOCG Chianti, Tuscany, Italy Vintages #213074 $20.65 A Chianti where the aging has been done for you! Black fruit, olive and smoke make up the aromatics. There are graphite, oak, smoke and leather tones on the palate. Drink now or within a couple of years with Braciole. Score - 92 (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, (XD - 3 g/L)
BLASON DE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022 AC Bourgogne, France Vintages #648428 $21.35 This is an entry-level Burgundy but it is a good chance to explore what a classic, Old World Pinot Noir is. Look for bright raspberry, strawberry, cherry and spice. Enjoy now through 2027 with Crispy Duck with Cherry Port Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU ROMBEAU ELISE VIEILLES VIGNES 2019 AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France Vintages # 35947 $22.15 This is a 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre 'GSM' blend. Look for complex aromas of dark fruit, graphite, olive and herbs. The palate is also complex with good, acidity and fine tannins. Look for cassis, cocoa and some sweet oak tones. Good length. 'Delicious'. Score - 96 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2021) (XD - 4 g/L)
SIGLO GRAN RESERVA 2015 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #11228 $22.40 Another aged Rioja ready to go! If you have been picking them up as they have been appearing in the releases you should have a decent collection by now! This one gets a Score of 94 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast. Look for black currant, plum and citrus aromas. The palate is soft with blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate and black olive notes. Look for roses and pomegranate on the finish. Pair with Steak with Peppercorn Sauce. (XD - 4 g/L)
SMALL VICTORIES EDEN VALLEY SHIRAZ 2022, Eden Valley, South Australia Vintages #41310 $22.35 This gets Editors' Choice award and a Score of 94 from Christina Pickard of Wine Enthusiast. Look for black generous black and blue fruit aromas with spicy and floral notes. The palate is both silky and crunchy with fresh berries from start to finish and well-integrated tannins. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU MAGNOL 2021 AC Haut-Médoc, cru bourgeois, Bordeaux, France Vintages #384271 $24.55 This gets a 91 from Georgina Hindle of decanter.com who describes a perfect balance between fresh acidity and fruity body and structure. There is a minty vein that carries over to the long finish. Drink now through 2030 with Sirloin Top Roast with Sauce Bordelaise. (XD - 3 g/L)
LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #33894 $26.60 This gets a Score - 92 from Megha Jandhyala of winealign.com who describes it as perfumed and poised, a great example of Ontario Pinot Noir. Oak spices and fresh red berries and cherries are delivered on a silky palate. Balanced and integrated with a long, 'intense' and spicy finish. Enjoy with Montreal Spice Marinated Lamb Chops. (XD - 3 g/L)
Premium
PODERE SAPAIO VOLPOLO 2021 DOC Bolgheri, Italy Vintages #38329 $31.45 This is a Super Tuscan at a super price! Modeled on a Left Bank Bordeaux, this showcases the loamy, gravelly soils of Bolgheri. The French blend grapes ripen faster here under the Tuscan sun so you get Old World style with generous fruit, without the jamminess of a California Cab and without the aging requirements of the French. Fans of French Bordeaux may enjoy the extra note of bright silkiness. This gets a 94 from Monica Larner of robertparker.com. See below for her full notes. Enjoy with Classic French Short Ribs now through 2035.
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PODERE SAPAIO VOLPOLO 2021 DOC Bolgheri, Italy Vintages #38329 $31.45
Monica Larner, robertparker.com
Showing a decisive primary note with generous fruit, the Podere Sapaio 2021 Bolgheri RossoVolpolo has dark berries and black cherry, with hints of pie crust, a strong theme of purple fruits and a sharper note that is not completely mineral but flinty. Spice appears with more time in the glass with hints of light cinnamon andnutmeg. The wine has great length with powdery tannins. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. You get great value, and this wine gives us great hope for the upcoming 2021 Sapaio.
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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