The Feb 7 2026 LCBO Vintages Release has good Sauvignon Blanc options as well as some outstanding Australian offerings.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my recommendations to get the best wine for your money - 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!
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Best Sparkling Wines Under $20:
RIVAROSE BRUT PRESTIGE ROSÉ SPARKLING IGP Méditerranée, Salon de Provence, France, Charmat method, Vintages #515288 $19.95 This is the Sparkling version of modern Provence Rosés, showing delicate strawberry and nectarine notes with a fine mousse and a hint of minerality on the finish. If you are planning a mid-winter afternoon tea party, this would be a perfect pairing. Score - 91 (Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, March 31, 2024) (D - 12 g/L)
Best White Wines Under $20:
TWIN ISLANDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #47832 $17.95 This gets a 91 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz, who describes green apple, and melon along with citrus and herbs. The palate is lively and juicy and 'immediately appealing'. Drink now with Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Roasted Tomato Dressing. (XD - 5 g/L)
MARIA PAPOILA ALVARINHO/LOUREIRO 2024 DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal Vintages #408146 $18.95 This is a light and energetic white wine with tangy citrus and apple notes leading to a 'marvellous mineral-laced finish'. Vintage notes cite 'excellent tension and gusto'. I would be snapping this up for summer or plan to serve it at a light lunch with Shrimp Quiche, when you are dreaming of spring. (XD - 4 g/L)
DOMAINE JACKY MARTEAU TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Loire, France Vintages # 745349 $19.95 Another offering of classic French Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine. Look for green herbal notes and zesty citrus. Pair with Salmon with Citrus Cream. (XD - 4 g/L)
ORGANIZED CRIME SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada Vintages #396275 $22.95 This gets a 90 score from Rhys Pender, MW, winealign.com, who describes lemon and lime with green herbal notes and a 'long, zippy finish'. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
GLORIA RESERVA 2022 DOC Douro, Portugal, Vintages #146522 $14.95 This is getting consistent scores of 90 points among respected critics. Look for spicy, ripe fruit with oak and a savoury finish. Pair with Cassoulet. Score - 94 (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024)
(XD - 6 g/L)
LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA 2021 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #377481 $17.95 This is also scoring 90 consistently among critics. Look for spiced red berries, plum, and citrus. The palate is lively with firm tannins and a zesty, citrus note on the finish. Score - 90 (Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com, June 6, 2024) (XD - 4 g/L)
SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #411298 $17.95 Claire Nesbitt of jamessuckling.com gives this a 91 and describes bright red and dark fruit with spices and underlying vanilla and nutty notes. Full-bodied with round tannins and lively acidity. Serve with Ottolenghi Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu.(XD - 3 g/L)
SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 Barossa, South Australia Vintages #360636 $19.95 Always a safe bet for value, this Sister's Run Cab Sauv is 'concentrated, bold, balanced and juicy'. Look for dark fruit, cassis, dried herbs, tobacco, oak spice and vanilla. (XD - 3 g/L)
DOMAINE DU FOURNIER CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #47648 $19.95 This gets the value award for the Rhone wines on offer this release. Look for cherry, rose, and violet aromas. The palate is round and silky with blackberry, plum and black olives. Tannins are sandy, and there is a hint of saline minerality. Pair with Sicilian Caponata appetizers. Score - 93 (Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 1, 2024) (XD - 6 g/L)
CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET/MERLOT 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #11851 $19.95 The 2020 vintage in Ontario was outstanding, producing generous, easy-drinking examples like this one. Look for dark red fruit, blackberry, oak, herbal, and earthy notes. It is luxurious and layered. Enjoy with Slow Cooker Hoisin Beef. Score - Double Gold (All Canadian Wine Championships, 2023) (XD - 6 g/L)
CATHEDRAL CELLAR TRIPTYCH 2022 WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #53124 $19.95 This is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot
and 10% Cabernet Franc. Tim Atkin gives it a 92 and describes 'enticing' chocolate, bramble, blackcurrant flavours and 'impressive' structure. (XD - 3 g/L)
Adelaide Hills, South Australia Vintages #446146 $19.95
This gets a 96 from James Halliday of winecompanion.com.au, who describes an impressive bouquet with pepper, licorice, and spice. The palate is beautifully balanced with black fruit, dark chocolate, and earthy tones. 'Exceptional value.' Drink now through 2043. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines Under $40
BOUVET EXCELLENCE CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING AOP, France, traditional method Vintages #959304 $24.95 This is scoring 91/92 among respected critics. From Loire Valley Cab Franc, it has racy pink grapefruit notes with strawberry and sour cherry. The palate is substantial with touches of apricot, anise, and almond. Serve with Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches. (D - 12 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
CHÂTEAU PAUL MAS CLOS DES MÛRES 2023 AOP Languedoc, France Vintages #286393 $21.95 This Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre blend has aromas of cherry and herbs. The palate is lush with dark fruit, vanilla, and sweet spice. It is full and rich with ripe tannins. Pair with Beef Bourguignon. Score - 92 (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
RICASOLI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #3962 $23.95 This gets a 92 from Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com, who describes lively cherry, raspberry, and rosehip notes along with eucalyptus and wild herbs. Balanced with a good finish. Best from 2026 through 2032. Enjoy with classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. (XD - 2 g/L)
DIAMANDES MALBEC 2021 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #47154 $24.95 This is scoring 93 consistently among critics, who all agree it is elegant and polished, showing blackberry, violets, cedar, and stone or graphite notes. Charred oak adds complexity. Tannins are fine, and the finish is 'vivid'. (XD - 3 g/L)
CAVE DE JULIENAS CHAINTRE TRADITION BOIS DE LA SALLE SAINT-AMOUR 2024 Beaujolais, France Vintages #48273 $24.95 This is an elegant and seductive Beaujolais, scoring mid-90s among critics. Look for blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry with some spicy undertones. Enjoy with Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
FOWLES LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH WILD FERMENT SHIRAZ 2021 Victoria, Australia Vintages #243592 $29.95 This is getting rave reviews and 95 scores among respected critics. Reviewers describe black pepper, licorice, spice and black fruit in a well-structured frame. Tannins are supple. This will continue to evolve. Drink now or over the next 7 years. Special Value. Score - 95 (Jeni Port, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 7, 2024) (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU FONTAINE DE L'AUBIER 2019 AOC Médoc, Bordeaux, France Vintages #35619 $25.95 I have a soft spot for the wines of Médoc. This one gets a 91 from James Suckling, who describes ripe currants with savoury notes and hints of graphite. Well-made, the aging has been done for you here! Serve with Sirloin Roast with Bordelaise Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
BON MAS 2020 DOQ Priorat, Spain, Vintages #44773 $27.95. Priorat wines, famous for their old vines and slate soils (licorella), are not always available through the LCBO, so it is a good day when we have access to one. Look for dark berries, cherry, raspberry and fennel in this Garnacha, Mazuela blend. Hints of anise and chocolate add interest and some violet notes emerge on the finish. Score - 92 (Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2022) (XD - 2 g/L)
BELL'AJA BOLGHERI 2022 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #16890 $39.95 This Merlot, Cab Sauv Super Tuscan is scoring 93 from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Look for blackberry and black cherry, along with earthy, herbaceous and tobacco notes. Tasty oak and a salty finish add complexity. Bright and refreshing despite the anchoring earth tones. Enjoy with Braciole. (Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2025) (D - 3 g/L)
Cellar Suggestion
CALOS GRANDE RÉSERVE MALBEC 2022
44196
AOC Cahors
Les Vignobles Saint Didier Parnac
TASTING NOTE: A spicy, smoky wine, named after the stony terroir of Cahors, is full and seriously structured.
Tannins and a solid core, alongside black fruits, give a wine with great potential. Drink from 2027. Editors' Choice.
Score - 93 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2024)
(XD - 3 g/L) 750mL $21.95
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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.
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