The Jan 24 2026 LCBO Vintages Release has something for everyone. Look for the Pomerol and Amarone that made it under the $40 limit!
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my recommendations to get the best wine for your money - and they're free!
Jump to:
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!
Best White Wines Under $20:
LACHETEAU LES CIMES HAUT-POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Loire, France Vintages #10632 $15.95 I have enjoyed the 'Oh Poitou' from Lacheteau in previous years. This one is scoring 89-ish, so for the price, it is good value. It will be a simple, fresh Sauvignon Blanc example, but it will show its maritime influences and the elegance and restraint of the Loire Sauvignon Blancs. Look for citrus and elderflower notes. Enjoy with Herb Crusted Salmon. (XD - 2 g/L)
VOLCANES DE CHILE RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 DO Valle de Leyda, Chile Vintages #47979 $14.95 This is scoring 90 consistently. Arguably, Chile's best Sauvignon Blancs come from the DO Valle de Leyda. Vintages notes say it is 'bursting' with citrus, garden herbs, and spice. Minerality from the volcanic soils is also on display. (XD - 3 g/L)
ATREVIDA CHARDONNAY 2023 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #46402 $17.95 This gets a 92 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com. He describes citrus, pineapple, and hints of flint. Medium-bodied, fresh, and pleasantly dry. Pair with Cod Loins with Jezebel Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
If you can't find that, then check out MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CHARDONNAY 2023 Vintages #44281 $17.95. Score 90. Bright and fresh with tropical fruit notes. (XD - 3 g/L)
SACRED HILL EAST COAST PINOT GRIS 2024 North Island, NZ Vintages #47834 $17.95 I am a fan of NZ Pinot Gris. It isn't as taut as an Alsatian but it definitely is well made and enticing. Look for jasmine, melon and ripe apple notes. Beautiful balance with a long, fresh finish. Pair with Swedish Shrimp Sandwiches. (XD - 5 g/L)
Any of the NZ Sauvignon Blancs in this release would be a good value but the value award goes to: OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
North Island, NZ Vintages #17552 $17.95 Score 91 Sam Kim. Look for green apple, apricot and lemon zest notes. The palate is lively and vibrant with intense fruit and a lingering finish. (XD - 4 g/L)
OR
FALCONHEAD MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #48089 $19.95 Score 93 Cameron Douglas, MS, camdouglasms.com. Look for an acid backbone and fruity core, showing tropical fruit with herbal and spicy notes. Drink now. (XD - 5 g/L)
CA' MONTINI TERRE DI VALFREDDA PINOT GRIGIO 2024 DOC Trentino, Italy Vintages #46566 $18.95 This apparently has more character than your average Pinot Grigio. Look for citrus, pear, and mineral notes. It is fresh, balanced, and elegant. Pair with Beet Gnocchi with Rosemary Butter. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Red Wines Under $20:
SEKEIDA MOUNTAIN VINEYARD GARNACHA IBÉRICA 2021 DO Calatayud, Spain Vintages #26535 $15.95 This gets a 92 from Jame Suckling, who describes black berries and plums, olive, and cloves. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, dusty tannins. Excellent length. Drink now or cellar for a year or two. Enjoy with Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce. (XD - 4 g/L)
ALBRET LASTRA RESERVA 2018 DO Navarra, Spain Vintages #574434 $16.95 This Tempranillo blend gets a 93 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast, who describes blackberry, black currant, and raspberry with fig and spicy notes. Tannins are rich, and there is a splash of pomegranate on the finish. Drink now. (XD - 4 g/L)
FAUSTINO V RESERVA 2018 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #22798 $19.95 Here is another one where the aging has been done for you! It gets a 93 from James Suckling, who describes it as juicy and expressive with cherries and plum, earthy notes, and spice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a long, 'succulent' finish. Enjoy with Sour Cherry Glazed Ribs. (XD - 2 g/L)
ANTICHE TERRE VENETE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2023 Veneto, Italy Vintages #178459 $17.95 Ripassos tend to be substantial by virtue of the method of passing the wine over the Amarone lees. This one is recognized as excellent value with good depth and complexity. Pair with Mushroom Risotto with Vermouth. (D - 7 g/L)
LUZ DE NOCHE MALBEC 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #32138 $18.95 This gets a 92 from James Suckling, who describes blueberries with earthy and herbal notes. The palate is juicy and the tannins are silky with a 'creamy' finish. (XD - 4 g/L)
OPHIR BRIDGE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2023 Central Otago, South Island, NZ Vintages #47895 $19.95 If you are in the mood for a classic NZ Pinot Noir, you're in luck! Look for cherry and berries with vanilla and a hint of leather. Score - 92 (New World Wine Awards, 2025) (XD - 2 g/L)
Pair with Crispy Duck with Cherry Port Sauce.
CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL FRONSAC 2020 Bordeaux, France Vintages #14469 $20.95 This is scoring 90 consistently among respected critics; not quite as high as some previous vintages but notable nonetheless. Look for rich black fruit with good acidity and spicy notes. Tannins are integrating nicely. Best Buy. Pair with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. Score - 90 (Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2023) (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines Under $40
BOUVET SAPHIR SAUMUR BRUT VINTAGE SPARKLING 2022 AOP Saumur, Loire, France, traditional method Vintages #44203 $23.95 The Loire has a good reputation for Sparkling wines, and this is a good example. Look for apple, pear, and sweet spices from the Vouvray/Chardonnay blend. Fresh acidity, fine bubbles, and excellent length add up to an enjoyable pour. Score - 92 (jamessuckling.com, Nov. 18, 2024) (D - 8 g/L)
RAVINE CHARMAT SPARKLING VQA Ontario, Canada Charmat method Vintages #49215 $24.95 This Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier blend is scoring 91/92 consistently. Look for pleasant orange, peach, apple, and honey notes with bracing acidity. Plan to enjoy with food or appetizers, such as Honey Garlic Feta Dip. (D - 8 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
BANFI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #23028 $22.95 Classic raspberry, cherry, currant, and thyme flavors here, along with some iron and tobacco notes. Dusty tannins with a long, persistent finish. Pair with Dirty Roman Pasta. Score - 90 (Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com) (XD - 3 g/L)
XAVIER VIGNON LIRAC 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #636183 $24.95 A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre from an up-and-coming AOC, the Grenache was aged in concrete, while the Syrah was barrel-aged. Look for herbaceous garrigue with cherry and raspberry notes. Tannins are dusty, and the finish is long and herbal. Score - 91 (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com) (XD - 4 g/L)
LAKEVIEW CABERNET FRANC 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages # $24.95 Cab Franc is becoming one of the 'darlings' of Ontario wines. This one gets a 93 from Rhys Pender, MW of winealign.com. Look for dried potpourri notes with dark berries, red currant, and almond hints. Medium-bodied with a textured palate. The finish shows some spice and mineral notes. (XD - 4 g/L)
CONTE GIUSEPPE ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2022 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #46563 $29.95 This 'baby Brunello' gets a 92 from James Suckling, who describes red and blue fruit with citrus, violets, and herbs. Polished tannins lead to a long, taut finish. Enjoy with Red Wine Braised Beef. (XD - 5 g/L)
CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHEVROL LALANDE DE POMEROL 2022 Bordeaux, France Vintages # $35.95 This entry-level Pomerol (80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) gets a 90 from Yohan Castaing of robertparker.com. Look for floral, cherry, and cassis notes. The palate is fresh and lively with generous dark fruit. 'Perfectly crafted.' Pair with Top Sirloin with Bordelaise Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019
Veneto, Italy Vintages #491852 $39.95
It isn't often an Amarone makes it under my $40 limit so we are in luck! This being well received by consumers. Vintages notes callit rich and expansive with 'gorgeous' dried fuit, blackberry, plum, cocoa and spice. Enjoy now or over the 7 or 8 years. (XD - 4 g/L)
Related Recipes
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 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.
Leave a Reply