Highlights of the July 6 2024 LCBO Vintages Release include many summer gems but- you may not be able to access them if the LCBO staff go on strike July 5th. If that is the case they are currently saying that they will close all retail outlets for 2 weeks and if the strike is still on a small number of select outlets will open.
Good news- the home delivery option will continue to function throughout even if the retail employees are on strike so that might be a good option for you.
When you can access this release, Chardonnay lovers have some interesting tasting comparisons that they can do. Cabernet Sauvignon options are good and there is a good selection of Rosés in both style and price.
My picks for the best wines <$40 in this release are below.
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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 Wines
The White wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
ARTESANO DE ARGENTO AGRELO VINEYARD ORGANIC WHITE MALBEC 2023
Vintages # 37223 $14.95 Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com gave this a range of 89-91 because it was a barrel tasting before the wine had fully evolved. Regardless... I am intrigued by a white Malbec (meaning the pressed wine spent no time on the skins so no colour was imparted to the wine). Look for a clean wine with apple, violet and mint on the nose and a dry, clean refreshing palate. Drink now or in the next couple of years. (XD - 0 g/L)
MORANDÉ SELECCIÓN DE VIÑEDOS GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile Vintages #37757 $14.95 Chile is proving to be more than capable of producing decent Sauvignon Blanc wine. This one scored 95 at Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023. Look for lively pink grapefruit and some pleasant saline minerality. DWWA calls it focused with a 'decadent' spine of acidity. (XD - 0 g/L)
ABCDARIUM AZAL BRANCO 2022 DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal Vintegs #25586 $16.95
Vinho Verde wines are known for their liveliness and the Azal Branco grape is one of the main grapes in the typical blends that lend that liveliness. This won Gold at VINARIUM Wine Contest, 2023. Vintages notes call this 'a real thirst-quencher, bursting with flavours of lime peel and honeydew over a saline backbone' so perhaps plan to enjoy it with food. (D - 6 g/L)
The Rosé wine winner in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release are:
TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA ROSÉ 2022 DO Valle de Leyda, Chile Vintages #37403 $15.95 Score - 92 Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl. The Tarapaca Rosé scores solidly low 90s year after year so the 'Gran Reserva', (designation is not regulated but denotes winemaker's opinion of better than average wine) looks even more promising. From Pinot Noir, Patricio Tapia describes it as refreshing and powerful, one that you could sip on its own or with a lovely lunch. (XD - 2 g/L)
The Red wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
COLOMBA BIANCA VITESE NERO D'AVOLA 2022 DOC Sicilia, Italy Vintages #36528 $13.95 I love a Nero d'Avola from time to time. They are usually fully bodied and smooth and delivers lots of flavour and substance. This scored 90 at Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2023. Vintages notes describe it as bold with dark fruit layered over an earthy, herbaceous base. Easy going with soft tannins and a long finish. This would go with any mammal off the grill or Braciole. You can cellar it too for a few years so stock up if you like it! (XD - 7 g/L)
LUIS MARIN OLD VINE AMETHYST EDITION GARNACHA CRIANZA 2020 DOP Cariñena, Spain Vintages #37517 $13.95 James Suckling gives this a 91 and describes it as spicy and delicious with strawberry/balsamic notes and gently grainy tannins. Grenache is always an easy-going grape so this would pair well with ribs such as Tuscan Ribs with Balsamic Glaze. (XD - 4 g/L)
Portugal is known for good value wines so they are making a good showing here in the Best Buys with BABU RESERVA 2021 Vintages #617175 $15.95 or EMINENTE RESERVA TINTO 2021 Vintages #646042 $16.95. Both from Vinho Regional Tejo, both (XD - 8 g/L) and both scored 90 by Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast. They are dense, spicy wines with generous black fruit and good balance that will pair well with charcuteries or grilled meats and vegetables.
ZOLO MALBEC 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #183905 $15.95 This gets a 91 from Tim Atkin, MW of timatkin.com who describes it as aromatic with sweet plum and blackberry notes. Smooth and supple, this is 'Wonderfully drinkable". Drink now or through 2027. (XD - 2 g/L). Compare this with the COLOMÉ ESTATE MALBEC 2021 Vintages #477315 $24.95 that he scores 93!
DURIGUTTI CABERNET FRANC 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #14916 $15.95
This 100% Cab Franc gets a 92 from James Suckling who describes dark plum and black raspberry notes. Medium-full bodied but smooth, tannins are 'ripe and velvety'. The finish is spicy and fruity. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU RECOUGNE 2021 AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France Vintages #368167 $16.95 This gets 91 from James Suckling who describes spicy plum and licorice aromas. The palate is 'sleek' with fine tannin and good acidity. Drink or hold until 2031+ (XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
CAMPO VIEJO BRUT RESERVA CAVA Spain, traditional method Vintages #25911 $17.95 New York International Wine Competition 2023 gave this a 96 but we didn't need that score to know that Cava and Campo Viejo are good value. Look for bright citrus with underlying bready notes and hints of pistachios. (D - 13 g/L)
KRONE CUVÉE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT ROSÉ CUVÉE SPARKLING 2021 WO Western Cape, South Africa, traditional method Vintages #130047 $21.95 Score - 92 David Lawrason of winealign.com gives this a 92 so I would call this outstanding value at this price. He describes a strawberry jam quality with 'pretty florality' and light pastry notes. Good acidity keeps it structured with the fruit giving it a hint of roundness. Excellent length. (D - 8 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2023 DOC Friuli, Italy Vintages #707950 $19.95 Attems winery has an impressive history under its belt. This shows cherry and lemon zest and is an excellent example of quality northern Italian Pinot Grigio. (XD - 4 g/L)
TERRA FAGETO FENÈSIA PECORINO 2022 DOCG Offida, Marche, Italy Vintages # 36513 $18.95 Did you know Pecorino is a region as well as a cheese? This is a great introduction to it if you are looking to expand your palate. The locals serve it famously with seafood. David Lawrason of winealign.com gives it a 93 and describes it as elegant and sophisticated. Lively with lemongrass, yeasty notes, green tea and fennel. Medium weight and fresh with excellent length. This would be perfect with Salmon in Puff Pastry with fennel and lime cream. (XD - 0 g/L)
BODEGAS CAMPILLO FERMENTADO EN BARRICA BLANCO 2022 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #657478 $19.95 A white Rioja is always welcome at my table! This Viura blend gets a 91 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com who describes it as 'Long and creamy with plenty of oak spices.' Look for creamy vanilla notes with some lemon. He calls it bright and zest on the palate. Sounds perfect for summer with a Pizza with Chicken, Onion, Olive and White Garlic Pizza Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
TOI TOI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #454785 $18.95 Score - 94 Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. He describes an aromatic wine with apricot, fig and lime peel aromas. The palate has excellent fruity purity and intensity with a delicious long finish. (XD - 5 g/L)
WINE BY JOE PINOT GRIS 2022 Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA Vintages #58651 $19.95 Michael Alberty of Wine Enthusiast gives this a 91 and calls it a Best Buy. If you are a fan (like I am!) of the acidity tension of a well-made Pinot Gris - this one's for you! This has lime and cucumber on the nose with grapefruit and pistachio on the 'electrifying' palate. (XD - 2 g/L)
ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CHARDONNAY 2023 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #350900 $20.95 Margaret River produces some of the best Chardonnays coming out of Australia. This one has all the complexity and expressiveness you would expect. Look for intense yellow plum and hazelnuts with vanilla in an elegant oak frame. (XD - 2 g/L)
BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2021
Vintages #302083 $25.95
VQA Niagara Peninsula ,On, Canada Score - 91 (Michael Godel, winealign.com)
Named for the slate it is grown on, this is a beautifully balanced wine with ripe tree fruits, creamy lemon and some notes of minerality.Look for a long, generous finish too. Drink 2023- 2026 (XD - 2 g/L)
EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #482984 $27.98 El Enemigo brand populates so many 'Top 100' Wine Lists that it is hard to keep track. The brand is a collaboration between esteemed winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, daughter of Argentinian modern wine Ambassadors. This gets a 94 from Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl who describes the care taken in choosing planting sites, growing and winemaking decisions. Add in an excellent vintage and the results speak for themselves. (XD - 2 g/L)
"The juicy clarity of the fruit meets the saline notes, the body is intense and oily, and the sensation of ripe white fruits is projected to the end of the palate. A chardonnay that's drinking very well now, but that will gain in complexity with a few
Patricio Tapio
years of bottle aging."
Best Buy Rosé Wines
IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2023 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #490961 $17.95 This is well respected among critics scoring 90ish every year. From 60-year-old vines, look for ripe strawberry and peach notes with hints of white flowers. Take this on a picnic with you and serve Strawberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
THE TRAGICALLY HIP FLAMENCO ROSÉ 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #16250 $19.95 This gets 90 from Rick Van Sickle of winesinniagara.com. It is bright, crisp, bold and perfect for a summer sipper with Strawberry Cream Cheese Bites. (D - 11 g/L)
CARTE NOIRE HÉRITAGE ROSÉ 2023 AP Côtes de Provence, France Vintages # $19.95 Get the caché of Provence Rosé a a fraction of the price! Natalie Maclean gives this blend of Grenache and Cinsault a 91 score and it is a perennial favourite. Look for ripe red berries, fresh grass and the Provençal herbaceousness. (XD - 2 g/L)
FORIS VINEYARDS ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR 2023 Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA Vintages # 31530 $21.95 The 2022 vintage got 90 points and a Best Buy designation from Wine Enthusiast. 100% Pinot Noir, this is a 'nervy' wine with generous brambly berry fruit and some rose notes. (XD - 2 g/L)
PASQUA 11 MINUTES ROSÉ 2023 IGT Rosé Trevenezie, Venezie, Italy Vintages #556142 $21.95 This has a avid and loyal fan base, showing well year after year in consumer reviews. Perhaps the unusual mix of Corvina and Trebbiano and a splash of the French Syrah and Carmenère make it stand out from other Rosés? That all adds up to a well-structured wine with wild berry and pomelo notes; some dried herbs and a mineral-driven finish. (XD - 7 g/L)
'Turns out, all it takes is 11 minutes of skin contact with these grapes to make an
Vintages Notes
elegant, lovely wine.'
Best Buy Red Wines
ALCEÑO TWELVE 12 MESES MONASTRELL 2020 DOP Jumilla, Spain Vintages #398925 $17.95 James Suckling gives this Monastrell (Mourvedre) a 92 and describes coffee and dark spices over blackberries. A powerful palate with tannins in play and a long rich finish. (XD - 6 g/L)
CHÂTEAU FONTENELLES RENAISSANCE CORBIÈRES 2022 Corbières, France Vintages #148692 $17.95 This Syrah and Grenache blend is showing dark fruit with savoury notes with some spice and herbaceousness. Well-balanced with concentrated dark fruit and hints of licorice, rosemary and leather. (XD - 3 g/L)
DELAS SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 AC, Tournon-sur-Rhône, France Vintages #729962 $19.95 Another 'beloved' perennial favourite from an esteemed House. Look for dark plum and licorice in this fruity, spicy Rhone blend with fine tannins. (XD - 3 g/L) If you can't find this one, consider CHÂTEAU D'AIGUEVILLE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 Vintages #544031 $18.95
GASSIER FLEUR DE SYRAH 2022 AP Costières de Nîmes, France Vintages #33009 $19.95 Jeb Dunnuck rated this 89-91 (ranged because it was a barrel tasting) noting lots of dark fruit, meaty notes along with violets. Palate is fresh and juicy with ripe tannins and a 'great finish'! (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2020 AC Fronsac, Bordeaux France Vintages #123489 $18.95 This is another perennial favourite showcasing the Left Bank Bordelais style. 100% Merlot, it has ripe red fruit with notes of dried herbs and cloves. (XD - 3 g/L)
GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 WO Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintages #13316 $18.95 The Glass Collection is the 'second wine' if you will of the esteemed Glenelly winery. It is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant and undertones of mint and licorice. It is well integrated with fine tannins. Tim Atkin of timatkin.com gives it a 93 and says drink now through 2030. (XD - 3 g/L)
LUIS ALEGRE CRIANZA 2019 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #37557 $21.95 This 100% Tempranillo over-delivers according to Tim Atkin of timatkin.com. It is smooth and concentrated with bramble, plum and other red fruit over 'graceful' tannins. (XD - 2 g/L)
DEEP WOODS HILLSIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #33418 $24.95 I am so happy to see the wines of Margaret River arriving in stock! Jane Faulkner of winecompanion.com.au gives this a 90 and calls it 'a ripper red, especially for the price'. (I am interested based on that comment alone!) Beyond the fruit look for spices and cocoa with some earthy tones. Tannins are fine. Not overly complex but very drinkable! Special Value. (XD - 2 g/L)
Australia has lots of commendable Shiraz in this month's release but the bang for your buck choice in my opinion is MONTERRA SHIRAZ 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #477059 $18.95 Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz gives it a 94 and calls it 'Wonderfully fruited' with nuts, spice and cocoa adding complexity. The palate is very generous with terrific fruit, weight and texture. The finish is 'splendidly long, satisfying'.
(XD - 2 g/L) If you can't find that look for Sidewood Shiraz 2020 vintages #446146 $19.95
PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2020 Puglia, Italy Vintages #261784 $26.95 Luca Maroni scores this a 96 but it is misleading to many since he uses his own 'pleasureness scale'. So we can't equate his 96 to the typical scores we see on the Robert Parker 100-point scale. Nevertheless, this is a great wine with a VERY enthusiastic fan base. Wines of Puglia are drenched in sunshine and therefore tend to burst with fruity flavour. While this is more restrained than the California-style Zinfandel (same grape as Primitivo) it has lots of welcome cherry, chocolate and leather notes. (D - 13 g/L)
Cellar Suggestions
MAZZEI FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany Itay Vintages #977629 $24.95 Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com gives this a 93 and calls it dense and powerful with cherry, tobacco and iron over some earthy, wild herb layers. It is balanced and fresh with some fruit, herbs and mineral notes on the lingering finish.
Best from 2026 through 2041. (XD - 2 g/L)
Frequently Asked Questions
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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