Highlights of the June 8 2024 LCBO Vintages Release may well be in the Cheap and Cheerful wines!
Note: There were not a lot of White Wines to choose from this release but there are a couple of real gems highlighted. I find Rosé Wine prices have sidled upward the past few years, perhaps due to the increasing popularity of Rosés. However - many of them in the $25-30 category were not scoring any higher than those in the Cheap and Cheerful section. So - buyer beware.
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!
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Cheap and Cheerful Wines
The Sparkling wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING 2020 Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada Vintages #38392 $14.95 OK folks, note that this is for 375 mL (not the usual 750) but it gets a 93 from David Lawrason, winealign.com so if you like it you can get two at a reasonable price still. He describes a nose with almost tropical pineapple, honey, toast and the hallmark petrol. Off-dry but brisk this will appeal to those who are not 'bone-dry' fans. It gets marks for 'excellent flavour, intensity and length. (D - 16 g/L)
This would be very versatile with food such as Creamy Shrimp Tarte (or any quiche) or Thai Shrimp Bisque.
VILLA TERESA ORGANIC PROSECCO Veneto, Italy Vintages #544056 $16.95
Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz gives this a 93 and describe nectarine and melon aromas along with some citrus and floral notes. The palate is 'succulent and fleshy' with excellent fruit and persistency. "Silky and lingering'. That's a lot going on for $16.95! (D - 15 g/L)
There were no white wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release.
The Rosé wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release are:
BORN RAMBLA ROSÉ 2023 Penedès, Spain Vintages #37863 $15.95 The Born winemaking team only make Rosés. Reviews are scarce but Natalie Maclean's rating is an 89. Tasting notes emphasize 'crunchy' berry flavours with good acidity and hints of bergamot on the finish. Try it with Blueberry Broccoli Salad. (XD - 2 g/L)
CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2023 Valle de Casablanca, Chile Vintages #15277 $16.95 Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl gives this a 91 and calls it 'a refreshing, juicy, fluid rosé, ready to drink now or to buy by the case to take on vacation'! Then plan to grill something with this Legendary BBQ Dry Rub! (XD - 2 g/L)
STONELEIGH WILD VALLEY ROSÉ 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #15267 $16.95. I couldn't find ratings for this specifically but anything I have had from Stoneleigh has been well made. So I am assuming this will be too. Vintage notes call it 'snappy and lively' with savoury notes layered beneath ripe red fruit. Delicate spice notes add some complexity. Pair it with Chinese Duck Salad. (D - 5 g/L)
The Red wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
CASA SANTOS LIMA QUID PRO QUO RED 2021 Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal Vintages #37768 $11.95 When I saw the price I assumed I would see it was for 375 mL or a 'picnic' size Tetra pack. But it is for a full 750mL! There were no other reviews I could find to cross reference but I have faith in Roger Voss's 90 score. He calls it big and bold with 'generous black fruit'. It is full-bodied and fully integrated.
Drink now. (XD - 8 g/L)
Best Buy. Score - 90 Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
This will be a substantial wine that will stand up to any Father's Day menu.
DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022, Rhone, France Vintages #224915 $16.95 Michael Godel of winealign.com gives this a 91 and calls it, 'Impressive and outstanding value'. The fruit is 'massive', ripe and perfumed. Some saline/mineral chalkiness offsets some of the 'massive' fruit. The ripeness of the fruit may suggest some sweetness but it is all in balance and harmonious. (XD - 5 g/L).
Note: DEMAZET ARMOIRIES TRADITION CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 Vintages #494690 $14.95 is also well received as great value but it scoring in the 89 range.
MONTE ZOVO CALIGO 2018 IGT Veronese, Veneto, Italy Vintages #36538 This is scoring consistently in the low 90s. James Suckling gives it a 92 and describes a generous crushed berry and cherry profile. Rich, fruity and silky with well-integrated tannins. Look for hints of licorice and dried herbs and 'even brighter fruit coming through on the finish'. Drink now on its own, with charcuterie or spaghetti Bolognese.
Monte Zovo Caligo 2018
Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of violets leap out the glass from the moment of the first pour. The juicy and fruit-forward wine has a superb mix of black plum and black tea. The palate is plush and soft, with the wine leaning into its rich fruit. Luckily, the fruit has a quick pop of acidity to make the wine lip-smacking good. Rating 90
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
LA CAVE DU VIEIL ARMAND BRUT SPARKLING AC Crémant d'Alsace, France, traditional method Vintages #36064 A lovely, light Sparkling with delicate toasty notes and some green apple according to Decanter notes. The palate is smooth and creamy with a refreshing finish. 100% Pinot Blanc, enjoy with Rolled Tea Sandwiches.
Score - 91 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2020) (XD - 9 g/L)
L'ORMARINS CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #37129 $23.95 Neal Martin of vinous.com gives this a 90 and calls it 'excellent value for money.' Look for red cherry aromas. The palate is 'well defined' with a peachy style and and a brisk citrusy opening. Then look for some spices on the finish. (D - 0 g/L) This sounds perfect for Pork Brochettes with Spicy Peach Grilling Sauce.
Best Buy White Wines
THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #734798 $18.00 Good thing this is back... I am out of my supply! This is always a reliable NZ Sauv Blanc at several dollars less than the average bottle. Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz gives it a 91 and calls it 'inviting' with a citrusy nose and slight florals. The palate is 'beautifully fruited' with 'purity and intensity'. Enjoy with Lemon Ricotta Pasta. (XD - 5 g/L)
DEEP WOODS MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2023 Margaret River, Western Australia Vintages #33569 $19.95 Magaret River is one of Australia's best Chardonnay regions and took 50% of all the Chardonnay awards for the entire country at the 2020 Wine Companion awards. So this is great value and an opportunity to enjoy the peachy, citrusy hallmarks of Margaret River Chardonnays. Look for nutty notes and well-integrated oak. The palate has some tang along with depth and persistence. Drink date: 2024-2030. Score - 91 Ralph KytePowell, therealreview.com (XD-0 g/L)
On Margaret River
Jancis Robinson
. “I spent all last week tasting 2016 burgundies, but the more whites I tried, the more I lusted after the Western Australian alternatives I came across during a visit there last November.”
LA DILECTA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 AP Touraine, Loire France Vintages #35901 $25.95 This Loire Sauvignon Blanc wins against the more expensive Sancerre in this release in both scores and price. Old vines, limestone soil and a late harvest all bode well for this one. It gets a 93 from Elizabeth Gabay, MW of decanter.com who says the grassy nettle on the nose belies the rich, creamy, silky palate. Young but already showing complexity with herbal and floral layers over creamy, rich tropical fruit. Vibrant acidity keeps it fresh. (XD - 5 g/L)
Try it with Dijon and Tarragon Grilled Chicken.
Best Buy Rosé Wines
STEL + MAR ROSÉ California, USA Vintages # 18485 $19.95 This has been crafted to have wide appeal. It scores 90 year after year. It is fruity with peach and strawberry notes on the nose and palate. Add some spice and zest. It is dry but has a suggestion of sweetness. Perfect to sip alone, serve with scallops or Crab Purse appetizers. (XD - 5 g/L)
SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2023 AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France Vintages #451906 $26.95
This is one of two standouts among the Rosés in this release. It scores solidly in the 90s and has won Gold from Mundas Vini and Gilbert & Gaillard. Vintages notes describe a 'fairly rich texture' with lots of red fruit over mineral and spices. Enjoy it with Herb-crusted Salmon in a Lemon Cream Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
GLOOSCAP FIRST NATION X BENJAMIN BRIDGE ROSÉ 2022 Nova Scotia, Canada Vintages #38284 $26.95 This is the second of the standouts. The 2021 scored mid 90s among respected critics, with a 95 from Micheal Godell of winealign.com and a 93 from Nicole MacKay of decanter.com. A blend of Ortega, Riesling, Gamay and Pinot Gris grapes, look for lively tropical fruit with heady mint and mineral notes. According to Vintage notes the 2022 is a 'zesty' follow-up. Enjoy with Salmon and Chimichurri Sauce. (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL COLECCIÓN PRIVADA CRIANZA 2019 Vintages #10684 DOCa Rioja, Spain 100% Tempranillo, this is scoring 90s consistently among critics. Look for plum and savoury herbs with spices and polished tannins. You could match this with anything from your grill. It won Gold from The Global Wine Masters, 2023 (XD - 3 g/L) Pair this with Ribs with Bourbon Rhubarb BBQ Sauce.
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2021 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #50849
$21.95 Kaiken is always a reliable producer and the Ultra line is a cut above. Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com gives it 93 and describes graphite with minerals, spices, tobacco and lots of fruit. Tannins are dusty and the finish is long. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU MAGNOL 2020 AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
384271 $27.95 Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022 gave this a 97. It is a 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc blend with enticing aromas of red and black fruit with some tea leaf, leather and coffee undertones. Well-structured with lots of layers, fine tannins and a persistent finish. This is the one you want with your Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak. (XD-3g/L)
WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2021 Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #377036 $24.95 This gets a 95 from Ray Jordan of winepilot.com who has high praise for it! He calls it an ideal fruit mix showing oppulence with mintiness. Dark fruits with faint raspberry and red cranberry hints lead to a long finish. Drink now through 2033 with Montreal Steak Spice Lamb Chops. (XD - 4 g/L)
Cellar Suggestions
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy Vintages #930966 $23.95 If you have a cellaring area in your home, I think you will be very pleased when you open this in a few years (or more). Bruce Sanderson of Wine Spectator gives this a 93 and suggests the drinking window is 2025 through 2042.
A Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, it has aromatics of tomato leaf, juniper and lavender. The palate is cherry, blackberry with underlying earthy notes that continue through a sustained finish. At this price pick up a few and enjoy them periodically. It will be fun to see the evolution. And if you try it in two years I think you will be even happier in 5! Serve it with Braciole. (XD - 3 g/L) 750mL
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 winetastings. 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 week night 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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