The March 1 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has a number of tried and true offerings. The Cheap and Cheerful category has some standouts, as does the Premium section.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - 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!
Please leave a comment below so others can benefit!
Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
DOMAINE DE LA ROCHETTE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 AP Touraine, Loire, France Vintages #42741 $14.95 I am a fan of the subtle refined nature of Touraine Sauvignon Blancs. This one gets a 90 from Reggie Solomon of Wine Enthusiast, who describes floral, orchard aromas. Texture is round with hits of dried herbs and a citrusy lemon finish. Best Buy! (XD - 2 g/L)
CASA FÈVRE ESPINO RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY 2023
DO Valle del Maipo, Chile Vintages # 350058 $16.95 This will be of interest to you if you are a fan of Burgundian Fèvre Chablis. Made from a clone from the Chablis estate, it consistently scores 91-93 year after year so it is a real bargain at this price! Natalie Maclean gives the 2023 a 90 score and describes it as vibrant with ripe stone fruit and some tropical notes. Enjoy with grilled white fish or Chicken Piccata. (XD - 2 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA 2020 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #471854 $15.95 This gets a 91 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast. He describes ripe cherry and caramel aromas with pomegranate and plum on the palate. Look for chocolate and licorice hints and velvety tannins. Some citrus on the finish completes the picture. Enjoy with Sherry Tapas Meatballs. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG, Friuli, Italy Vintages #16602 $21.95 This gets a 92 from James Suckling who describes floral papaya and nougat aromas (not your usual descriptors!). Look for a creamy, persistent mousse with a salty finish. Enjoy with brunch that includes Swedish Shrimp Sandwiches. (D - 13 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
NEDERBURG THE WINEMASTERS CHARDONNAY 2022 WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #41444 $18.95 This is getting rave reviews among critics with a whopping score of 95 from Olivia Mason, decanter.com. She calls it vivacious with 'lush' honeyed apples and citrus notes. Crisp acidity with creamy cashew on the finish. Enjoy with Broiled Apples and Pear With Rosemary. (XD - 4 g/L)
MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On, Canada Vintages #67587 $19.95 Ontario is generally very good at producing crisp Rieslings. This one gets a 92 from Magdalena Kaiser of decanter.com. Look for stone fruit and petrol aromas. The palate is marked by peach and savoury herbal notes. Balanced with a crisp, juicy character. Enjoy with Salmon in Puff Pastry. (M - 19 g/L)
MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2023
Magdalena Kaiser, decanter.com
Outstanding concentration with minerality and a lingering finish -
deliciousness comes to mind.
SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED TORRONTÉS 2024 Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Vintage #384339 $22.95 Torrontés can be very floral but this barrel-aged one is not one of those. I look forward to this one every year! It scores consistently in the low 90s. This one gets a 91 from Natalie Maclean. Look for nuanced stone fruit with subtle spicy notes and hints of minerality. Enjoy with Curry Singapore Noodles. (XD - 2 g/L)
SHEILD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Nelson, South Island, NZ Vintages #32553 $18.95 This is a very approachable Sauvignon Blanc with green apple and stone fruit aromas. The palate is lively and expressive. Score - 93 Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz. (XD - 6 g/L)
If it isn't available consider ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #10421 $24.95 Score - 94 Bob Campbell, MW, therealreview.com. He describes lemon/lime notes with mouthwatering acidity and a lingering finish. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
CUNE CRIANZA 2020 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #39925 17.95. This consistently scores low 90s year after year. Look for plum, cherry and spicy strawberry on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and fruity with firm tannins and good length. Plan to enjoy with charcuterie and old cheeses. Score - 91 Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com (XD - 3 g/L)
MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO 2021 IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy Vintages #366955 $17.95 This is scoring low 90s with a 92 from James Suckling who says there is 'lots going on here.' The nose may be slow to open up but will reward you with plum, chocolate and fruit. The palate is intense yet balanced with straightforward fruit flavours. He describes a fresh, 'almost tangy finish'. Plan to enjoy with Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce. (D - 8 g/L)
SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ 2022 McLaren Vale/Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia Vintages #269464 $18.00 Sister's Run is always reliably good value. This Shiraz gets a 94 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. He calls it opulent and complex with a concentrated, plush palate. Tannins are polished and well-integrated. Enjoy with Bar B Barn Copy Cat Ribs. (XD - 3 g/L)
TRIVENTO GOLDEN RESERVE MALBEC 2022 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #588731 $21.95 gets a 95 from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024. Look for dark berries with violet/balsamic notes. A textured and 'pure' palate with cocoa and vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with Tuscan Ribs With Balsamic Glaze. (XD - 3 g/L)
For a few dollars more consider CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2022 Vintages #492413 $23.95 Score - 92 Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com. Look for generous fruit with lavender, balsamic notes and a rich, juicy palate. (XD - 4 g/L)
PLAIMONT GÉOGLYPHE GRAND VIN 2018 AC Madiran, Southern France Vintages #38859 $19.95 This is a bold, Malbec-based blend that is scoring mid-90s. From old vines, it is rich and juicy with ripe, spicy berry flavours. Enjoy with Ottolenghi Mushroom Lasagne. (XD - 3 g/L)
LEYDA COASTAL VINEYARD CANELO SYRAH 2020 DO Valle de Leyda, Chile Vintages #42109 $18.95 This gets a 94 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com, who describes it as intense and concentrated with dense black cherry notes, herbs and cooking spices. Tannins are fine-grained with a long finish. 'Fantastic value'. Enjoy with Spicy Black Pepper Beef. (XD - 3 g/L)
SONS OF EDEN KENNEDY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2022 Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintages #558692 $23.95 This is scoring consistently 93/95 among critics. Dave Brookes of winecompanion.com.au gives it a 93 and describes bright red berries and plummy fruit. It is 'really easy-drinking' with some subtle spice and gingerbread notes. Special Value. Enjoy with Veal Shells with Marsala and Vermouth. (XD - 2 g/L)
WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Clare Valley/Coonawarra, South Australia Vintages #142398 $24.95 The Wakefield Jaraman Series is another reliable good value. This one gets a 93 from tastings.com. Look for black cherry and blackberry notes with eucalyptus and tea. It is velvety and lively and 'absolutely lovely'. (XD - 3 g/L)
Premium
CAVE SPRING CSV CAVE SPRING VINEYARD ESTATE GROWN RIESLING 2022 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON, Canada Vintages #566026 $34.95 Good for Cave Spring! This gets a 94 from Magdalena Kaiser of decanter.com. From 30-year-old-plus vines, It is complex with apricot, honeysuckle and beeswax notes. The palate is fully dry and layered from time spent on the lees. It has 'dazzling acidity' that is in harmony with the palate. '...this wine is pushing boundaries and expressing the greatness of Niagara's Riesling terroir.' Enjoy now through 2032. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHEVROL 2020 AC Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Vintages #525931 $34.95 This entry-level Pomerol is getting high praise among critics. It gets a 90-92 score from Antonio Galloni of vinous.com, who describes it as 'gorgeous' with fine notes of fruit, gravel, rose petal, spice, mint and mocha. Enjoy now through 2035. (XD - 3 g/L)L
Cellar Suggestions
CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2022 AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Vintages #140483 $23.95 Roger Voss gives this a 91 and describes chocolate and violet aromas with succulent, juicy palate. Tannins are integrated but it will be best from 2027. (XD - 4 g/L)
BANFI MAGNA CUM LAUDE 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #28469 $32.95 While Banfi may be best known for their Brunello, this one goes the way of the Super Tuscan with a Cab Sauv/Merlot/Sangiovese and Syrah blend. It gets a 94 from Bruce Sanderson who describes it as tight-knit but with black fruits, violet and graphite notes on the nose and palate. Well-integrated with 'terrific energy and length'. It will improve with a couple more years so best to enjoy in late 2025 or 2026. Highly recommended. (XD - 3 g/L)
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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