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Best Wines LCBO Vintages Release May 23 2026

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The May 23 2026 LCBO Vintages Release has an interesting array of Sauvignon Blancs from around the world. And check out the Shiraz scoring mid 90s for under $20.

Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my (free!) recommendations to get the best wine for your money!

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If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! Leave your comment below to let us know how you liked it. If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!

Best Rosé Wines Under $20:

MIRADA ORGANIC ROSÉ 2025 VDT Castilla, Spain Vintages #44125 $16.95 From a lesser-known but common Spanish grape, Bobal, this is an elegant wine showing strawberry and citrus with herbal and floral notes. A distinct minerality adds interest. Fresh and well-structured, this would be a great match for grilled vegetables or Strawberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches. (XD - 3 g/L)

BAGLIETTI NO 1 ORGANIC ROSÉ 2025 Italy Vintages #32401 $15.95 This wine is being well-received by critics and consumers alike. Look for strawberry, raspberry and watermelon notes. Easy-drinking and approachable. Enjoy with a Brie and fruit platter or Spicy Strawberry Salad. (D - 7 g/L)

Best White Wines Under $20:

AMATO CATARRATTO 2024 DOC Sicilia, Italy Vintages #48105 $16.95 You don't see a Catarrato wine in our LCBO very often. It is principally known as a blending grape and plays a prominent role in the making of Marsala. It tends to be a neutral grape, but in skilled hands, it can offer up a mineral and citrus profile. Sara D'Amato of winealign.com gives this a 91 and describes it as refreshing and taut with wet stone, and botanical aromas followed by pleasant bitter grapefruit and green melon on the palate. Hints of salinity, lime, mint and lavender add to the personality and 'memorable length'. Pair it with Creamy Shrimp Tarte. (XD - 2 g/L)


ANT MOORE A+ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #48064 $17.95 A classic NZ Sauvignon Blanc here showing green apple, grapefruit and lime notes. The palate has intense fruit with excellent weight and crisp acidity. The finish is 'long and delectable'. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Nov. 2025)
(XD - 4 g/L)

Note: Here is a chance to compare Sauvignon Blanc styles from different countries. Consider a taste comparison between:

DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 DAC Wachau, Austria, Vintages #31534 $19.95 Fans of Grüner Veltliner will want to take advantage of this one from Wachau, arguably Austria's most prestigious wine region. Look for tropical fruit, apricot, yellow apple, floral and honeyed notes. Medium-bodied with lively structure and mineral and lemon on the finish. Score - 90 (Peter Moser, falstaff.com) (XD - 2 g/L)

Best Red Wines Under $20:

CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 Rhone, France Vintages #224592 $17.95 This classic Rhone Genache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend is medium-bodied and elegant, from old vines. Look for juicy berries, spice, hints of leather and minerality. Drink now with Creamy Mushroom Lasagna. Score -90 jamessuckling.com (XD - 3 g/L)

PARAJES DEL VALLE ECOLÓGICO MONASTRELL 2024 DOP Jumilla, Spain Vintages #41734 $18.95 Monastrell (Mouvedre) is used in blending to add structure and spice, so in its own right it has much to offer. This one has a red cherry profile with dried herbs and dark fruit. The palate has bright fruit and lively acidity. Plan to enjoy with Double Bourbon Bacon Burgers off the grill. Score - 90 (Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast) (XD - 2 g/L)

BIRD IN HAND TWO IN THE BUSH SHIRAZ 2024
Vintages # 41874 $19.95
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
This is scoring mid 90s across the board among respected critics. From higher, cooler elevations in the Adelaide Hills, it trades some of the weight of warmer sites for freshness an vibrancy. Look for generous dark fruit - mulberry and plum with citrus and pepper. Tannins are polished but firm and the finish is long and pleasant. Plan to enjoy with Marinated Strip Loin Steak now through 2030. (XD - 3 g/L)

Score - 94 (chuckbyers.blogspot.com, Nov. 26, 2025)

HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2024, Rhône, France Vintages #276956 $19.95 I look forward to each new vintage of this classic GSM. (This year is 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah). It is elegant and smooth, showing red and black fruit, violets and pepper with underlying stony minerality. Beautifully balanced with good length. Drink date: 2025-2032. Score - 90-92 (jebdunnuck.com) (XD - 4 g/L)

Best Buy White Wines Under $40

INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #14278 $21.95 Invivo is no stranger to Top 10, Top 50, Top 100 lists. It is reliably well-made, showing crisp apple, subtle stone fruit and citrus zest. The palate is intense, flavourful and juicy. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 5 g/L)

    Best Buy Red Wines Under $40

    ANCIANO NO. 10 GRAN RESERVA 2016 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #37384 $21.95 This gem gets a 94 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast. Time has done its work on this one, offering aromas of blackberry and toffee. The palate has 'luxurious' tannins under black cherry, fig and caramel notes. Good balance leads to a long, chocolate-infused finish. Sip this one under the stars with charcuterie or steak. (XD - 2 g/L)

    FINCA NUEVA CRIANZA 2019 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #292763 $22.95 In contrast to the aged Rioja above, this Crianza is fresh and lively with cherry, blackcurrant and hints of oak. The palate is juicy with well-integrated tannins. Approachable and 'simply delicious'. Plan to enjoy now through 2034 with Montreal Spice Lamb Chops. Score - 94 (Ines Salpico, decanter.com) (XD - 5 g/L)

    CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #471797 $25.00 This cool climate Syrah is showing black and blue fruit, black olives and crushed herbs. The palate is complex with firm but sleek tannins. Length and depth are excellent. Enjoy with Black Pepper Beef. Score - 92 (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com) (XD - 3 g/L)


    Bottle of Burgundy Pinot Noir,

    DOMAINE CLUNY BOURGOGNE CÔTE D'OR PINOT NOIR 2022, Burgundy, France Vintages #49859 $29.95

    Here is a chance to explore an entry-level Burgundian Pinot Noir. It is scoring low 90s consistently. Look for cherry, rose petal and subtle earthy aromas. The palate is silky, cherry-tinged and elegant with a persistent finish. Enjoy with Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce. Score - 90 (gilbertgaillard.com, 2025) (XD - 2 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.

    Why Do I Want Your Recommendations?

    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.

    What is a Best Buy?

    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.

    What Do You Call Cheap and Cheerful Wines?

    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!

    What Do You Call Premium Wines?

    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!

    Why Do Your Recommendations Stop at $40?

    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.

    What's The Difference Between Decanter and Decanter World Wine Awards Scores?

    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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