The Nov 22 2025 LCBO Vintages Release has a premium Sancerre, Chardonnay and Rioja to treat yourself to. There are also some tried and true Australian good values.
Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Use my recommendations to get the best wine for your money - 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!
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Cheap And Cheerful
Best Red Wine Under $20:
UMANI RONCHI PODERE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 Abruzzo, Italy Vintages #46567 $17.95 This wine has been rising steadily in ratings over the past few years and is now getting 90-92 points consistently. It is also recognized as good value thanks to large production volumes and Abruzzo is recognized as the center of Montepulciano production. It is vivid with dark cherry, blueberry and spicy notes. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent length. Plan to enjoy with Dirty Roman Pasta. Drink or hold [through 2028+]. Score - 92 (jamessuckling.com, Aug.26, 2024) (XD - 4 g/L)
CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #224592 $17.95 This is an approachable, medium-bodied Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend with red and black fruit, currants, herbs and spice. The palate has a juicy core and a peppery finish. Drink now or over the next couple of years. Score - 90 (jamessuckling.com, Nov. 15, 2023) (XD - 3 g/L)
If you can't find that one, consider RÉMY FERBRAS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 Vintages #538009 $17.95, which will be of similar value. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU RECOUGNE 2021 Bordeaux, France Vintages #368167 $17.95 This Merlot-dominant blend gets a 91 from Claire Nesbitt of jamessuckling.com. She describes plums, licorice and currant aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with fine tannins. Pair with Sirloin Roast with Sauce Bordelaise.(XD - 3 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines Under $40
WOLFBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Alsace, France Vintages #460832
AOC, Alsace, France, traditional method $21.95 This is a clean, crisp Sparkling with lemon and toasty notes. Dry and zesty. Enjoy with pastry appetizers or croissant sandwiches at brunch. Score - 91 (nataliemaclean.com, Aug. 24, 2024) (D - 8 g/L)
GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING
WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #175588 $24.95
Traditional method. Graham Beck Sparklings always rate well. This has enticing toasty notes and a delicate mousse. Well-balanced and lively. Perfect for toasting or accompanying your holiday meal. Score - 91 (Sara d'Amato, winealign.com) (XD - 7 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines Under $40
MUGA WHITE 2024 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #958736 $18.95 No reviews to be found on this one, but this Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja blend is a rich, approachable wine. Vintage notes describe white blossoms, lime and peach notes with a hint of salinity on the finish. Try it with Seafood Pasta now or over the next couple of years. (XD - 2 g/L)
ZUCCARDI MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2023 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #46400 $19.95 This cool climate Chardonnay gets a 92 from Claire
Nesbitt of jamessuckling.com, who describes creamy lemon, wet stone, almond and mango notes. Medium to full-bodied, pure and fresh. Serve with Applebee's Copycat Oriental Chicken Salad. (XD - 2 g/L)
INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #14199 $19.95 This is often on Top 10 or Top 100 wine lists year after year. This vintage gets a 94 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz, who describes kiwi, apple and lime notes with a juicy, zesty palate. 'Brilliantly expressed with loads of youthful fruit flavours, making it
highly appealing.' Pair with Salmon in Puff Pastry with Fennel and Lime.(XD - 6 g/L)
If you can't find that one consider PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Vintages #361220 $19.95 Score - 94 (Cameron Douglas, MS, camdouglasms.com,) (XD - 2 g/L)
CLOS HENRI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #927186 $24.95. This one caught my eye not only because Bob Campbell, MW, therealreview.com, gives it a 95 score, but because he describes it as a 'rather Sancerre-like sauvignon with a perfect sweet/sour balance that drives a lengthy finish'. Look for passionfruit and lemongrass and an appealing texture. Serve with Tarragon Cured Salmon. (XD - 2 g/L)
MEZZACORONA TRENTINO RISERVA PINOT GRIGIO 2023 Vintages #32714 $19.95 This gets a 90 from James Suckling, who describes it as fresh and crisp with lemon, herbs, and stony notes. Zesty with a 'vivid' finish. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET MÂCON-CHARNAY 2024 Burgundy, France Vintages #45275 $26.95 This Burgundian classic is scoring 90, making it an opportunity to experience Burgundy without breaking the bank. Look for a precise wine with good tension, excellent depth and concentration. It was aged on the lees in stainless steel to retain the white floral, peach and citrus notes. Pair with Cornish Hens with Orange Apricot Glaze. (XD - 2 g/L)
HUBERT BROCHARD SANCERRE 2023 Loire, France Vintages #42444 $39.95 Explore the elegance of a Sancerre with this example that gets a 92 from Ines Salpico of decanter.com. She describes is as a classic that opens with chamomile, apple blossom and lemon curd. The palate is fresh with citrus and Asian pear in a subtle mineral framework. Elegant and subtle are the operative words here, folks. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines Under $40
SISTER'S RUN CALVARY HILL SHIRAZ 2021 Barossa, South Australia Vintages #222018 $19.95 Sister's Run is always a reliable choice. This one gets a 92 from Jacobo
Garcia-Andrade Llamas of jamessuckling.com, who describes olive, pepper and sage notes. The palate has persistent blue fruit with polished tannins and a compact finish. Pair with Mushroom Marsala Lasagne. (XD - 3 g/L)
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2021 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina, Vintages #50849 $21.95 Another reliable standy-by here. This ranked #30 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2024. Look for olive, herbs, and leather over a core of plum and berries. Fresh acidity and a smooth finish with an herbal note round out the picture. Pair with Pistachio, Black Olive Crusted Beef Steak. Score - 92 (Aaron Brasher, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
MITOLO THE JESTER GRENACHE 2023 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #572222 $22.95 This gets a 92 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz, who describes wild strawberry and spicy cherry aromas. The palate is fruity with delicate tannins, giving it immediate appeal. Pair with Beef Bourguignon. (XD - 2 g/L)
If you can't find that one, consider YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2023 Vintages #531228 $21.95 Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz) (XD - 3 g/L)
HEIRLOOM COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Coonawarra, South Australia Vintages #493577 $22.95 Sam Kim calls this 'A gorgeous rendition' of Cab Sauv, showing blackcurrant spice, olive and cedar notes. The palate has excellent weight and texture with chalky tannins and good length. Score - 94 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Sept. 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
PORTAS DA HERDADE RESERVA 2019 Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal Vintages #404418 $23.95 I am a fan of Portas da Herdade wines, which I find typically to be rich and smooth. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast gives this a 92 and describes it as a ripe wine with rich black fruit and dense tannins. Licorice notes add complexity. (XD - 3 g/L)
IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #85209 $24.95
This gets a 93 from WineAlign's Italian wine expert Michael Godel. He notes (enthusiastically!) Sangiovese typicity and purity. Drink 2026-2032. Pair with Braciole. (XD - 3 g/L)
WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2022 South Australia Vintages #377036 $24.95 Another reliable favourite from Australia here. Look for blackberry, mulberry, plum, spice and cedary oak. Tannins are firm and structured but overall this is a well-balanced, big, bold, juicy wine. Score - 95 (Aaron Brasher, therealreview.com, May 25, 2024) (XD - 2 g/L)
DOMAINE D'ARGENSON CUVÉE PIERREUX BROUILLY 2023 Beaujolais, France Vintages #29970 $24.95 This is a fresh, balanced wine with strawberry, white pepper and slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and mineral undertones. Serve with Crispy Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce. Score - 92 (Claire Nesbitt, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 1, 2024) (XD - 3 g/L)
SIERRA CANTABRIA GARNACHA 2019 Rioja, Spain Vintages #45091 $32.95 This gets a 93 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast, who describes blackberry, butterscotch and clove on the nose and palate. Chocolate, orange peel and violets also emerge on the silky palate. Drink now through the early 2030s. (XD - 2 g/L)
LAN RESERVA 2018 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #42929 $28.95 This is an elegant, complex wine with smoke and spice floating over fleshy black fruit. Cardamom, nutmeg, thyme, plum, cherry, tobacco and forest accents add to the complexity. Drinking window: 2025-2031. Score - 92 (Ines Salpico, decanter.com, March 6, 2025)
(XD - 2 g/L)
XAVIER ARCANE XV LE DIABLE 2015
Vintages # 526301 $39.95
Vin de France
'Almost 100% Mourvèdre from a parcel close to Vinsobres, the sensational 2015 Vin de France Arcane XV Le Diable had a threeweek maceration (Xavier prefers to get as much extraction as possible before alcoholic fermentation), and was aged mostly in small oak tanks and concrete. Blueberries, blackberries, peppery herbs and spice all flow from this layered, full-bodied beauty that has awesome purity, integrated acidity and plenty of structure. ' Drink date: 2018-2033. (XD - 4 g/L)
Score - 94 (Jeb Dunnuck, robertparker.com, Oct. 28, 2016)
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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 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.
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