The Nov 30 2024 LCBO Vintages Release includes # 10 from The Wine Spectators Top 10 Value wines of 2023. Italian wines shine in particular this release along with a holiday-focused selection of classic sweet wines.
Good 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!
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Cheap And Cheerful
With the seasonal emphasis on premium wines, nothing to report under Cheap And Cheerful this release.
Best Buy Sweet Wines
ANSELMANN ORTEGA BEERENAUSLESE 2022 Vintages #30597 $23.95 Prädikatswein This is the German typical sweet wine, in the same vein as a Sauterne or the Tokaji below. Lush and sweet with floral and citrus notes. Serve this with Burnt Basque Cheesecake or other sweets for dessert.
Score - Gold (Berliner Wein Trophy, 2023) (S - 132 g/L) 375mL
PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 2016 Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary Vintages #47209 $31.75 This famous sweet wine is only made when conditions are ripe for the development of Botrytis. It is hard to describe the botrytis affect but once you get to know it - you will recognize it at 50 paces. A touch of botrytis adds complexity and a counterpoint to any wine affected. This would be great with pâté or a charcuterie with blue cheese or mango Stilton. This isn't always available so it is a real treat when it is! (S - 138 g/L) 500mL
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
HOLA MEDITERRÁNEO ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING Vintages #39814 $17.95 Catalonia, Spain, Charmat method, vegan No reviews per se to go on with this one but I know Catalonia and Spain are talented Sparkling winemakers. This one is not traditional method, rather it has been fermented in steel tanks. From 100% Chardonnay, look for ripe pear and tropical fruit with some bread/almond notes. Great to sip on its own or serve with brunch or Turkey Vol au Vent. (D - 10 g/L)
GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING Vintages #175588 $21.95 WO Western Cape, South Africa, traditional method This is arguably the best value bubbly in the release, earning a 92 from John Szabo, MS of winealign.com. Look for cherry/strawberry notes from the Pinot. Clean, dry, balanced with 'toasty complexity'. Enjoy with all your holiday toasts, meals or party foods. (XD - 7 g/L) 750mL
DE BERNARD BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE 2023 Vintages #39645 $22.95 Italy A classic Prosecco from Glera grapes predominantly, showing gentle tropical fruit with clean, bright acidity. Perfect for all your holiday needs.
Score - 92 Rod Phillips (XD - 9 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
MOUNTADAM FIVE-FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2021 Eden Valley, South Australia 22984 $18.95 From one of Australia's cool climate areas, this gets a 92 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. Look for ripe stone fruit, apple and some almond notes. Smooth with well-balanced acidity. This would make a great Holiday turkey wine! (XD - 3 g/L)
REDSTONE CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula, On Canada Vintages #398966 $19.95 This is scoring 90 consistently among reviewers. Vintages notes call it balanced with some rich apple, pear, apricot, spicy and nutty notes. A hint of minerality balances the richness. Another good choice for a turkey with all the holiday trimmings. (XD - 3 g/L)
VENTISQUERO GREY GLACIER SINGLE BLOCK LONGOMILLA VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 DO Valle de Atacama, Chile Vintages #17461 $20.95 This is scoring 92/93 among reviewers. Tim Atkin describes it as tangy and intense with lemongrass and pink grapefruit. A hint of wood and a 'mouth-watering finish' round out the picture. (XD - 2 g/L)
PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT GRIS 2023 Wairarapa, North Island, NZ Vintages #555516 $21.95 If your holiday dinner has a touch of sweetness in the sides or dressing this might be a good choice to grace your table. It gets a 92 from Cameron Douglas, MS of camdouglasms.com, who describes sweet green pears, apple, quince and honeysuckle. Some texture from the lees adds a bit of weight and complexity. Well made with good acidity. (XD - 4 g/L)
EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2022 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #482984 $27.95 El Enemigo is becoming a fixture on the Top 100 lists of various reviewers, no matter the varietal. This gets a 96 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com who describes an impressive combination of fruit and saline minerality. Look for apple, wet stones and hints of oak spice. Bright acidity and a lengthy finish round out the profile. Another contender for your holiday turkey dinner. (XD - 2 g/L)
GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #164228 $28.95 Last year's 2022 vintage ranked #10 on The Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023. While this year's vintage didn't make it onto the list it is still scoring consistently in the mid to high 90s among reviewers. (96 from Natalie Maclean) Look for fruity gooseberry offset by lemongrass. Clean with a lingering finish and balanced acidity. Enjoy with calamari or seafood off the grill. (XD - 4 g/L)
If you can't find the Greywacke, VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 Vintages #447474 $26.95 is of similar value.
DOMAINE CHÂTELAIN LES CHAILLOUX SILEX POUILLY-FUMÉ 2023, Loire France Vintages #106690 $31.95 If you are in the mood for the elegance of classic French Sauvignon Blanc then this one's for you. Look for bright mineral notes with a hint of white pepper and mint. Perfect for seafood. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION 2021 AP Costières de Nîmes, France Vintages #143099 $17.95 This will be an easy-drinking wine for a cold winter night. It gets a 91 from James Suckling who describes cherries, licorice, herbs and species on the nose. Lots of dark cherries and herbs follow to the palate. Plan to enjoy with stew or a roast. (XD - 4 g/L)
TAGARO CINQUENOCI PRIMITIVO 2021 IGP Puglia, Italy Vintages #39121 $17.95 This is being well-received by various critics. Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com gives it a 92 and describes sweet spices with dried fruit, cloves and herbs on the nose. The palate is a bit tight but well-structured with creamy tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Highly quaffable! Enjoy with Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu Sauce. (XD - 11 g/L)
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LOVE SYMBOL GRENACHE 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #668582 $18.95 Ray Jordan of winepilot.com gives this a 94 and calls it 'totally captivating'. Look for an aromatic nose of roses and strawberries. The fruity palate has some hints of oak. (XD - 2 g/L)
BEC HARDY GARDEN SERIES CLARE VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Clare Valley, South Australia Vintages #40126 $18.95 MaryAnn Worobiec of winespectator.com gives this a 91 and describes a chocolate, cherry and espresso core with some earthy notes and herbs. Polished tannins and a long, lingering finish make for a satisfying pour. Enjoy with Red Wine Braised Beef. (XD - 2 g/L)
FAMILLE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR 2021 IGP Côtes Catalanes, Spain Vintages #354191 $19.95 Grenache is to Catalonia as Tempranillo is to Rioja so if you are a Grenache fan, this one's for you. Look for red plums, some floral notes and spice. Some light tannins on a palate of dried strawberries. Score - 91 Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com (XD - 6 g/L)
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2021 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #50849 $20.95 Kaiken is another staple of Top 100 wine lists and Kaiken Ultra promises a little something extra at that. This gets a 93 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com. He describes graphite, tobacco, minerals and spice on layers of fruit. The palate is fresh and complex with dusty tannins and a focused, lengthy finish. (XD - 2 g/L)
FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2021 Rhone, France Vintages #566844 $21.95 This poor man's Chateauneuf du Pape gets a 91 from James Suckling. Look for aromas of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and spice. The palate is medium-bodied and silky with bright red fruit. Finish is refreshing. (XD - 3 g/L)
CHÂTEAU RAMAGE LA BATISSE 2016 AC Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France Vintages #41286 $23.95 A classic Bordeaux here with red plum and floral notes on the nose. The plump, juicy palate has abundant peony, rose, cherry and vanilla notes. Tannins are well-woven and the finish is respectable. Enjoy with Roast with Bordelaise Sauce. (XD - 0 g/L)
TORNATORE ETNA ROSSO 2020 Sicily, Italy Vintages #487090 $26.95 Fans of Nerello Mascalese look forward to each year's release of this reliable favourite. Eric Guido of vinous.com gives this a 92 and describes it as 'remarkably pretty'. Initial impressions are dusty roses and strawberries followed by violet and lavender. The palate is silky with red fruits contrasted with hints of sour citrus and spice. The finish 'lingers incredibly' yet remains fresh. Enjoy with Braciole.
(XD - 2 g/L)
RAMÓN BILBAO GRAN RESERVA TEMPRANILLO 2015 Rioja, Spain Vintages #244715 $26.95 Another Rioja where the aging has been done for us! This gets a 94 from Mike DeSimone of Wine Enthusiast who describes raspberry, sage and butterscotch aromas. A firm frame of tannins surrounds blackberry, fig nutmeg, clove and chocolate tones. (XD - 5 g/L)
Premium Red Wines
LA VITE LUCENTE 2022 IGT Toscana, Italy Vintages #747030 $32.95 This is the little sister to the famous Super Tuscan 'Luce' that retails in the 3-digit echelon. But, it certainly holds its own if you are looking for an elegant Italian wine. The palate is 'succulent' and creamy with ripe black fruit under hints of chocolate and cedar. Compact with good length and balance. Drink or hold for another 10 years. (XD - 3 g/L)
VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #953828 $37.95 This is getting high praise and 90-94 scores among critics. It was actually ranked #5 on The Wine Spectator's Top 10 Values of 2023. From an excellent producer in an excellent vintage, look for chocolate and cherry on the nose with tomato leaf and earthy notes. The cherry and chocolate carry to the palate where they are joined by vanilla and strawberry. Tannins and acid create a balanced framework. (XD - 2 g/L)
Vinous Score 92
Antonio Galloni, August 2023
The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute joy. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and mint are all beautifully delineated in a vibrant, mid-weight Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. This is a fine showing.
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Cellar Suggestions
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #930966 $24.95 This is a quality Chianti at a very reasonable price. It gets a 92 from Bruce Sanderson of winespectator.com. Look for earthy, leathery and eucalyptus notes over the cherry and plum core. Acidity keeps the palate fresh -' outstanding balance and length'. Drink 2026-2040 (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.
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