The August 10 & 24 LCBO Vintages Releases will both hit the shelves on Aug 24, hopefully signalling that we are back to business as usual. The Aug 24 2024 LCBO Vintages Release is studded with very good quality Sauvignon Blancs - from all around the world! There is a little something for everyone though so read on!
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!
Please leave a comment below so others can benefit!
Cheap And Cheerful
Cheap and Cheerful White Wine Winners:
CHÂTEAU DES PERLIGUES 2022 AC Graves, Bordeaux, France Vintages #38193 $14.95 This is the classic Bordeaux white blend of Semillon and Chardonnay. If you are a fan of Entre Deux Mers, then give this one a closer look. It has some tropical fruit tempered by aromas of fresh dill and lemon grass. Enjoy with Lemon Pepper Haddock Bites. Score - Gold (Concours International de Lyon, 2023) (XD - 2 g/L)
COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS 2023
Valles Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina Vintages # 357913 $15.95 From the world's highest vineyards - famous for Torrontés... this gets a 92 from James Suckling who describes attractive tropical fruites (mango, peach, apricot) along with some honeysuckle and spice. The palate has 'vivid' fruit and some texture. 'Very attractive'. Enjoy with Curried Cheese Spread with Chutney (XD - 2 g/L) 750mL
PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL CHARDONNAY 2023 South Australia Vintages #321943 $16.95 Penfolds is one of Australia's most respected wineries so give them some Chardonnay grapes and what's not to love? Look for pear, tangerine, honeysuckle, vanilla and spice. Enjoy now through 2025+ with Slow Cooker Pork Stroganoff.
(XD - 4 g/L)
ALVI'S DRIFT SIGNATURE RANGE CHENIN BLANC 2023 WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #21107 $14.95 Chenin Blanc is South Africa's signature white grape. For those not familiar it is comparable to Chardonnay in weight. This one has honey, lemon and peach on the nose that carry to the palate. Zippy acidy, with a long, clean finish with some tangy lime. Serve this with a charctuerie board of Brie, dried apricots and nuts. Score - Double Gold (Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, 2023) (XD - 4 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Rosé Wine Winners:
MEGALOMANIAC HOMEGROWN ROSÉ VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #639856 Normally $15.95 but currently reduced to $8.60. No tasting notes on this year's version but previous years suggest it is well received. Vintage notes say to look for ripe citrus, green apple and 'subtle' sweetness (despite the 19 g/L or residual sugar). Sip well chilled on its own or with Quick Pickled Shrimp appetizer.(M - 19 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Red Wine Winners:
LUIS GURPEGUI 147 ANIVERSARIO TEMPRANILLO 2021 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #37088 $14.95 This may well be the gem of the release- Bodega Luis Gurpegui decided to ferment and age their Tempranillo using the same techniques as Bordeaux-avoiding the leathery, smoky notes with less aging and more reserved oak. The result exceeded all expectations! Editors' Choice. Score - 94 Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast (XD - 3 g/L)
This dark-violet-colored wine has a bouquet of black currant, purple plum and juniper berry. Flavors of ripe cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, clove, cocoa powder and lavender are wrapped in a shroud of muscular tannins that power into a lengthy finish.
Mike DeSimone
PIEKENIERSKLOOF SIX HATS SHIRAZ 2022 WO Western Cape, South Africa Vintages #21193 $13.95 Louise Boutin of winecurrent.com gives this a 92 and calls it 'Exceptional Value!' It is generous with ripe black plum and fresh cinnamon on the nose. The palate is all about dark cherry and plum. Tannins are fine and polished and there is a hint of pepper on a lengthy finish. This is fruity and highly quaffable so grab some for those last summer BBQs. (XD - 3 g/L)
TAPIZ MALBEC 2021 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #36315 $14.95 Malbecs are such reliable good value choices I admit I start taking them for granted. This one gets a 92 from James Suckling who describes blackberries and violets with subtle spice. Tannins are powdery and dusty. Another easy pour. Enjoy with Ribs with Spicy Blackberry Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
DOMAINE LA DÉCELLE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VALRÉAS 2020 Rhone, France Vintages # 14391 $15.95 James Suckling gives this Grenache blend a 91 and describes a 'seductive' nose of dark fruit, olives, smoke along with herbs and spices. Full-bodied and 'deliciously savory' with pepper and sleek tannins. Enjoy this with a nice Marinated Flank Steak. (XD - 4 g/L)
THOMAS GOSS MCLAREN VALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #36238 $16.95 This gets a 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz who describes a rich nose of blackcurrant, olive and toasted almond. The palate is intensely fruity with fine-grained tannins and a persistent finish. Enjoy with Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak. (XD - 2 g/L)
Best Buy Sparkling Wines
WOLFBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Vintages #460832 $21.95
AC, Alsace, France, traditional method Crémants are usually very good value vs true Champagne. This one gets a 91 from Natalie Maclean and I would wager it is Riesling -based. Vintages notes describe it as clean and 'toasty' with lemongrass and lime notes. Dry and 'mouthwatering'. Enjoy it with Calamari, shrimp or scallops. (D - 10 g/L)
Best Buy White Wines
J. DE VILLEBOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 IGP Val de Loire, France Vintages #15774 $17.95. If Sancerre is not in your snack-bracket beyond special occasions then consider this the next best thing. From a renowned Sancerre producer, using grapes from other Loire regions - it doesn't get much closer than this. Rod Phillips gives it a 92 and describes a well-defined citrus core with bright acidity and vibrancy. Drink now to 2025 with Lemon Zucchini Risotto. (XD - 4 g/L)
If you can't find this one look for HENRI BOURGEOIS PETIT BOURGEOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Viintages #672345 (XD - 2 g/L) $17.95. It has similar characteristics but a long, mineral finish stands out here.
New Zealand, always a most reliable choice for Sauvignon Blanc, has 2 good value ones this release. HÃHÃ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Vintages #388363 $19.95 and WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Vintages #919514, $19.95 - both Marlborough, South Island, NZ, both XD and both scoring low 90s. The HÃHÃ has a bit more green apple profile with lemon notes while the WITHER HILLS is leaning toward the gooseberry profile. Both are lively and crisp and would go with any grilled seafood going!
ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #10421 $23.95 This is a perennial favourite that is a step up in complexity. Cameron Douglas, MS gives it a 93 and calls it 'balanced and vibrant'. Look for layers of herbs and minerality with apple and citrus notes, following by peach and tropical flavours. Enjoy along side Grilled Pineapple and Pecan Salad. (XD - 2 g/L)
If you want to spend a few dollars more VILLA MARIA TAYLORS PASS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 Vintages #13901 $24.95 is getting rave reviews! Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022 gives it a 95 who describe, "Expressive aromas of rich and ripe citrus fruit with baked peaches and apricots notes. Gentle oak on the palate, with a pleasant, lingering finish." (XD - 5 g/L)
"The 2021 Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc has lifted aromatics of
Villa Maria Winemaker's Notes
fresh garden peas and blackcurrants mingled with herbs such as coriander.
On the palate are concentrated flavours of jalapeño and lemongrass, with a
punchy finish of lime zest and a hint of gunflint.
EMMOLO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Solano County/Napa County Vintages #96016 $24.95 This gets a 90 from MaryAnn Worobiec of winespectator.com who describes it as a 'Smart Buy', elegant and fresh with lemon and ginger notes. (XD - 4 g/L)
Other Whites
RABL LÖSS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2022 Langenlois, DAC Kamptal, Austria Vintages #295709 $17.95 This is a delightful Grüner Veltliner from an area that has worked very hard to get its DAC designation. Look for starfruit and green apples with hints of asparagus. The characteristic spiciness is from hints of white pepper. Serve it picnic style with Chicken Salad Sandwiches. (XD - 4 g/L)
PERICA OLAGOSA BARREL FERMENTED WHITE BLEND 2022 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages # 37633 $17.95 A white Rioja can be a delightful thing! This is a blend of 95% Viura and 5% Malvasia. Viurua is one of the main grapes used in Cava. This one has creamy vanilla and marzipan notes leading to dried lemon. Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com gives it a 92 and notes a texured, yet fresh palate with a long, creamy finish. This would be great with Copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad. (XD - 2 g/L)
FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages # 519025 $18.95 If you like Thai or Chinese food then you may want to check this one out because the off-dry fruity, floral notes will pair beautifully here. Gewürztraminer is a very specific grape that can appeal to people who prefer a bit more perceived sweetness in their wine. Or you may have a broad palate and enjoy wines of varying profiles. This one has the characteristic rose petal floral notes with lychee, rosewater, tropical fruit, grapefruit and ginger. Enjoy with Lemoncello Chicken. (D- 11 g/L)
LAWSON'S DRY HILLS PINOT GRIS 2022 Marlborough, South Island NZ Vintages #415158 $18.95 Pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio but you would never guess it since the winemaking techniques take it in such a different directions. Pinot Gris tends to feel off-dry with stonefruits in the front seat and a nice seam of citrus acidity in the back seat. This one was tank-fermented to preserve the fruit and lees-aged to add a bit of complexity. Look for light citrus notes under peach and gently spice according to michaelcooper.co.nz who gives this ⅘ stars. He also calls out balanced acidity and a very 'harmonious' finish - all hallmarks of a well made wine. This would be perfect for a lunch of Summer Corn Quiche and a green salad. (XD - 6 g/L)
FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #68015 $19.95 This is another perennial favourite from one of Ontarios top Chardonnay producers. Vintage notes call it ripe and plush, bright and refreshing with orchard fuit and cool climate minerality. Enjoy it with One Pot Pasta with Mushroom White Wine Sauce . (XD - 3 g/L)
CÀ MAIOL LUGANA 2023 Lugana, Italy Vintages #36686 $19.95 Lugana may not be familiar to many. It isn't always on our shelves and seldom on a wine list in these parts ... our loss. It is a very small region in Italy's lake region that grows the Turbiana grape almost exclusively. Young Luganas, like this one, have floral aromatics, peach or lemon notes. The hallmarks are some bitter almond notes (that turn to hazelnut with age) and a seam of salinity from the dense soil and light clay that cover a bed of mineral-rich moraine. Enjoy it while you can get it with Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus and Hazelnuts. (D - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Rosé Wines
LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ 2023 IGP Coteaux de Béziers, France Vintages #20012 $17.95 This Cinsault/Grenache blend gets a 91 from Tim Atkins. Look for wild strawberry along with delicate floral and citrus notes. Balanced with soft minerality and 'refreshing acidity' in a silky, smooth package. Enjoy with Salmon with Citrus Cream. (XD - 4 g/L)
MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2023 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON Canada Vintages #498535 $21.95 This dry, 100% Pinot Noir gets a 91 from Natalie Maclean. Look for ripe strawberry, fruity watermelon and grapefruit with 'zippy' acidity. This sounds like a match made in heaven with Strawberry Balsamic Crostini. (XD - 2 g/L) 750mL
SOHO WHITE COLLECTION HARRY ROSÉ 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #19545 $21.95 This gets a 95 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz who calls it immediately appealing with watermelon, apricot and lemon zest. Juicy and elegant and delicious with light texture and bright acidity. (XD - 4 g/L)
Best Buy Red Wines
SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ 2021 McLaren Vale/Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia Vintages #269464 $17.95 Sister's Run ... enough said as far as good value goes. Their focus on this value range in unwaivering so you can feel confident in any Sister's Run selection. This one gets a 94 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz who describes it as 'Opulent an engaging'. Look for rich dark fruit, cocoa, spice and toast oak. The palate is concentrated with layers of fine tannins. Enjoy with Pork Osso Buco. (XD - 3 g/L)
VIÑA CERRADA RESERVA 2018 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vitages #37558 $18.95 From the iconic Ugalde producer, this gets a 93 from Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast. (Pause here to compare this with the 94 Mike gave the Luis Gurpegui at $14.95). Notwithstanding, this is still good value for a well made Rioja that is showing the classic cherry preserves, chocolate and truffles. Some hints of coffee, orange zest and violets on the palate too. Tannins are polished. Enjoy this with charcuterie or Tapas Meatballs. (XD - 4 g/L)
WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Limestone Coast/Clare Valley, South Australia Vintages #744235 $19.95 There is no question about the quality of Wakefield Estate and this one is widely recognized as a 'Best Buy'. It gets a 93 from tastings.com who describe cherries on the nose and palate along with raspberry, mint and pecans.
(XD - 3 g/L)
Lapis Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Lodi, California USA Vintages #17809 $19.95 This will be a classic California Cab, bold on entry with lots of ripe fruit, cassis, coffee and chocolate, and big on the finish. Crafted to please, this will be pleasant on its own or with Beer Can Stuffed Burgers. (d-7/gl)
RICASOLI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages # 3962 $23.95 Sounds like a classic Chianti (no pun intended) with raspberries, herbal notes and dried cherries. Throw in some bonus notes of chocolate, cinnamon and peppermint. This swould be perfect with Duck Ragu. Score - 93 Raffaele Vecchione, winescritic.com (XD - 3 g/L)
Premium Wines
CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHAIGNEAU 2016 AC Lalande de Pomerol, France Vintages #38268 $36.95 Pomerol is one of the most prestigious regions in Bordeaux famous, for its powerful Merlot. 2016 was an excellent year for Bordeaux and Pomerol in particular. This is an entry level Pomerol. I was a little concerned why it is so affordable but it is scoring solidly in the low 90s. We rarely see something under $40 on our shelves so this is a great opportunity if you are looking to expand your palate and/or explore famous regions. James Suckling gives this a 93 and describes it as 'Impressive' with attractive, rich plum on the nose and palate. 'Energetic' fruit with long, polished tannins. Pomerols typically are very cellar-worthy so I was surprised I couldn't see any cellaring ranges on this one in particular. It is highly drinkable now and I would guess you would be safe to cellar to at least 2026. This deserves Chateaubriand! (XD - 3 g/L)
Some of the best, if not the best, Merlot in the world comes from Pomerol. Lush and plush with silky tannins, floral nuances and a mix of meatiness and chocolate notes with age.
Madeline Puckette, Wine Folly
For anyone who's not drinking Merlot, let this appellation change your mind.
Cellar Suggestions
CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2021 AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Vitages #140483 $22.95
Another selection from a very respected appellation. This gets a 90 from Roger Voss who calls it 'rich, full of tannins and...fine black fruits.' Balanced with structure designed to age. He recommends drinking from 2026 (but if you can't wait, decant for an hour before). Enjoy with Steak with Peppercorn Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
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 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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