Dec 16 2023 LCBO Vintages Release -Wine Recommendations <$40

The Dec 16 2023 LCBO Vintages Release includes #29 on The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2023 for $22.95 so Sauvignon Blanc fans are in for a treat.

Rhone fans also have lots to look forward to with some gems from both Southern and Northern Rhone. Lots of Malbecs to choose from and check out the Crémant de Bourgogne that is the best James Suckling believes he has ever tasted!

Jump to:

• What are LCBO Vintages Releases?
• Why You Want My Recommendations!
• Your Chance to be a Wine Critic...
• Fortified Wine Recommendations
• Sparkling Wine Recommendations
• Cheap and Cheerful Wines
• Good Value White Wine Recommendations
• Good Value Red Wine Recommendations
• Premium Wine Recommendations
• Cellar Suggestions

What are LCBO Vintages Releases?

Every two weeks the Liquor Control Board of Ontario 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. And the best value wines tend to go fast!

To make it easy for you, Ontario residents can click on the wine title and it will take you to that specific wine. From there, you can select your store and it will tell you how many your store has in stock or how many can be ordered in. If you are striking out there you can check for availability in a store near to you or anywhere in Ontario. I have been known to recruit friends and family in far corners of the province to pick up wine for me! (Thanks - you know who you are!)

For folks outside of Ontario, these wines are available world wide so you can search for them in your local outlets.

Why You Want My Recommendations!

I firmly believe good wine doesn't have to be expensive. If you wander around the store looking at labels, maybe a few scores displayed on the tags or just default to an American wine off the shelf- I can help you get better value for your wine dollars!

There are lots of wines scoring 90 and above in the regular LCBO Vintages releases. I use my experience as an LCBO approved media taster and my knowledge of regions and producers to highlight good value wines. I have the opportunity to taste wines from all over the word as showcased in industry Master Classes and winetastings. As you build up experience you get to know which producers in which wine regions are reliable bets for your wine purchases. You can see more about my experience and qualifications here.

Sometimes I highlight what I call 'cheap and cheerful' wines. These 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 week night 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!

The Best Buy wines I recommend tend to be in the $20-$30ish range. These are wines that score 90 or above. I research the reviews, I know the styles of the reviewers and I can sort out which wines are scoring consistently in the 90 + range and it's not some outlier of a score. 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.

Sometimes recommended 'Best Buys' are wines without a score. They are wines that I know come from consistent, highly regarded producers or up and coming regions that are showing well.

Premium Wine recommendations are edging up on my $40 limit. These may be wines at the 'entry' level of prestigious regions or producers. They may be cellar worthy and they will be wines that you want to pay attention to when you serve them to ensure you appreciate their complexities!

Why stop at $40? It is a rather arbitrary level, but if you are spending more then $40 routinely on a bottle of wine then you are probably doing your own research and are involved in various wine endeavours and communities.

Your Chance to be a Wine Critic...

If you try a recommended wine - this is your chance to be a critic! Please share your comments so others can benefit! If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!

Fortified Wine Recommendations

HIDALGO FARAON OLOROSO SHERRY DOP Spain Vintages # 471078 $23.95 If there is a Sherry lover in your life or maybe you like to cook with Sherry... consider this. It gets a 92 from James Molesworth of winespectator.com who describes brown butter, some ginger and hazelnuts and a hit of salted caramel on the finish. Serve it as an aperatif with soft cheeses and nuts or after dinner with Burnt Basque Cheesecake (XD - 3 g/L) 500mL

Sparkling Wine Recommendations

GRAN BARÓN BRUT RESERVA CAVA 2020 Traditional method, DO, Spain Vintages #16836 $17.95 This is nudging 88/89 score-wise and all agree it is a well made, good value Sparkling. Look for a bright and lively pour with citrus and pineapple tang. Enjoy with Quick Pickled Shrimp. (D - 11 g/L)

FLAT ROCK TWISTED SPARKLING 2021 Charmat method, VQA Ontario, Canada Vintages #14421 $19.95 This is scoring 88-90 in the review community but all agree it is very good value at $20. The 2021 won Bronze at the National Wine Awards of Canada. It borders on off-dry. Look for zesty citrus, good balance and decent weight and length. Enjoy on its own or with pastry appetizers. (D - 10 g/L)

CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ GIERSBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France Vintages # 183624 $22.95 This scored 90 at Decanter World Wine Awards, 2019 and is widely considered to be good value. 70% Pinot Blanc, 30% Auxerrois, it has floral notes on the nose with green apple. The palate is 'juicy', medium bodied and has good length. This could easily grace your holiday table for turkey or ham. (D - 9 g/L)

MONTGERMONT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, AP, Burgundy, France Vintages # $28.95. This is getting rave reviews among critics, with some saying it would show well in a blind tasting with Champagne. James Suckling says 'I can't remember ever tasting a Cremant de Bourgogne this good...' He gives it a 94 and describes a classic Pinot Noir nose with raspberry, lemon and almond. Balanced, with a creamy mousse and a 'joyful' freshness.Enjoy this for toasting or with Duck with Cherry Port sauce. (XD - 11 g/L)

Cheap and Cheerful Wines

The white wine winner in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:

LE BONHEUR CHARDONNAY 2022 WO Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintages #20970 $17.95 James Suckling gives this a 91 and describes green apple/lime and crushed stone aromas. Medium to full bodied with a lively, fruity, creamy texture. Consider this for the holiday dinner table or with Apple Cheddar Tart appetizers. (XD - 2 g/L)

The red wine winner in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:

DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 Rhone, France Vintages #224915 $15.95 Oh my goodness... what is not to like here? A classic Southern Rhone Grenache blend from a good producer (Rhone-Villages is step above just a Rhone designation). This is being received with enthusiasm among critics. Michael Godel of winealign.com gives it a 91 and describes 'massive fruit' with some minerality mid palate. The fruitiness may suggest some perceived sweetness but it is in harmony with the structure. You may want to stock up on this one! Enjoy with Sour Cherry Glazed Ribs. (XD - 5 g/L)

Good Value White Wine Recommendations

MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON, Canada Vintages #67587 $19.95 This scored 92 at The National Wine Awards of Canada 2023 and is scoring consistently in the low 90s among critics. Notes say it is 'laser focused' with concentrated fruit, minerality and 'superb freshness'. Bordering on dry/off-dry this would go perfectly with a turkey dinner or Creamy Seafood Pasta. (D - 16 g/L)

TRIUS DISTINCTION BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON Canada Vintages #251470 $19.95 Critics emphasize that this is the product of quality fruit selection and time on the lees and oak treatment. This lends complexity to it well above its price point. Look for toasty apple and lemon with wood spice and 'buttery richness'. Another candidate for a turkey holiday dinner or Ginger Crusted Roast Pork with Maple Mustard Sauce. This will continue to evolve for 5 years+. (XD - 3 g/L)

INVIVO X, BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #14278 $22.95 More proof that good wine doesn't have to be expensive.... this ranks #29 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2023. ** Correction** it was the 2022 vintage not the 23.** Sam Kim of
wineorbit.co.nz gives it a 94 and describes a pronounced nose of passionfruit, fig and lime. The juicy palate has excellent weight, refreshing acidity and persistency. Enjoy with Salmon in Puff Pastry with Lime Cream.(XD - 6 g/L)

TWO RIVERS CONVERGENCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #277707 $22.95. This one gets a 95 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. He uses superlatives like brilliant, beautiful and impressive to describe lime and jasmine aromas leading to beautiful fruity palate that is well structured, mouth-watering acidity and a hint of saline. Enjoy with steamed mussels or Salmon with Citrus Cream. (XD - 4 g/L)

CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT WHITE 2021 AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France Vintages #485854 $29.95 This is getting high praise from critics. Jeb Dunnock gives it a 95 and calls it a 'knockout' bottle of white. Roussanne dominant with 25% Viognier and 15 Grenache Blanc, it is medium bodied with honeyed floral notes, lemon and toasty spices on the nose. Well balances with a 'gorgeous finish'. Enjoy now or over the next 3-5 years with Italian Milk Braised Pork with Fennel. (XD - 2 g/L)

If you are a fan of Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc from the Sancerre region of the Loire) then you are in luck this release. Coming in just under our $40 limit is ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE 2022 AC Sancerre, Loire France Vintages # 82255 $39.95 which critics agree show all the characteristics of a Sancerre - freshness, hints of salinity and minerality all in elegant balance. If you can't find this one you can get the same Loire mineral character from JEAN PABIOT ET FILS DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2022 Vintages # 695908 $34.95.

Good Value Red Wine Recommendations

FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC 2021 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #261867 $17.95 Look for aromas of plum and violets with some peppery strawberry and barrel spice. The palate is 'indulgent' with good weight and a velvety mouthfeel. Overall it is bold, full-bodied and over delivers according to Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com who gave it a 92. Enjoy with your winter stew. (XD - 2 g/L).

It is hard to go too far wrong with an Argetinian Malbec so if that is not available look for INDOMABLE BLEND DE MALBEC 2021 Vintages #31972 $18.95 that got a 96 from Decanter World Wine Awards (XD - 3 g/L).

Or consider SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2021 Vintages #79798 $20.95 (XD - 3 g/L) It gets a 94 from Tim Atkin in his Argentina Special Report 2023. He describes blue and black fruit with some stony minerality and 'plenty of zip and palate length'.

HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021, Rhone, France Vintages #276956 $18.95 This shows well year after year and Jeb Dunnuck predicts 'outstanding potential' based on his barrel tasting. Another Grenache dominant Rhone blend with lots of spicy fruit and the ' fresher, elegant, pretty style of the vintage.' Enjoy with Beef Bourguignon. (XD - 5 g/L)

MONTO ZOVO SA'SOLIN DOPPIO SASSO ROSSO VERONESE 2016 IGT Verona Vintages #32695 $18.95 This full-bodied, smooth red has a fan following that appreciates the fruit concentration year after year. Look for aromas of blueberry and fig with black pepper with cherry, strawberry and oak on the palate. Enjoy with pasta with Red Wine Pasta Sauce. (D - 13 g/L)

13TH STREET EXPRESSION SERIES CABERNET/MERLOT 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON Canada Vintages #18880 $19.95 This won Silver at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2022 and a 90 score. Michael Godel of winealign.com describes smoked meat, gaminess and black fruit aromas. A serious red where the 'Quality fruit and winemaking are more than obvious.' This is probably best enjoyed with food such as Classic French Short Ribs. (XD - 2 g/L)

CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS COEUR DE GRANIT 2022 Beaujolais, France Vintages #559898 $22.95 Chénas is considered one of the lightest of the Beaujolais Crus. This would be a great choice to offer red wine drinkers at the turkey dinner table. According to Vintages notes it offers fruit intensity with 'snappy acidity' to cut through the turkey dressing and gravy. Score - Gold (Concours International du Gamay,
2023) (XD - 3 g/L)

VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION CABERNET 2020 Bo-Teek Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment, On Canada Vintages #173609 $24.95 This has a complex nose of fresh red fruit, savoury herbs and spices with minerality and floral rosy notes. The palate is redolent with black currant and mulberry. Tannins are very much in play here so be sure to use your favourite aeration tool and decant for a few hours. This is a big wine so plan to enjoy with protein rich food such as Sirloin Top Roast. Vic Harradine of winecurrent.com gives this a 95 and calls it 'Exceptional Value'.(XD - 2 g/L)

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2021 Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintages #377036 $24.95 Wakefield is always a reliable choice and the Jaraman series is another quality indicator. Ray Jordan of winepilot.com gives it a 95 and describes black fruit and dark plum with some minty notes and fine chalky tannins. Pair with Australian Sausage Roll appetizers or a steak. (XD - 4 g/L)

MASI TOAR VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2020 Veneto, Italy Vintages #342444 $26.95 This blend varies from the traditional by adding Oseleta to the Corvina, Rondinella mix instead of the more common Molinara. This adds weight to the blend although it is still medium-bodied. Look for smooth tannins and meaty notes with cocoa. Enjoy with charcuterie or Braciole. (XD - 3 g/L)

IRONY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 North Coast, California, USA Vintages #25106 $24.95 This has broad appeal with Natalie Maclean giving it a 90 and calling it 'easy to love'. Look for a rich palate with black currant, chocolate and spicy oak. Enjoy with Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu. (XD - 4 g/L)

CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT 2020, AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France Vintage #736876 $29.95 This is just coming in to its own in 2023 according to Jeb Dunnuck who gives it a 94. It is 85% Syrah with Grenache and a splash of Mourvedre making up the rest. He describes generous blue fruit with lots of smoky game and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly integrated with soft tannins. He predicts it will continue to evolve through 2033. Enjoy with Spicy Black Pepper Beef. (XD - 2 g/L)

Premium Wine Recommendations

CHÂTEAU DE MONTFAUCON BARON LOUIS LIRAC 2018 AP Lirac, Rhone, France Vintages #13438 $32.95 This won a place in Matt Walls 21 Best Value Southern Rhone Top Buys of 2018. Matt Walls of decanter.com gives this a 92 and describes this full-bodied blend of Grenache Noir (50%), Cinsault (15%), Syrah (15%), Carignan (10%), Mourvèdre (10%) as a very savoury style with pepper and juniper; well balanced with a long finish. Power and tension with just ripe tannins. Attention to detail in the making - hand picked and destemmed; 80% spending a year in 1-2 year old barrels, then a year in concrete and another year in the bottle. Drink now through 2028. (XD - 3 g/L)

Cellar Suggestions

CHÂTEAU HYOT 2020 AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France Vintages #63537 $15.95 This is one of the best regions for producing good quality Bordeaux wines without the price tag of nearby Saint-Émilion. Chateau Hyot scores low 90s year after year - once it is ready. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast gives this a 92 and describes good weight and fruit that point to potential richness. Seems like a good risk to me... Stock up and drink from 2025. (XD - 4 g/L) H

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2020 IGT Toscana Vintages #727636 $34.95 This is scoring low 90s solidly with James Suckling giving it a high of 93. This is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. All agree it is a seductive wine that shows juicy cherry on a palate layered with herbal and salty notes. Some tobacco and earthy notes as well. Drink from 2025 with Osso Buco Milanese. (XD - 4 g/L)

CHÂTEAU LA CROIX MAZERAN 2019 AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux France Vintages #35346 $32.95 (XD - 3 g/L) This Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend also gets a 92 from Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast who describes subtle aromas of black currant and a palate with juicy acidity and a bold structure. Drink from 2025. (See what I mean? $15.95 vs $32.95 and they both scored 92 from the same critic. I do believe the Saint-Émilion will be somewhat more elegant and refined than the Castillon but you can decide if it is worth the difference.)