The Feb 17 2024 LCBO Vintages Release has a couple of Supertuscans of interest and a 'Baby' Brunello.
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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! Please leave a comment below so others can benefit. If you find another gem you would like people to know about add that too!
Sparkling Wine Recommendations
The Sparkling Wines <$ 40 this release are scoring in the 87/88 range so you are better to look for some of the good value ones from the Feb 3 2024 LCBO Vintages Release.
Fortified Wine Recommendations
GONZÁLEZ BYASS NECTAR PEDRO XIMÉNEZ DULCE SHERRY Spain, Vintages #87577 $26.95 This is to Spain what Sauternes is to Bordeaux. We don't see it often so I, for one, will be grabbing one or two of these. Treat it like a Port or Ice wine, although it is sweeter than both. John Szabo, MS of winealign.com gives it whopping 95 and calls it 'Outrageously concentrated, sweet,' with prune, honey, maple syrup. Almost syrupy but with excellent acidity to save it. 'Exceptional length'. This is perfect with Burnt Basque Cheesecake or salty nuts with blue cheese or old manchego. (S - 374 g/L) 750mL
Cheap and Cheerful Wines
There were no white wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release.
The red wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
INCAYAL CLAN MALBEC 2021 Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #32140 $16.95 This gets a 92 from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022. Notes indicate generous, 'plush' black fruit on the palate with lots of dark fruit and pepper on the nose. Drink now through 2030 with Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak. (XD - 2 g/L)
MICHELE CHIARLO LE ORME BARBERA D'ASTI 2021 Piedmont, Italy Vintages #265413 $16.95 This is always a reliable choice for an easy drinking pour. Jeff Porter of Wine Enthusiast gives it a 92 and notes aromas of plum, floral tones and a hint of spice. A fruity palate with tart cherry and herbal tones. Enjoy this with your favourite pizza.(XD - 4 g/L)
VALPANERA REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO 2022 Fruili, Italy Vintages #10080 $16.95 This is sitting solidly in the 90 range and represents excellent value. Louise Boutin of winecurrent.com gives it a 90 and describes an attractive nose of plum and berries which carry over to the juicy palate. Tannins are dusty. Enjoy with Eggplant Parmigiana. (XD - 3 g/L)
EL PETIT BONHOMME 2020 Jumilla, Spain Vintages #16578 $16.95 This gets a 90 from James Suckling who describes this monastrell, garnacha and syrah blend as fruity and juicy with dark fruit and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with 'sleek tannins', enjoy this with Boursin, Beet and Butternut Squash Tart.
Good Value White Wine Recommendations
There are only 14 white wines in this release. You may recognize the Sauvignon Blanc. The Lugana may be less familiar but it is a good example of the varietal so now is an excellent chance to expand your palate.
TOMMASI LE FORNACI LUGANA 2022 Veneto, Italy Vintages #23866 $19.95
From the Trebbiano grape, this is an aromatic wine known for green almond tones with pineapple and mandarin. This one gets a 91 from James Button of decanter.com who describes this one as 'gorgeous' having sweet, yellow fruit aromas and an intense palate that morphs the yellow fruit into citrus. Some smoky hints with underlying mineralty. Enjoy with Pork Scaloppini with Prosciutto, Sage and Caramelized Lemon. (XD - 5 g/L)
ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages #10421 $24.95 This its on many 'Top' wine list year after year. MaryAnn Worobiec of winespectator.com gives it a 95 and calls it stunning. She calls it fresh and vibrant with complex flavours ranging from green tea to lemon to fruity notes. It has a long finish with pepper and lemon notes. (XD - 2 g/L)
Good Value Red Wine Recommendations
TAGARO MANCINELLO NERO DI TROIA 2021 Puglia, Italy Vintages #22130 $17.95
The wines of Puglia are starting to be more common in North America. And good for us - they represent good value. If you are in the mood for a full-bodied Italian wine to go with a dish like Fennel and Sausage Pasta, then read on. Zekun Shuai of Jamessuckling.com gives this a 92 and describes cloves, smoky herbs and vanilla on the nose. The palate is showing juicy berries with smooth tannins. (D - 13 g/L)
SHANAHANS THE BARKING DOG GSM 2021 Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintages #20880 $18.95 This is scoring firmly in the 90s. It got 95 at the Australian Wine Showcase, Dec. 2022 This is a Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro blend with Grenache very much leading the way. Look for crunchy red fruit with hints of herbs and black cherry. Tannin and acids are all in balance and the finish is long and flavourful. (XD - 3 g/L)
COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT 2019 Columbia Valley, Washington ,USA Vintages #209874 $20.95 This scoring 90 consistently among respected critics. Eric Guido of vinous.com gives it 90 and calles it a spicy Merlot with blueberries and cloves on the nose, red fruit and cocoa on the palate. Good concentration with tobacco on the finish. Enjoy with Air Fryer Ribs With Spicy Blackberry Sauce. (XD - 5 g/L)
VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2022, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France Vintages # 534339 $20.95 From a top rated cru, Rod Philips gives this a 93 and describes an expressive nose, generous dark fruit on the palate with spices floating above. 'Assertive' acidity suggests it is best enjoyed with a meal such as Duck Risotto. (XD - 3 g/L)
DOÑA PAULA 1350 ALTITUDE SERIES RED 2020 Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #17382 $22.95 I copied all the location specifics because some of the best Malbecs come from Valle de Uco - and the higher up you go in altitude the fresher the wine. Gualtallary is the highest region in the Uco Valle. Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl gives this a 93 (Natalie Maclean gave it a 95) and describes violets and tart red fruit on the nose while the palate is silky with ripe fruit flavour. Good tension and freshness til the finish. (XD - 2 g/L)
CHÂTEAU FONTAINE DE L'AUBIER 2016 AC Médoc, France Vintages #35619 $22.95 From an excellent vintage, James Suckling calls it 'exciting stuff' and scores 92-93. Look for juicy blackberry and mushroom notes. Medium bodied and silky enjoy now through 2031 with Brie or Steak Diane. (XD - 3 g/L)
There are 3 Rhone GSM blends of note this release. Scores increase with the price and any would be a good bet.
CHÂTEAU DE MONTFAUCON LA CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 Vintages #13439 $21.95 Score 89-90 ish Look for raspberry, garrigue and mint on the nose. Red fruit on the palate with hints of tobacco and a spicy finish. (XD - 3 g/L)
LAVAU RASTEAU 2020 Vintages # 394650 $23.95 This gets a 90 from Kristen Bieler of winespectator.com. I find the Rastau Grenache blends to be earthy and tarry and this one is no exception. Look for a ripe, dark profile with smoky graphite tones. Tannins are 'burly'. Plan to enjoy this with something like Cassoulet. (XD - 4 g/L)
MICHEL GASSIER NOSTRE PAÏS 2020, Vintages #295410 $25.95 Jeb Dunnuck gives this a 91 and calls it 'smoking value' again this year. He describes a spicy nose with fruit, leather and dried flowers. The palate is more medium bodied with purity and elegance.
(XD - 3 g/L)
GREAT HEART RED BLEND 2020 Swartland, South Africa Vintages # $23.95 This Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (82/18) blend scores in the 90s year after year. Produced from old vines that are dry farmed for concentration. Look for cassis, plum, cloves and pepper. Still firm, you can enjoy now or through 2028. Pair with Sirloin Top Roast with Bordelaise Sauce. (XD - 3 g/L)
Querciabella Mongrana 2021 Tuscany, Italy Vintages #13653 $24.95 This Supertuscan (Sangiovese/Cab/Merlot) scores 93-94 year after year. James Suckling gives it a 93. He describes dark cherries and spice. Others report an attractive damp, saltiness as well. Tannins are polished and there is an acid seam on the finish. Pair with charcuterie or Braciole. (XD - 3 g/L)
CORTE PAVONE ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2021, Tuscany, Italy Vintages #550699 $28.95 If you don't want to pay the $67 for the Brunello in this release this is the next best thing. A 'Baby Brunello', look for plum and cherry on the round palate. Medium bodied and fruity with light tannnins enjoy with pecorino cheese or Mushroom Risotto With Vermouth. Score 91 from James Suckling who says it is delicious now. (XD - 4 g/L)
Premium Wines
EXPLORER SINGLE VINEYARD CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2022 Central Otago, South Island, NZ Vintages #19619 $31.95 There is a lot of enthusiasm for this Pinot among critics. It has layers of cherries, dried berries, herbs and a touch of earthiness. Some vanilla and clove. Elegant, well-balanced with a long finish. Drink now to 2029. Score 93 from Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz. (XD - 2 g/L)
SASSOREGALE PODERALTA MAREMMA TOSCANA RISERVA 2019 DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy Vintages #36305 $36.95 Another Supertuscan (Sangioveses/Cab/Merlot) and this one ageable. Scoring solidly in the low 90s, look for dark cherry, sweet tobacco, mint and a smoky finish according to Vintages notes. You can serve now after decanting ½ hour to an hour or cellar through 2033. (XD - 2 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 winetastings. 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 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!
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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