The Feb 3 Jan 20 2024 LCBO Vintages Release has you covered for Valentine's Day Sparkling Wines. Best Buys this release include a choice of Chardonnays, Cab Sauvs and Malbecs in particular.
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Good wine doesn't have to be expensive! Get better value for your wine dollars with the recommendations below - and their 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
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Choose from 3 traditional method Sparkling recommendations:
LA MASCOTA BLANC DE NOIR SPARKLING 2022 Traditional method, Argentina Vintages #11806 $22.95 This is an elegant, well crafted, traditional Sparkling by all accounts. Look for pure fruit, toasty, bread notes, good acidity and balance. Enjoy on its own or with Fig Tarts with Blue Cheese and Candied Walnuts. (XD - 5 g/L)
BERNARD-MASSARD CUVÉE DE L'ÉCUSSON BRUT SPARKLING Traditional method, Luxembourg Vintages #970970 $21.95 We don't often see wine from Luxembourg on our shelves. Critics agree this offers good value rating high 80s to 90 points. Look for apple notes with citrus and lots of brioche from time spent on the lees. Lots of mentions of 'over delivers' and 'hits well above its price point'. This would show well in formal situations so enjoy with fancy appetizers on Champagne Crackers. (XD - 13 g/L)
CASTELL DE SANT PAU CAVA BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING Traditional method, DO, Spain Vintages #36065 $18.95 This is getting an enthusiastic reception whereever it goes it seems. You may not recognize the grape Trepat but it is used in Spanish Sparklings especially with Grenache, which is the other component of the blend. Look for a 'charming' blend with apricot, stone fruit and hints of strawberry. This would be a perfect pairing with Strawberry Chicken Tea Sandwiches. (XD - 11 g/L)
Cheap and Cheerful Wines
The white wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
TRAPICHE TESORO CHARDONNAY 2022 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #36014 $15.95 It is hard to go wrong with Uco Valley in Mendoza. This gets a 91 from Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com who describes creamy notes along with lemon peel and pineapple. Juicy, medium-bodied with a 'creamy, quite lengthy finish'. Enjoy with Super Easy Chicken in Vinegar Sauce. (XD - 6 g/L)
WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY 2022 Clare Valley/Limestone Coast, South Australia Vintages #711556 $16.95 James Suckling gives this a 91 and describes stone fruits on the nose and palate. Add in some nutty notes and a creamy texture. Probably best to pair with some soft cheeses given its 'vivid acidity'. (XD - 2 g/L)
VALLÉE LOIRE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Loire, France Vintages # 38011 $16.95 Touraine Sauvignon Blancs are one of my go to wines for light lunches or sipping with some light snacks. More subtle than a Sancerre or any New Zealand example, they still deliver the elegance and balance of a good French wine. Joe D'Angelo of internationalwinereport.com gives this a 91 and describes a mix of citrus and gooseberry with mineral hints. A clean palate with exotic fruit and 'lively' lime on the finish. This would be perfect for Salmon in Puff Pastry. (XD - 0 g/L)
The red wine winners in the 'cheap and cheerful' category this release:
There are 2 from Portugal - both scoring 90 with juicy dark fruit, some wood and spice. Full-bodied and firm but ready to drink. Enjoy either of these with a hearty winter stew. CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA 2019 Vinho Regional Lisboa Vintages #548867 $14.95 (D - 8 g/L) or REDE RESERVA 2018 DOC Douro Vintages #431262 $15.95 (XD - 5 g/L).
LA CROIX DE BEAULIAC CRÉATION CÔTES DU RHONE 2021 Rhone, France Vintages #35943 $14.95 This gets a 95 from Natalie Maclean in addition to the 94 from tastings.com. Look for tart cherry along with some graphite and savoury meaty notes. Tasting.com calls it Exceptional and a Best Buy. Enjoy with Easy Cassoulet. (XD - 4 g/L)
PUENTE AUSTRAL RESERVA PRIVADA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Valle de Colchagua, Chile Vintage #21960 $16.95 Previous vintages from this respected boutique winery score 90 consistently. All reviews agree on 'superb value' here. Look for generous red and black fruit, some herbal notes, chocolate and spice... all polished and integrated. Full-bodied and firm, enjoy with Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak. (XD - 3 g/L)
Good Value White Wine Recommendations
We are in luck! The good value white wine recommendation have a little bit of something for everyone. Choose from Torrontés, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio!
BODEGA EL PORVENIR DE CAFAYATE LABORUM FINCA EL RETIRO TORRONTÉS 2022 Salta, Argentina Vintages #489179 $18.95 Fans of Torrontés will want to know about this one from 70 year old vines. Tim Atkins gives it a 95 and describes a complex scented (floral) wine with great energy. Look for hints of tangerine and lemon peel. Enjoy with soft cheeses. (XD - 2 g/L)
MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY 2021 Aconcagua Costa, Chile Vintages #390203 $19.95 This gets a 92 from Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com who describes green apple with underlying vanilla and oak. A creamy palate with an acid backbone that makes for a 'refreshing, lengthy finish'. Enjoy with pasta in Fennel Cream Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2022 DOC Friuli, Italy Vintage # 707950 $19.95 Pinot Grigio fans may want to switch up their usual lineup to include this one. James Suckling gives it a 91 and describes floral notes with apple and lemon aromas. Medium bodied with citrus and savoury notes on the palate. Enjoy with Osso Buco Milanese with Gremolata.
VILLA MARIA EARTH GARDEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Marlborough, South Island, NZ Vintages # 24981 $20.95 Villa Maria is a trusted producer. Cameron Douglas, MS of camdouglasms.com gives this a 93 and describes a fairly pronounced floral bouquet with citrus, gooseberry, apples and herbs. Citrus and herbs carry to the smooth palate with saline and mineral notes adding complexity. Good breadth and length. Enjoy with Argentinian Grilled Shrimp Tacos with avocado and lime. (XD - 4 g/L)
Good Value Red Wine Recommendations
Argentina and Chile are offering some of the best values this release. You have multiple choices of Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons or Malbecs in particular.
LEYDA COASTAL VINEYARD LAS BRISAS PINOT NOIR 2022 DO Valle de Leyda, Chile Vintages #36006 $17.95 This is scoring 90ish among critics, with Joaquín Hidalgo of vinous.com giving it a high of 93. Leyda Valley is ideal for growing Pinot Noir with a long growing season tempered by fresh ocean breezes. Look for raspberry and cherry on the nose with hints of wet earth. The palate is fresh, leaning to tart with grippy, chalky tannins. Enjoy with Duck Risotto. (XD - 2 g/L)
Patagonia is an up and coming wine region, known for its cool weather freshness and acidity. Wines from Patagonia represent good value so you may want to consider:
SECRETO PATAGÓNICO REBEL PINOT NOIR 2022 Patagonia, Argentina Vintages #36015 $17.95 Tim Atkin gives it a 91 and describes it as a well-balanced Pinot with 'ethereal' peony notes along with strawberry and savoury tannins on its bright and refreshing palate. Enjoy with Sour Cherry Glazed Ribs. (XD - 0 g/L)
EMILIANA NOVAS STELLAR SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH/CARIGNAN 2021 DO Valle del Maule, Chile Vintages #35672 $17.95 Not many reviews on this one but James Suckling gives it a 94 and is generous in his praise of the fruit purity, cherries, herbs and the hint of stony graphite. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah/Carignan 48/33/19 with 'excellent drinkability'. (XD - 3 g/L)
SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 DO Valle del Maipo, Chile Vintages #37911 $19.95 This is scoring solidly in the 92-93 range among critics. Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl describes a Cabernet with fruity and earthy notes. Look for red and black fruit ,fine tannins and lively acidity keeping the palate fresh. Enjoy with charcuterie or Easy Beef Stroganoff. (XD - 4 g/L)
ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina Vintages #28078 $20.95 Another Cab scoring consistently in the low 90s. Zekun Shuai of jamessuckling.com describes a full-bodied wine with generous fresh, fruit on the palate and a 'succulent' finish. Tannins are fine and tight. Decant for an hour and drink now or hold through 2028. (XD - 3 g/L)
If you are in the mood for a California Cab consider SECRET CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Paso Robles, California Vintages #26825 $24.95 This is being well received among tasters. In California style, it is highly approachable with smooth blackberry and oaky, spice notes. Crafted to have broad appeal, enjoy with Red Wine Braised Beef. (XD - 5 g/L)
FINCA DECERO REMOLINOS VINEYARD MALBEC 2019 Mendoza, Argentina Vintges #247304 $22.95 This was ranked #23 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2022. MaryAnn Worobiec of winespectator.com gives this Best Buy a 92 and describes its firm structure as having plum and cherry flavors integrated with mineral and spice notes. A lively palate with chocolate on the finish. Enjoy with Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce. (XD - 2 g/L)
CATENA LUNLUNTA OLD VINES APPELLATION MALBEC 2021 Sustainable, Mendoza, Argentina Vintage #11769 $24.95 This is scoring solidly in the 90s. Luis Gutiérrez of robertparker.com gives it a 92. Here is what it has going for it - old vines with concentrated fruit; attention to detail in the winemaking (full malolactic fermentation); 6-8 months in oak, 40% of it new. The wine - full-bodied and smooth with berries and floral notes, sweet spices. It is fresh and balanced albeit a bit earthy and rustic. Plan to enjoy with food - think charcuterie or Pork Osso Buco. (XD - 4 g/L)
Premium Wines
LAN GRAN RESERVA 2016 DOCa Rioja, Spain Vintages #928622 $34.95 This was awarded 96 points from Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023. 97% Tempranillo, the notes describe it as enticing and complex. The nose has concentrated aromas of plum, clove and savoury spice. A 'delicious' palate with bright acidity, ripe tannins and a savoury suggesion of black olives. Enjoy now or hold though 2030. (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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