WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the January 10, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the January 10, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Smart Buys (but only 22 wines), Portugal

TOP Wines UNDER $20 for the release.
=================
+46399 EL ESTECO BLEND DE EXTREMOS TORRONTÉS 2024 ARGENTINA $18.95
+19345 13TH STREET EXPRESSION SERIES RIESLING 2024 VQA $19.95
+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER 2023 LANGUEDOC
$16.95
+47327 LE GARENNE CHENIN BLANC 2024 LOIRE $18.95
+31380 MADRE BECCO REALE BIO PECORINO 2024 ABRUZZO
$16.95 
+465880 RAPAURA SPRINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $19.95
+45094 LAVRADORES DE FEITORIA TREPADEIRA WHITE 2023 PORTUGAL $13.95
+13356 BRUCE JACK CHENIN BLANC 2024 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95  
+44787 SIERRA NORTE FUENTESECA MACABEO/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 SPAIN $14.95
 

+46403 LOS CLOP SUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 ARGENTINA $14.95
+45379 THOMPSON STEER LIMESTONE COAST SHIRAZ 2021 AUSTRALIA $17.95
+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2023 VQA $19.95
+44675 LA JUNTA AMIGO PERRO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 CHILE $15.95
+13434 ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 CHILE $17.95
+31694 LA ROSELIÈRE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES LAUDUN 2022 $19.95
+44463 CHÂTEAU LAUR CAHORS 2021 $16.95
+32534 PIETRAME EDIZIONE LIMITATA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $15.95
+18783 LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2024 PORTUGAL $14.95
+31183 CASTELLO D'ALBA RESERVA 2022 PORTUGAL $18.95
+26250 PROVOLO VALPOLICELLA 2023 $15.95
+45409 SANTOS & SEIXO PERSPECTIVA RESERVA RED 2020 PORTUGAL $13.95
+28606 CABRAL SELEÇÃO 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
+45093 RAVASQUEIRA LAGAR RED BLEND 2022 PORTUGAL $14.95
+21193 PIEKENIERSKLOOF SIX HATS SHIRAZ 2025 SOUTH AFRICA
$15.95
+44771 LEZA GARCÍA VALDEPALACIOS CRIANZA 2020 SPAIN
$14.95
+44774 MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA LAGUNILLA RESERVA 2018 SPAIN $18.95
 
TOP Wines OVER $20 for the release.
===============

+388603 PIERRE SPARR BRUT RÉSERVE CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $20.95 
+302083 BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA $25.95
+557769 CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS PETIT CHABLIS 2023 $29.95
+18709 PROSPER MAUFOUX MÂCON-VILLAGES 2023 $20.95 
+36874 SPY VALLEY E BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 NEW ZEALAND
 $21.95
+48905 RAVINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA $22.95

+42482 FOGOLAR PICONE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2022 VQA $29.95
+307686 TAWSE QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR 2023 VQA $35.95
+36194 FIELDING CABERNET FRANC 2023 VQA $26.15
+648428 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022 $25.95 
+42394 DOMAINE FONT SARADE LES HAUTS DE LA PONCHE VACQUEYRAS 2024 RHÔNE $31.95
+35974 BROTTE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 $49.95
+14200 CECCHI RISERVA DI FAMIGLIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 $24.95
+25591 PODERE MONTALE MONTECUCCO SANGIOVESE 2019 $29.95
+44777 HERMANOS HERNAIZ FINCA LA SELVA GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2015 $20.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale Jan 5 to Feb 1

LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these popular wines from January 5 to February 1, 2026

BOUTARI THE AUTHENTIC ASSYRTIKO
PGI Macedonia, Greece
44246 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO
PGI Peloponnese, Greece, vegan
32387 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON WO Western Cape, South Africa
(KWV)
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO/
CARIÑENA/CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DO Cariñena, Spain
(Grandes Vinos y Viñedos)
166579 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
111641 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA
ROBERT'S SHIRAZ
South Australia
142935 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

TORRES GRAN
CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DO Penedès, Spain
36483 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $19.95
NOW $17.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

SANTA MARGHERITA
BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING
302752 (D – 10 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95

ACKERMAN BULLE ROYALE
CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT SPARKLING
AOP, Loire, France, traditional method
42057 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $19.95 Save $1.00

BORDEAUX ROSÉ
AOC, Bordeaux, France, vegan
43531 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $17.95 Save $1.00



FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 

REPORT ON LEGACY PORTUGESE MAY WINE TASTING IN TORONTO

The Event: WOP Taste the Legacy Toronto (Portuguese wines)
The Venue: The Well 15th floor
The Target Audience: wine media and wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: each table had its own brochures and data tech sheets
The Quote/Background: There were more white wines than I thought, even though I tried my best to taste them all. Many producers had sparkling wines, which made for an exciting tasting.
The Wines: I tasted mainly white wines, but I did incorporate the masterclass wines. Please excuse any misspelling or typos.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Symington  Contacto Alvarinho White 21024 Vinhos Verdes
-Soalheiro Bruto Alvarinho Espumante
-Cabral Reserva Douro 2023 +35446 $13.95
-Soalheiro Bruto Alvarinho Espumante
-Casal Branco Falcoaria Vinhas Velhas White 2022 Tejo
-Soalheiro Classico 2024 Alvarinho
-Sogrape Vinhos Casa Ferreirinha Quinta da Leda Red 2021 Porto e Douro
-Fiuza Marques de Alvito Reserva Red 2017 Tejo
-Churchill's Estates Grafite Grande Reserva Red 2016 Porto e Douro
-Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho
-Dona Vitoria Colecao Privada
-Soalheiro Mineral Rose Alvarinho & Pinot Noir
-Sogrape Vinhos Quinta dos Carvalhais White 2023  Dao Elafoes
-Quinta Vale d'Aldeia Grande Reserva White 2022 Porto e Douro
-Soalheiro Bruto Rose Espumante
-Soalheiro Bruto Nature Espumante
-Guarda Rios Branco 2024
-Quinta de Pancas Cabernet Sauvignon
-Issimo Caves Arcos do Rei 2018
-Zip Douro Branco 2024
-Quinta do Albrna Aristo Chardonnay 2024


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta do Paco de Treixeiro 2024
-Treixeiro Vinho Verde 2023 repped by Epic
-Animus Vinho Verde 2024
-Vale Santa Lucia Douro 2024
-Vale Santa Lucia Rose 2024
-Marques de Mariavala NV
-Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs NV
-Marques de Marialva Grande Riserva Red 2015 Bairrada
-J.P. Ramos Lyma Vinho Verdes 2024
-Quinta do Casal Monteiro
-LAB Vinho Regional Lisboa White 2024
-J.P. Ramos Loios 2024
-Rocim Fresh from Amphora White 2024 Alentejo
-Textura Pura White 2022 Dao e Lafoes
-Companhia das Lezirias Senhora Vinho Novo Red 2023 Tejo
-Herdade Dos Lagos Amphora Red 2022 Alentejo

The Food: Antipasto Harvest Table from Oliver & Bonacini -- the cheese platter was a collection of cheeses from within 100KM and included Brigid's Brie, Fenugreek Gouda, and Celtic Blue Cheese -- along with artisanal breads and flatbread, fruits, crisp biscuits, marinated veggies, pickles, and then the inevitable meat platter of copicola, salami, prosciutto, truffled sausages, and more....
The Downside: it was a long walk to the Masterclass and back, also using elevators for 15 flights,
The Upside: there was plenty of room to spread out.
The Contact Person: hbenzallat@hopscotchgroupe.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

TORONTO WINTERLICIOUS JAN 30 - FEB 12 "LUNCHES"

Some recommendations for Winterlicious lunches --- many restaurants are not open for lunch, so do try these menus (touted by me, not-paid-for) -- arranged in random order: 

...ViBo $41
--ViBo's Soup of the Moment
--Roman Style Rice Balls with a garlic cream
--Pomegranate Endive Pear Medley topped with toasted almonds and ricotta salata
--Warm Forest Mushroom rucola and green salad topped with Quebec goat cheese
Main Dish
--Herbed Pork Tenderloin with a maple pecan crunch and roasted local vegetables
--Pollo alla Parmigiana breaded chicken with tomato rags and fontina cheese
--Tagliatelle with Smoked Chicken snow peas and sun dried tomato with a light tomato cream
--Orange Roughy Fish snow peas tomato concasse with saffron cream
--Sicilian Eggplant alla Parmigiana
Dessert
--Warm Sticky Toffee warmed date cake served with caffe latte gelato
--Fresh Berries topped with a plump dollop of cold zabayone sauce
--Winter Sorbetto and Gelato

...Adega $48
--Caldo Verde Soup with portuguese chourico
--Avocado & Tomato Salad with shaved parmesan, balsamic reduction
--Grilled Sardines with salsa verde
--Salmon Tartare with avocado mousse
Main Dish
--Mushroom Risottowith porcini-truffle butter & fresh parmesan
--Linguine with Tiger Shrimp with chipotle pepper, fresh basil tomato sauce
--Pan Seared Rockfish Fillet with mediterranean salsa
--Free Range Piri-Piri Chicken Breast with spinach, stilton, cashew, apple cider vinaigrette
Dessert
--Mixed Sorbet with fresh fruit
--Pastel de Nata with cinnamon, berry coulis
--Natas do Ceu with sweet egg yolk

...Arisu $34
--Gimbap Korean-style rice rolls with beef, pickled radish, cucumber, carrot, spinach and burdock
root, wrapped in seaweed and pan-fried in a light egg coating
--Makguksu (Buckwheat Noodle Salad)
A chilled buckwheat noodle salad with vegetables in a perfectly balanced parrilla oil sauce,
light, refreshing and full of flavour
--Petite Potato Pancake Crispy mini pancakes made from finely shredded potato and a touch of
flour, served with a savoury soy dipping sauce on the side
Main Dish
--Bulgogi BBQ (Min 2 Orders Required) Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection with a
savoury-sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served with steamed rice, creamy egg custard, cheese corn butter, and
assorted Korean side dishes
--Dakgalbi Ssambap (Min 2 Orders Required)
Tender chicken stir-fried with vegetables, mozzarella cheese and sweet and spicy gochujang sauce,
served with steamed rice, fresh lettuce wraps and assorted Korean side dishes - a perfect balance of
spice, crunch and flavour
--Korean Vegetable Hot Pot
A heart-warming Korean-style hot pot filled with seasonal vegetables, assorted mushrooms, tofu,
yubu and glass noodles, gently simmered in a light, savoury broth
--8 Bites on Rice Crunch Eight artisanal rice crisps each topped with a unique seafood and sauce
combination, featuring salmon, tuna, butterfish, albacore, yellowtail, shrimp, botan ebi and scallop
Dessert
--Berry Bingsu A refreshing Korean shaved ice dessert topped with fresh strawberries, chewy rice
cakes and a drizzle of sweet condensed milk
--Danpatjuk (Sweet Red Bean Porridge) A traditional Korean winter dessert made from sweet red beans
and soft rice balls - warm and comforting, perfect for a cozy treat
--Yuzu Slush with Crispy Nurungji A frosty blend of Korean yuzu syrup and ice paired with crispy
fried rice crust for a light yet satisfying finish

...Bellona $27
--Calamari Italiani Panko breaded oyster mushroom, served with a lemon dill aioli
--Whipped Ricotta and Marinated Olives Pistachio and honey whipped ricotta with house marinated
olives, served with the house baked focaccia
--Cantina Salad Mixed greens, dehydrated honey crisp apple, pickled bermuda onion, candied walnuts
and mozzarella cheese, served with a velvety prosecco vinaigrette
--Eggplant Sliders Breaded eggplant, fior di latte, basil and tomato sauce, served on the house
baked focaccia
Main Dish
--La Sagreta Ravioli Red wine infused ravioli, stuffed with tofu cream cheese and tossed with
portobello mushrooms in a signature blush sauce
--Rigatoni Truffle Alfredo Rigatoni pasta tossed in a velvety truffle cream sauce, finished with aged
pecorino romano, housemade focaccia bread crumbs and fresh cracked pepper
--Giovanni Pizza Vegan pepperoni, "crumbled sausage" made from cremini mushroom and brown rice, green
pepper, cremini mushroom, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
--Sofia Pizza Marinated roma tomatoes with goat cheese, roasted garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, extra
virgin olive oil, fresh basil and balsamic glaze
Dessert
--Tiramisu Espresso and rum soaked vanilla cake with coconut whipped cream
--Apple Fritters Honey crisp apples battered and tossed in cinnamon sugar, served with vanilla ice
cream and caramel.
--Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Moist, fragrant and lightly drizzled with a delicate spiced maple sugar glaze

...Biff's Bistro $41
Appetizer
--SOUP AUX CHAMPIGNONS Biff's mushroom soup, chives, truffle crème fraîche
--CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT Biff's mustard, pickles, grilled sourdough
--PEAR SALAD poached pears, goat cheese, walnuts, mixed greens, maple vinaigrette
--SMOKED WHITEFISH BRANDADE lemon crème fraîche, baguette crostini, chives
Main Dish
--BIFF'S BISTRO BURGER charbroiled burger, caramelized onion, raclette, bibb lettuce, cornichon
aïoli, frites
--TARTINE AU POULET roast chicken, rosemary focaccia, whipped boursin,pistou, red pepper, arugula
salad
--HADDOCK toasted almonds, green beans, baby potatoes, brown butter hollandaise sauce
--ROASTED SQUASH RISOTTO butternut squash purée, fried brussels sprouts, curried pumpkin seeds,
parmigiano-reggiano
Dessert
--APPLE CRUMBLE CAKE apple sponge, salted caramel, apple butter, spiced streusel
--POT AU CHOCOLATE chocolate custard, sablé cookie, chantilly, cocoa nibs
--BASQUE CHEESECAKE dark cherries, port reduction, toasted almonds

...Maison Selby $48
Appetizer
--Country Salad pear, endive, radicchio, hazelnuts, parmigiano-reggiano
--Truffle & Mushroom Tart comté, tartufata cream, vol-au-vent
--Duck Liver Mousse apple, winter radish, dijon, sourdough
Main Dish
--Salmon Meunière lentilles du puy, swiss chard, caper brown butter sauce, lemon
--Escalope de Veau breaded veal cutlet, broccolini, pomme purée, café au lait sauce
--Squash Pasta conchiglie, butternut squash crème, parmigiano-reggiano, crispy herbs
--Steak Frites flat iron steak, green beans, fries, béarnaise sauce
Dessert
--Café au Lait Financier mocha chantilly, shortbread crumb
--Crêpe Brûlée spiced apples, ricotta cream, nougatine
--Cantal Vieux raw cow's milk cheese, truffle honey, fruit & nut cracker

...Clandestina Mexican $34
--Guac and Chips Best avocados vs best tortilla chips
--Esquites Popular Mexican street food made from corn kernels sautéed in butter, mixed with creamy
mayonnaise and seasoned with chili powder, lime juice and crumbled cheese
--Bean Dip Refried beans served with queso fresco and tortilla chips
Main Dish
--Breakfast Burrito Loaded with scrambled eggs, beans, rice, crema and salsa
--Chilaquiles Verdes Traditional Mexican dish made with fried corn tortillas cut into small
pieces, then simmered in flavourful green sauce and served with crema and queso fresco
--Fish Tacos Corn-battered basa fish with guacamole, cucumber, cabbage slaw, jicama, carrot and
chipotle aioli
Dessert
----Flan Caramel custard
Churros The most popular Mexican pastry covered with cinnamon sugar and chocolate or caramel sauce
--Helado con Cafe Mexican vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso

...Soula Greek $27
--Spetsofai Orange sausage and red peppers cooked in a hearty tomato sauce with spices
--Greek Style Lentil Soup Slow cooked in tomato sauce with carrots, celery and onions, finished with
olives and spinach
--Keftedes Arni (Lamb Meatballs) Juicy and well seasoned ground lamb infused with the aromas of
fresh mint, garlic and oregano
--Kolokithokeftedes Zucchini croquettes with feta, kefalograviera cheese and fresh herbs
--Sesame Baked Feta Creamy feta wrapped in crispy phyllo, finished with a drizzle of raw honey and
a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds
Main Dish
--Vegetable Moussaka Layers of zucchini, eggplant, spinach, sweet peppers and potatoes, topped
with bechamel and tomato sauce, served with mixed greens in a balsamic vinaigrette
--Chicken Souvlaki Tender cuts of grilled chicken breast served with lemon roasted potatoes,
basmati rice, greek salad and tzatziki
--Atlantic Salmon Finished with white wine, lemon, dill and garlic butter sauce, served over
garlic mashed potatoes, roasted garlic carrots and asparagus
--Exohiko (Rosemary Lamb Pie) Slowly stewed with onions and mushrooms in a feta and rosemary
sauce, wrapped in phyllo pastry and served with mixed greens, lemon roasted potatoes and tzatziki
--Bifteki Olymbou Lean ground beef with traditional spices served with fries and mixed greens in a
balsamic vinaigrette
Dessert
--Ravani A traditional greek cake with honey syrup and sprinkled almonds
--Baklava Layers of house made phyllo, nuts and distilled greek honey
--Karidopita Moist and flavourful honey walnut cake with hints of cinnamon

...Cucina Buca $41
--CARPACCIO DI MANZO thinly sliced marinated beef tenderloin, arugula, cured egg yolk, parmigiano
reggiano
--INSALATA DI RUCOLA arugula, bagna cauda, sicilian anchovies, pine nuts
--INSALATA DI RADICCHIO radicchio, gremolata, ontario grape, pistachio
Main Dish
--RIGATONI ALL' ANATRA bronze die-extruded duck egg pasta, duck offal ragù, venetian spices,
mascarpone, basil
--POLLO ARROSTO grilled & smoked gianone half chicken, roasted ontario potato, lemon
--MELANZANE ARROSTO roasted eggplant, confit garlic-peperoncino, herbs
Dessert
--PANNA COTTA goat milk panna cotta, almond crumble, amarena cherry
--GELATO choice of house-made gelato
--SORBETTO choice of house-made sorbetto...

...and a tenth recommendation for an early dinner (5PM) at Scaramouche's annual Lobsterlicious feast, usually Mondays through Thursdays...until the run out of lobsters [now available!]

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

South Australian Wine Trade Tasting...

REPORT ON WINE SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASTING OF SEPTEMBER 2025

The Date and Time: Monday, Sept 22, 2025  12:30PM to 4:30PM
The Event: trade showcase of wines
The Venue: National Club
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents.
The Availability/Catalogue: there were 27 wines in the walkaround, with lists of varietals, vintages, prices, and agents. 
The Quote/Background: most of the wines were from McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, Clare, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and a "generic" South Australia. 
The Wines: I could not taste every wine.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angove Warboys Single Vineyard Shiraz McLaren Vale 2020  $64.95
-Angove ESTd 1886 Chardonnay South Australia 2024  $16.95
-Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz Clare Valley 2021 $70 [best red in show]
-Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley Coonawarra 2022 $28.95
-Wakefield Estate Chardonnay Padthaway Clare Valley 2024 $17.95 [best white]
-Randall Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier South Australia 2022 $19.95
-Randall One Pound Per Acre Chardonnay South Australia 2024 $10.95[best value]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angove Family Crest Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale  2020 $19.95
-Mollydooker Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz NV McLaren Vale $35.95
-Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley Limestone Coast 2022 $19.95
-Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz McLaren Vale 2022 $32.95
-Wakefield Estate Shiraz Clare Valley Limestone Coast 2023 $19.95
-Mollydooker Maitre'd Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale 2022 $32.95
-Treasury Wine Estates Wynns Shiraz Coonawarra 2021 $21.99
-Zonte's Footstep Chocolate Factory McLaren Vale 2021 $19.95
-Treasury Wine Estates Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2021 $24.95

The Food: From the National Club -- cheese board, meat board, cured  salmon, lots of veggies and dips and pickled items, spring veggie rolls, lamb lollipops later.
The Downside: the masterclass time conflicted with the Italian masterclass at Aria.
The Upside: a good range of wines, all affordable. 
The Contact Person:  amanda@predhomme.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the DECEMBER 20, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the DECEMBER 20, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Sparkling wines for the holidays/Icewine

TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for release.
=================

+10411 MOUNTADAM EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2024 AUSTRALIA$18.95 
+47080 TRASIEGO GREEN QUARTZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 CHILE $16.95
+560284 GRAHAM NORTON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 ARGENTINA $19.95
+44756 PAGO DEL CIELO CELESTE SUR LIES VERDEJO 2024 SPAIN$19.95

+46398 DOMAINE BOUSQUET RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 ARGENTINA $19.95
+20886 ANGOVE FAMILY CREST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 AUSTRALIA $19.95
+561324 BARKING OWL SHIRAZ 2021 AUSTRALIA $19.95
+47888 ERRAZURIZ MAX 150 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ED. CABERNET $19.95
+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2023 $16.95
+13874 EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $17.95
+668707 VITIS ÚNICA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 CHILE $18.95
+45097 QUINTA DO MONTE D OIRO TINTO 2021 PORTUGAL $18.95
 
TOP Wines OVER $20 for release.
================

+20455 DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY VQA 2023 $30
+333211 MOUNTADAM HIGH EDEN ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2023 $29.95
+45272 CAVE DE LUGNY MÂCON-CHARDONNAY 2023 $23.95
+45276 BOUCHARD AINÉ & FILS MÂCON-VILLAGES 2023 $24.95
+47655 DOMAINE PORTO CARRAS MAINLAND ASSYRTIKO 2023
$24.95
+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $21.95


+33417 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP 1ST OFF THE RANK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $21.95
+48387 KONZELMANN RESERVE SERIES BARREL AGED SYRAH 2022 VQA $24.95
+48392 FABIAN REIS FEROX RED 2022 VQA $24.95
+285627 RAVINE MERITAGE 2021 VQA $24.95
+44190 CHÂTEAU DU MOULIN ROUGE HAUT-MÉDOC CRU BOURGEOIS $32.95
+299859 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE CUVÉE RÉSERVE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR $30.95
+36690 TORRE ZAMBRA COLLE MAGGIO ORGANIC MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $27.95
+46072 ORSOGNA LUNARIA COSTE DI MORO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 $19.95
+11109 NOZZOLE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $27.95 
+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA RESERVA 2020 $42.95
+25537 PLENO GRAN RESERVA 2015 SPAIN $21.95

CHAMPAGNE--
924654 GARDET TRADITION BRUT CHAMPAGNE $64.95 
13831 NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE 2019 $66.95
45268 BRUNO PAILLARD DOSAGE ZÉRO D:Z CHAMPAGNE $127.95

OTHER SPARKLING WINE--
NOVA SCOTIA
46552 LIGHTFOOT & WOLFVILLE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING 2021 $54.95
ONTARIO
234161 JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING 2018 $34.95
48424 LAFONTAINE DU LOUP BRUT SPARKLING 2021 $65.45 
42955 TWO SISTERS LUSH ROSÉ SPARKLING 2021 $58 
48372 NOMAD STARDUST SPARKLING 2021 $39.95
47070 ARTISAN OUR STORY. MEANT TO BE SHARED. SPARKLING $19.95
FRANCE
420984 BAILLY-LAPIERRE PINOT NOIR BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE $25.95
46346 LOUIS BOUILLOT FLASHBACK 1975 EXTRA BRUT CRÉMANT DE  BOURGOGNE $39.95
LANGUEDOC
44204 ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX $22.95
ITALY
32156 BRILLA! ASOLO PROSECCO SUPERIORE $21.95
SOUTH AFRICA
32027 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING PINOT $45.95
SPAIN
37268 CAMPO VIEJO BRUT CAVA $17.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through January 4, 2026

LTO to JANUARY 4, 2026

R E D W I N ES

BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
378257 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $59.95
NOW $56.95 Save $3.00

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

CASA DI LUIGI PINOT NOIR KPM
Valle de Central, Chile, vegan
16586 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $15.40
NOW $14.40 Save $1.00

CASTELGIOCONDO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
650432 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $55.95
NOW $50.95 Save $5.00
CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
160143 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $39.95
NOW $34.95 Save $5.00

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO WINEMAKER'S LOT 148
LAS PATAGUAS VINEYARD CARMENÈRE
Rapel Valley, Chile
30957 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $14.95 Save $3.00

E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE
AC, Rhône, France
259721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $22.95 Save $3.00

FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, sustainable
1545 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE
PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KAIKEN ESTATE MALBEC
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
58339 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD PINOT NOIR New Zealand
626390 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

LA MASCOTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Mendoza, Argentina
292110 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
69377 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 12 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

MUGA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
177345 (D – 3 g/L) 750 ml $28.95
NOW $24.95 Save $4.00

W H I T E W I N ES

BANFI PRINCIPESSA GAVIA GAVI
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
250696 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

BOLLINI PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Trentino, Italy
951319 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CLOSSON CHASE
THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

GARZÓN SINGLE VINEYARD ALBARIÑO
Maldonado, Uruguay
39017 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $40.95
NOW $35.95 Save $5.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
35386 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand,
sustainable
981670 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $18.00
NOW $16.00 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST.
URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
38117 (M – 34 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

R E D W I N ES – CO N T ' D
OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, New Zealand
590414 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
408658 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
DOC, Sardinia, Italy
425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TEDESCHI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
433417 (D – 5 g/L) 750 ml $50.95
NOW $47.95 Save $3.00

TERRA VEGA CARMENÈRE KPM
Central Valley, Chile
354761 (D – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

UMBERTO CESARI LIANO
SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON
IGT Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
225086 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $23.95 Save $6.00

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
413179 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $54.95
NOW $49.95 Save $5.00

FIZZ

BERNARD FOUQUET YSANCE BRUT
VOUVRAY SPARKLING
AP, Loire, France, traditional method
42396 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

LOUIS ROEDERER COLLECTION
BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE
AC, Champagne, France
268771 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $99.95
NOW $94.95 Save $5.00

LUC BELAIRE RARE ROSÉ SPARKLING
France
395384 (M – 26 g/L) 750 ml $42.95
NOW $37.95 Save $5.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS
BRUT SPARKLING 
VQA Niagara Escarpment, traditional method
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $27.95 Save $5.00

CHATEAU DES CHARMES
BRUT SPARKLING 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT
VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE
Veneto, Italy
46053 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE
ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING RIESLING 
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, traditional method
370361 (M – 19 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00



CHATEAU DES CHARMES
VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, estate bottled
413732 (S – 227 g/L) 375 ml $49.95
NOW $46.95 Save $3.00

INNISKILLIN VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, with gift box
388306 (S – 233 g/L) 375 ml $54.95
NOW $46.95 Save $8.00

LAKEVIEW CELLARS VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
522672 (S – 196 g/L) 200 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

MAGNOTTA VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
587154 (S – 202 g/L) 375 ml $34.95
NOW $31.45 Save $3.50

REIF ESTATE VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
544791 (S – 254 g/L) 200 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ
Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00


TAYLOR FLADGATE
10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT
DOP, Portugal
121749 (S – 110 g/L) 750 ml $38.95
NOW $34.95 Save $4.00
December 20, 2025


FOR MORE LTO SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]



LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through January 4, 2026..


FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 


REPORT ON WINE SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASTING OF 2025

The Date and Time: Monday, Sept 22, 2025  12:30PM to 4:30PM
The Event: trade showcase of wines
The Venue: National Club
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents.
The Availability/Catalogue: there were 27 wines in the walkaround, with lists of varietals, vintages, prices, and agents. 
The Quote/Background: most of the wines were from McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, Clare, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and a "generic" South Australia. 
The Wines: I could not taste every wine.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angove Warboys Single Vineyard Shiraz McLaren Vale 2020  $64.95
-Angove ESTd 1886 Chardonnay South Australia 2024  $16.95
-Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz Clare Valley 2021 $70 [best red in show]
-Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley Coonawarra 2022 $28.95
-Wakefield Estate Chardonnay Padthaway Clare Valley 2024 $17.95 [best white]
-Randall Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier South Australia 2022 $19.95
-Randall One Pound Per Acre Chardonnay South Australia 2024 $10.95[best value]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angove Family Crest Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale  2020 $19.95
-Mollydooker Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz NV McLaren Vale $35.95
-Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley Limestone Coast 2022 $19.95
-Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz McLaren Vale 2022 $32.95
-Wakefield Estate Shiraz Clare Valley Limestone Coast 2023 $19.95
-Mollydooker Maitre'd Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale 2022 $32.95
-Treasury Wine Estates Wynns Shiraz Coonawarra 2021 $21.99
-Zonte's Footstep Chocolate Factory McLaren Vale 2021 $19.95
-Treasury Wine Estates Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2021 $24.95

The Food: From the National Club -- cheese board, meat board, cured  salmon, lots of veggies and dips and pickled items, spring veggie rolls, lamb lollipops later.
The Downside: the masterclass time conflicted with the Italian masterclass at Aria.
The Upside: a good range of wines, all affordable. 
The Contact Person:  amanda@predhomme.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY WINES IN REVIEW

REPORT ON DARE TO COMPARE TASTING OF PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY CHARDONNAYS AND PINOT NOIRS, plus a small trade show walkaround...June 2, 2025 1 - 5 PM 

The Date and Time: June 2, 2025  1 - 5 PM
The Event: a seminar on comparing PEC chardonnays and pinot noirs to non-Canadian PN&C wines.
The Venue: Peter Pan
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade guests, wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are at the LCBO, others are at the winery.
The Quote/Background: PEC has about 40 wineries producing a variety of wines from different grapes. But chardonnays and pinot noirs are the best varieties made into wines in PEC. The seminar/masterclass attracted  about 30; there were 10 wines poured, 5 chardonnays and 5 pinot noirs. Three of each were from PEC. The attempt was not to see which wine was best or better, but rather to compare the present status of PEC and non-PEC wines. Sommelier Jay Whiteley, who had moved to PEC in 2018, led the tasting which went on for about 2 hours and was well-presented. The Chardonnays came from Trail Estate, Rosehall Run, and Three Dog in PEC. The two outliers were La Chablisienne 2023 and Church Road Grand Reserve Hawkes Bay New Zealand 2021. The PEC Pinot Noirs came from Stanners, Broken Stone, and Keint-he. The comparison was made to Pech a Mama 2022 from Australia and Cape of Good Hope Sneeuwkans 2019 from South Africa. 
The Wines: The wine show had more than just chardonnays and pinot noirs; I did not taste everything - just the chards and pinots. I also decided to add the PEC wines I tasted from the  very recent Taste Ontario trade show within my ratings.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Broken Stone Winery    County Grown Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2023 13.5% ABV LCBO +668269  $29.95 
-Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Pinot Noir Prince Edward County 2022    12.5% ABV  $50
-Closson Chase Vineyards South Clos Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2022    12.5% ABV $50
-Huff Estates Winery Cuveé Peter Huff    Prince EdwardCounty 2021    12.5%ABV  LCBO +198754     $40
-Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard County Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2021    11.5% ABV  LCBO+381715     $59.20 
-Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Cuvée L Pinot Noir VQA Ontario 2022    12.5%    LCBO+36826     $99.20 
-Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2023     $50
-Huff Estates Winery Catharine's Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2022    12.5%    LCBO+88955     $35
-Stanners Chardonnay PEC 2018 & 2019
-Keint-He Winery Portage Chardonnay PEC 2018  11.9% ABV $22.95


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Broken Stone Winery    Pinot Noir "The One"    Prince Edward County    2023        12%     $39.95 
-Casa-Dea Estates Winery Pecorino Prince Edward County 2023     12.7%  $34.95 
-Casa-Dea Estates Winery Sparkling Rose Prince Edward County 2023 13%     $24.95 
-Rosehall Run Vineyards Stardust Tradtional Method Prince Edward County    2014    12% $65
-Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué    Prince Edward County    2024        12.5%  $26
-The Grange Of Prince Edward Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc Prince Edward County 2024 12.5%  $29.95 
-The Grange Of Prince Edward Aurelia Series Cabernet Franc Prince Edward County 2023 13%  $73.65 
-Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay    Prince Edward County (new oak)    2022    11.4% $48
-Huff Chardonnay Unoaked 2023
-Keint-He Little Creek Chardonnay Benway Block PEC 2021  $41.22 licensee
-Keint-He Greer Road Chardonnay PEC 2021 $36.95

The Food: none
The Downside: I was very late in arriving due to the slow TTC and street construction, but I got to taste the 10 wines in the seminar.
The Upside:a rare opportunity to taste PEC wines in Toronto.
The Contact Person: admin@pecwines.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the December 6, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the December 6, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Premium wine for the holidays/Ribera del Duero

TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for release.
=================

W+311456 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP EXCALIBUR SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2024 $19.95
W+672345 HENRI BOURGEOIS PETIT BOURGEOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $19.95
W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2024 $17.95
W+27182 DOMAINE HATZIMICHALIS ALEPOTRYPA VINEYARD ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2024 $19.95
W+40432 VIEIL ARMAND ORIGINE RIESLING ALSACE 2022 $18.95

R+462515 THE LANE SHIRAZ 2021 AUSTRALIA $19.95
R+276956 HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 $18.95
R+297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $19.95
R+47671 GARAGE OLD VINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95 
R+60244 SANTA ALICIA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $18.95
R+123489 CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT FRONSAC BORDEAUX 2022 $19.95
R+143099 MAS DES BRESSADES TRADITION RHONE 2023 $19.95
R+999946 FARINA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022 $19.95
R+44665 VALPARAÍSO ROBLE 2023 $17.95

TOP Wines OVER $20 for release.
================

W+276980 TAHBILK MUSEUM RELEASE MARSANNE AUSTRALIA 2018 $24.95 
W+416321 TAWSE ROBYN'S BLOCK CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $46.95
W+47156 MONTES OUTER LIMITS ALBARIÑO CHILE 2024 $24.95
W+45279 ALBERT BICHOT SECRET DE FAMILLE BOURGOGNE CÔTE D'OR $44.95
W+466144 J.MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2024 $31.95
W+241117 DOMAINE LES VIEUX MURS POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023
$45.95
W+22851 LOVEBLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2024 $24.95 
W+22850 SUNDAY SAIL SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $20.95

R+316984 VERSADO RESERVA MALBEC 2020 ARGENTINA $69.95
R+79798 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC ARGENINA 2023 $22.95
R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $44.95
R+390872 WOLF BLASS GREY LABEL SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2023
$34.95
R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $31.95 
R+48247 REDSTONE REDSTONE VINEYARD MERLOT VQA 2020 $40.95 
R+36167 PEREZ CRUZ PIEDRA SECA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2023 $22.95
R+57901 MONTGRAS INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2021 $23.95
R+268052 P. FERRAUD & FILS DOMAINE FERRAUD LES CHARMES MORGON 2022 $26.95
R+399725 MARCHESI DI BAROLO DEL COMUNE BAROLO 2019
$85.95
R+13644 SAN BIAGIO SORANO BAROLO 2016 $59.95
R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2021 $28.95
R+46057 VARVAGLIONE SUSUMANIELLO PUGLIA 2023 $23.95 
R+716266 SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $29.95
R+13496 FRESCOBALDI TENUTA PERANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 $34.95
R+747030 LA VITE LUCENTE TUSCANY 2023 $32.95
R+47033 SANTA MARIA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2021 $23.95
R+940965 BERONIA GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2018 $37.95

HOLIDAY SPARKLING WINES RELEASED ON DEC 6....

CHAMPAGNE
100503 BOLLINGER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE $149.95
45903 GONET SULCOVA CUVÉE GAÏA BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT GRAND CRU $106.95
45280 PHILIPPE GONET TER BLANC DE BLANCS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE $123.95
46637 DOM PÉRIGNON MURAKAMI LIMITED EDITION CHAMPAGNE 2015 $382.95
507889 VEUVE CLICQUOT EXTRA BRUT EXTRA OLD 5 CHAMPAGNE $115.95

SPARKLING WINE [BUT NO CAVA OR SEKT]
AUSTRALIA
43328 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CUVÉE CHOCOLATE MOUSSEUX SHIRAZ SPARKLING $24.95
AUSTRIA
47078 MARKUS HUBER SPARKLING WHITE $19.95
BRITISH COLUMBIA
46590 BLACK HILLS BRUT SPARKLING BC-VQA $55
ONTARIO
237198 CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS CSV ESTATE GROWN NATURAL BRUT $49.95
47776 TRIUS SHOWCASE BLANC DE NOIRS SPARKLING 55A 6 $58
ALSACE
44207 WILLM BRUT RÉSERVE CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $19.95 
LOIRE
44208 JEAN-PAUL COUAMAIS VOUVRAY CUVÉE RÉSERVE BRUT SPARKLING $20.95
ITALY
47797 GIUSTI ASOLO EXTRA DRY PROSECCO SUPERIORE $21.95
FRIULI
16602 ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO $22.95
VENETO
46058 BOTTEGA IL VINO DEI POETI BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO $29.95
LUXEMBOURG
970970 BERNARD-MASSARD CUVÉE DE L'ÉCUSSON BRUT SPARKLING$21.95
NEW ZEALAND
280172 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ SPARKLING CUVÉE $23.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through January 4, 2026

LTO to JANUARY 4, 2026

R E D W I N ES

BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
378257 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $59.95
NOW $56.95 Save $3.00

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

CASA DI LUIGI PINOT NOIR KPM
Valle de Central, Chile, vegan
16586 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $15.40
NOW $14.40 Save $1.00

CASTELGIOCONDO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
650432 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $55.95
NOW $50.95 Save $5.00
CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
160143 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $39.95
NOW $34.95 Save $5.00

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO WINEMAKER'S LOT 148
LAS PATAGUAS VINEYARD CARMENÈRE
Rapel Valley, Chile
30957 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $14.95 Save $3.00

E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE
AC, Rhône, France
259721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $22.95 Save $3.00

FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, sustainable
1545 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE
PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KAIKEN ESTATE MALBEC
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
58339 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD PINOT NOIR New Zealand
626390 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

LA MASCOTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Mendoza, Argentina
292110 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
69377 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 12 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

MUGA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
177345 (D – 3 g/L) 750 ml $28.95
NOW $24.95 Save $4.00

W H I T E W I N ES

BANFI PRINCIPESSA GAVIA GAVI
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
250696 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

BOLLINI PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Trentino, Italy
951319 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CLOSSON CHASE
THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

GARZÓN SINGLE VINEYARD ALBARIÑO
Maldonado, Uruguay
39017 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $40.95
NOW $35.95 Save $5.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
35386 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand,
sustainable
981670 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $18.00
NOW $16.00 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST.
URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
38117 (M – 34 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

R E D W I N ES – CO N T ' D
OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, New Zealand
590414 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
408658 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
DOC, Sardinia, Italy
425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TEDESCHI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
433417 (D – 5 g/L) 750 ml $50.95
NOW $47.95 Save $3.00

TERRA VEGA CARMENÈRE KPM
Central Valley, Chile
354761 (D – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

UMBERTO CESARI LIANO
SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON
IGT Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
225086 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $23.95 Save $6.00

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
413179 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $54.95
NOW $49.95 Save $5.00

FIZZ

BERNARD FOUQUET YSANCE BRUT
VOUVRAY SPARKLING
AP, Loire, France, traditional method
42396 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

LOUIS ROEDERER COLLECTION
BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE
AC, Champagne, France
268771 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $99.95
NOW $94.95 Save $5.00

LUC BELAIRE RARE ROSÉ SPARKLING
France
395384 (M – 26 g/L) 750 ml $42.95
NOW $37.95 Save $5.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS
BRUT SPARKLING 
VQA Niagara Escarpment, traditional method
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $27.95 Save $5.00

CHATEAU DES CHARMES
BRUT SPARKLING 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT
VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE
Veneto, Italy
46053 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE
ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING RIESLING 
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, traditional method
370361 (M – 19 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00



CHATEAU DES CHARMES
VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, estate bottled
413732 (S – 227 g/L) 375 ml $49.95
NOW $46.95 Save $3.00

INNISKILLIN VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, with gift box
388306 (S – 233 g/L) 375 ml $54.95
NOW $46.95 Save $8.00

LAKEVIEW CELLARS VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
522672 (S – 196 g/L) 200 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

MAGNOTTA VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
587154 (S – 202 g/L) 375 ml $34.95
NOW $31.45 Save $3.50

REIF ESTATE VIDAL ICEWINE 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
544791 (S – 254 g/L) 200 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ
Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00


TAYLOR FLADGATE
10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT
DOP, Portugal
121749 (S – 110 g/L) 750 ml $38.95
NOW $34.95 Save $4.00
December 20, 2025


FOR MORE LTO SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 

REPORT ON CHIANTI MASTERCLASS TORONTO 2025...

The Date and Time: Monday September 22 at 10AM to 1PM.
The Event: vertical tasting of Chianti's main production categories, styles and sub-regions, conducted by John Szabo, MS.
The Venue: Aria Ristorante
The Target Audience: sommeliers, media, agents
The Quote/Background: John Szabo spoke on the various styles, and then we tasted seven different Chianti wines. Different names have been attached for styles: Annata, Superiore, Reserva, all within DOCG standards. More Sangiovese is used in the "Superiore" style.

The Wines:
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022: murky, organic, full flavoured.
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG Riserva 2022: dark, soft palate, off-dry.
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG Riserva 2022: dark, soft palate, dry dusty.
-Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva 2020: dark, great aging, best wine of the tasting.

***1/2  BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2024 Annata: pale transparency, youthful, fruity, developing well.
-Chianti Superiore DOCG 2023 Colline Pisane: clear at rim, a definite food wine, plenty of tannins.
-Chianti Superiore DOCG  2022 Colli Aretini: similar to Isane, good aging but tannic.

The Food:  radicchio salad, chicken, salmon, new potatoes.
The Downside: I wanted more wines to sample
The Upside: a sterling, informative presentation
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Living Vine Portfolio Tasting....early November

MARK CUFF'S ACID TRIP AT THE LIVING VINE PORTFOLIO SHOW

The Date and Time: Sunday November 2, 2025  1PM to 4PM
The Event: The Fall Living Vine portfolio tasting
The Venue:Society Clubhouse
The Target Audience: consumers, clients, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are landed
The Quote/Background: there were nine tables supporting some 75 or so wines. This is a lead-in to the 20th anniversary of The Living Vine, founded by Mark Cuff to showcase a curated collection of biodynamic, organic, and natural wines from some of the world's leading producers. All wines reflect a true sense of place.
The Wines: I could not try them all...

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Therianthropy Bonnie Vivant Chardonnay VQA 2023, $32.95
-Therianthropy Mouflon Viognier/Marsanne/Chardonnay 2023 VQA 2023, Orange Wine $32.95
-Therianthropy Blonde Pet-Nat Chardonnay VQA 2023, $29.95
-Lightfoot & Wolfville Nova Scotia Ancienne Chardonnay 2021 $52.95 at LCBO
-Lightfoot & Wolfville Flora White, $35.95
-Marabino Rosso di Contrada Nero d'Avola, $32.95
-Braccia Rese Barba Vino Rosso 2020, $32.95
-Mas Goma La Planta Brut Nature NV, $32.95
-Vinedos Verticales La Raspa Moscatel/Doradilla 2023, $28.45
-Dominio de Punctum Pablo Claro Chardonnay Seleccion 2023, $20.95
-Fidora Monte Tabor Amarone 2015, $77.95
-Nicolas Joly Clos Le Vieux Clos 2023, $99.95
-Nicolas Joly Clos de la Bergerie 2023, $124.95
-Nicolas Joly Clos de laCoulee de Serrant 2023, $169.95
-AMI Homard d'Or Bourgogne Blanc 2023, $79.95
-Domaine Parent Cote d'Or Rouge 2022, $99.95
-Domaine Parent Pommard La Croix Blanche 2022, $179.95
-Pian Dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante, $249.95
-Pian Dell'Orino Rosso di Montalcino, $152.95
-Pian Dell'Orino Toscana Rosso Piandorino, $94.95 
-Clos Roussely L'Escale Sauvignon Blanc 2023, $27.94
-Clos de Sommere Bourgogne Blanc Les Nongelettes 2023, $42.95
-Clos de Sommere Saint-Veran Les Montceau 2023, $45.95
-Famille Fabre Pirouette en Corbieres Vermentino 2022, $23.95
-Meinklang Gruner Veltliner 2024, $26.95
-Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Marlborough, $25.95


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Lightfoot & Wolfville Tidal Bay 2024 $35.95
-Filodivino Serra 64 Verdisshio dei Castelli di Jesi 2023, $26.95
-Venchiarezza Pinot Grigio 2024, $29.95
-Venchiarezza Chardonnay Friuli 2024, $29.95
-Cirelli White NV Abruzzo, $23.95
-Cirelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2023, $29.95
-Chateau Laubarit Bordeaux Blanc Entre-deux-Mers 2024, $28.95
-Martin Texier La Rouviere Blanc Rhone $37.95
-Vignoble du Rab Chinon 2023, $60.95

The Downside: no food
The Upside: no food
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON GREEK WINE TODAY: authentic, sustainable...

REPORT ON GREEK WINE TODAY: authentic, sustainable...

The Date and Time: Wednesday August 27 11AM and 1:30PM for two masterclasses.
The Event: Masterclasses of predominantly white (11AM) and red (1:30PM) wines, with five panelists providing deep background. The first official Greek wine legislation was in the early 1970s, Currently, the North American taste is for assyrtiko white wines, with the red agriorgitiko and the red xinomavro (the latter principally rose sparkling), The white moschofilero also appears.
The Venue: Arcadian Loft Bay Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, agents, media, and some buyers
The Availability/Catalogue: It was a simple listing by winery, with varietal names, dates locations and agents. 14 wines were from Macedonia, 13 from Peloponnese, some from Crete, Epirus, Thessaly, Aegean Island -- about 45 in all. The walkaround was very nicely done.
The Quote/Background: Greek wines attract the attention of sommeliers as something affordable and different. The country has 300 indigenous grape varieties and 1600 wineries. Currently, only 12% of the wine is exported; Germany is the destination for a third of Greece's total export. 
The Wines:  I did not try every wine. Agents are listed with a Google search.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Papaioannou Winery Mikroklima Agiorgitiko Nemea 2006 Peloponnese -- my fave of the day
-Ktima Palivou Diaselo Kidonitsa 2024 Peloponnese
-Ktima Pavlidis Emphasis Assyrtiko 2024 Macedonia
-Kechris Winery Tear of the Pine 2022 Macedonia
-Ktima Spiropoulos Nemea Unoaked 2024 Peloponnese
-Ktima Biblia Chora White 2024 Macedonia
-Ktima Gerovassiliou White 2024 Macedonia
-Idaia Winery Ocean Thrapsathiri 2024 Crete
-Lafazanis Winery Geometria White 2023 Peloponnese
-Michalakia Estate Gold Cuvee 2024 Crete
-Kotrotsos Winery Malagouzia 2024 Peloponnese

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Orealios Gaea R Robola 2024 Ionian Island
-Diamantakis Winery Vidiano 2024 Crete
-Novus Winery A Priori Mantinia 2024 Peloponnese
-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Malagouzia Single Vineyard 2024 Macedonia
-Dourakis Winery To Romeiko 2020 Crete - Rose
-Tsililis Winery Ktima Theopetra White 2024 Thessaly

The Food: Oliver & Bonacini had a charcuterie and cheese board with fresh and dried fruit, breads and biscuits, and preserves.
The Downside: the two masterclasses were red or  white (no real choice)
The Upside: a chance to taste some rare wines not usually seen in Ontario.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the NOVEMBER 22, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the NOVEMBER 22, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEMES • 
• Giftable wines
• Local Talent: Sparkling wines
• Good Partners: Fontanafredda

TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for release.
=================
+46400 ZUCCARDI MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY ARGENTINA 2023 $19.95
+606772 ARBOLEDA CHARDONNAY CHILE 2022 $18.95
+361220 PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND $19.95
+14199 INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2024 $19.95
+484055 BELLINGHAM THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $19.95
+958736 MUGA BARREL FERMENTED WHITE SPAIN 2024 $18.95

+222018 SISTER'S RUN CALVARY HILL SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $19.95
+670539 PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CARMENÈRE CHILE 2023 $19.95
+320499 BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE FRANCE 2022 $19.95
+368167 CHÂTEAU RECOUGNE FRANCE 2021 $16.95
+538009 RÉMY FERBRAS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $16.95 
+224592 CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES $16.95
+46567 UMANI RONCHI PODERE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 $16.50 
+455659 FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO TUSCANY 2023 $19.95 
+917864 BRIGALDARA VALPOLICELLA VENETO 2024 $19.95
+17518 DALVA COLHEITA TINTO PORTUGAL 2022 $14.95



TOP Wines OVER $20 for release.
================
+46641 SEE YA LATER RANCH LEGACY CHARDONNAY BC-VQA 2020 $33.95
+417832 DOMAINE QUEYLUS RESERVE CHARDONNAY VQA 2021 $48.70
+45270 BARTON & GUESTIER POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023 $45.95
+42374 DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2023 $32.95 
+45275 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET MÂCON-CHARNAY 2024 $24.95
+42444 HUBERT BROCHARD SANCERRE LOIRE 2023 $39.95
+366948 FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI PIEDMONT 2024 $23.95 
+359513 CLOUDY BAY CHARDONNAY NEW ZEALAND 2023 $49.95 
+493577 HEIRLOOM COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $22.95
+629238 PENFOLDS MAX'S SHIRAZ/CABERNET AUSTRALIA 2021 $29.95
+377036 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2022 $24.95
+647933 CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE 2018 $48.95
+46111 DOMAINE BOURGOGNE-DEVAUX LE CLOU HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE $39.95 
+19755 TRIACCA LA MADONNINA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 $35.95
+692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA RIOJA 2017 $34.95

There's also a wide variety of sparklers for the upcoming holidays; these are new listings at the LCBO. Price is a consideration as well as grape varieties. (material taken from the New Releases catalogue for Nov 22). Write me at deantudor@deantudor.com and I'll tell you which sparklers were my faves.

F I Z Z

CHAMPAGNE
+23421 COLLET ART DECO 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE $73.95
+45902 ROGER BARNIER CUVÉE BLANCHE CHAMPAGNE 2018 $84.95

SPARKLING WINE
ONTARIO +315200 HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE $49.95 BLANC DE BLANCS VQA 2017
+491092 KEW TRADITION SPARKLING VQA 2020  $32.95
+48056 REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD BLANC DE NOIRS SPARKLING VQA 2021 $32.95
+48055 TAWSE SPARK QUARRY ROAD BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING VQA 2016 $39.95
+38733 WESTCOTT BRILLIANT ROSÉ SPARKLING VQA 2022 $40.00
+528752 BENJAMIN BRIDGE MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING VQA $32.95
+15694 BLEASDALE THE POTTS FAMILY SPARKLING SHIRAZ (375 ml) AUSTRALIA $16.95
+163634 OYSTER BAY BRUT SPARKLING CUVÉE NEW ZEALAND $23.95
+175588 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SOUTH AFRICA $24.95 PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING
+632356 LUC BELAIRE RARE LUXE DEMI SEC SPARKLING $42.95
+460832 WOLFBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $21.95
+47578 BALFOUR 1503 CLASSIC CUVÉE SPARKLING UK $55.95
+21281 CHAPEL DOWN KIT'S COTY SINGLE VINEYARD BLANC DE BLANCS UK 2019  $119.95
+47087 DOMAINE EVREMOND CLASSIC CUVÉE SPARKLING UK $99.95
+47093 LANGHAM CULVER CLASSIC CUVÉE EXTRA BRUT SPARKLING UK $74.95
+45850 SENSI 18K PURE GOLD BRUT PROSECCO 2024 $25.95
+105353 CA' DEL BOSCO CUVÉE PRESTIGE EXTRA BRUT FRANCIACORTA LOMBARDY $46.95
+558825 SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA SPAIN $39.95
+40768 ARTWINERY VICTORY RED SEMI-SWEET SPARKLING UKRAINE $18.95
+40769 ARTWINERY VICTORY WHITE BRUT SPARKLING UKRAINE $18.95

Plus these Sparkling Wines Limited Time Offers-- on sale through Nov 30.

13TH STREET BLANC DE BLANC VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method,
28420 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95 NOW $27.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
AC, Champagne, France
158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $114.95 NOW $108.95 Save $6.00

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
AC, Burgundy, France, traditional method
48793 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $25.95 NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING Italy
302752 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $21.95 NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through November 30, 2025... 

F I Z Z

13TH STREET BLANC DE BLANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method,
28420 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $27.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT
ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
AC, Champagne, France
158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $114.95
NOW $108.95 Save $6.00

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE
D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
AC, Burgundy, France, traditional method
48793 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT
ROSÉ SPARKLING Italy
302752 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

W H I T E W I N ES

CASAS DEL BOSQUE COLLECTION
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Valle de Casablanca, Chile
974717 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

DOMAINE SABANIS ASSYRTIKO
PGI Central Greece
41120 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
68817 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $33.95
NOW $31.95 Save $2.00

LOUIS JADOT CHARDONNAY BOURGOGNE
AC, Burgundy, France
933077 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $39.95
NOW $37.95 Save $2.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

R E D W I N ES

BLEASDALE MULBERRY TREE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON South Australia
661892 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU ARGADENS BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR
AC, Bordeaux, France
681643 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

EL GORU MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT
DOP Jumilla, Spain
443945 (D – 4 g/L) 750 ml $14.95
NOW $13.95 Save $1.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE
ORGANIC PINOT NOIR
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
274753 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $38.95
NOW $35.95 Save $3.00

LAN CRIANZA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
166538 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
964221 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LOUIS JADOT BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
162073 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $41.95
NOW $39.95 Save $2.00

M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE
BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES
AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

THE BLACK CHOOK
SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER South Australia
66738 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑA GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 6 g/L) 750 ml $44.95
NOW $42.45 Save $2.50

RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA
RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
943613 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DO Penedès, Spain
36483 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO RIPASSA VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
479766 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

TAYLOR FLADGATE 20-YEAR-OLD
TAWNY PORT DOP, Portugal
149047 (S – 111 g/L) 750 ml $72.95
NOW $65.95 Save $7

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 

REPORT ON GREEK WINE TODAY: authentic, sustainable...

The Date and Time: Wednesday August 27 11AM and 1:30PM for two masterclasses.
The Event: Masterclasses of predominantly white (11AM) and red (1:30PM) wines, with five panelists providing deep background. The first official Greek wine legislation was in the early 1970s, Currently, the North American taste is for assyrtiko white wines, with the red agriorgitiko and the red xinomavro (the latter principally rose sparkling), The white moschofilero also appears.
The Venue: Arcadian Loft Bay Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, agents, media, and some buyers
The Availability/Catalogue: It was a simple listing by winery, with varietal names, dates locations and agents. 14 wines were from Macedonia, 13 from Peloponnese, some from Crete, Epirus, Thessaly, Aegean Island -- about 45 in all. The walkaround was very nicely done.
The Quote/Background: Greek wines attract the attention of sommeliers as something affordable and different. The country has 300 indigenous grape varieties and 1600 wineries. Currently, only 12% of the wine is exported; Germany is the destination for a third of Greece's total export. 
The Wines:  I did not try every wine. Agents are listed with a Google search.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Papaioannou Winery Mikroklima Agiorgitiko Nemea 2006 Peloponnese -- my fave of the day
-Ktima Palivou Diaselo Kidonitsa 2024 Peloponnese
-Ktima Pavlidis Emphasis Assyrtiko 2024 Macedonia
-Kechris Winery Tear of the Pine 2022 Macedonia
-Ktima Spiropoulos Nemea Unoaked 2024 Peloponnese
-Ktima Biblia Chora White 2024 Macedonia
-Ktima Gerovassiliou White 2024 Macedonia
-Idaia Winery Ocean Thrapsathiri 2024 Crete
-Lafazanis Winery Geometria White 2023 Peloponnese
-Michalakia Estate Gold Cuvee 2024 Crete
-Kotrotsos Winery Malagouzia 2024 Peloponnese

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Orealios Gaea R Robola 2024 Ionian Island
-Diamantakis Winery Vidiano 2024 Crete
-Novus Winery A Priori Mantinia 2024 Peloponnese
-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Malagouzia Single Vineyard 2024 Macedonia
-Dourakis Winery To Romeiko 2020 Crete - Rose
-Tsililis Winery Ktima Theopetra White 2024 Thessaly

The Food: Oliver & Bonacini had a charcuterie and cheese board with fresh and dried fruit, breads and biscuits, and preserves.
The Downside: the two masterclasses were red or  white (no real choice)
The Upside: a chance to taste some rare wines not usually seen in Ontario.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85


REPORT ON CHIANTI MASTERCLASS TORONTO 2025...

The Date and Time: Monday September 22 at 10AM to 1PM.
The Event: vertical tasting of Chianti's main production categories, styles and sub-regions, conducted by John Szabo, MS.
The Venue: Aria Ristorante
The Target Audience: sommeliers, media, agents
The Quote/Background: John Szabo spoke on the various styles, and then we tasted seven different Chianti wines. Different names have been attached for styles: Annata, Superiore, Reserva, all within DOCG standards. More Sangiovese is used in the "Superiore" style.

The Wines:
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022: murky, organic, full flavoured.
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG Riserva 2022: dark, soft palate, off-dry.
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG Riserva 2022: dark, soft palate, dry dusty.
-Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva 2020: dark, great aging, best wine of the tasting.

***1/2  BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2024 Annata: pale transparency, youthful, fruity, developing well.
-Chianti Superiore DOCG 2023 Colline Pisane: clear at rim, a definite food wine, plenty of tannins.
-Chianti Superiore DOCG  2022 Colli Aretini: similar to Isane, good aging but tannic.

The Food:  radicchio salad, chicken, salmon, new potatoes.
The Downside: I wanted more wines to sample
The Upside: a sterling, informative presentation
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Portuguese wines

REPORT ON LEGACY PORTUGESE WINE TASTING IN TORONTO

The Event: WOP Taste the Legacy Toronto (Portuguese wines)
The Venue: The Well 15th floor
The Target Audience: wine media and wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: each table had its own brochures and data tech sheets
The Quote/Background: There were more white wines than I thought, even though I tried my best to taste them all. Many producers had sparkling wines, which made for an exciting tasting.
The Wines: I tasted mainly white wines, but I did incorporate the masterclass wines. Please excuse any misspelling or typos.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Symington  Contacto Alvarinho White 21024 Vinhos Verdes
-Soalheiro Bruto Alvarinho Espumante
-Cabral Reserva Douro 2023 +35446 $13.95
-Soalheiro Bruto Alvarinho Espumante
-Casal Branco Falcoaria Vinhas Velhas White 2022 Tejo
-Soalheiro Classico 2024 Alvarinho
-Sogrape Vinhos Casa Ferreirinha Quinta da Leda Red 2021 Porto e Douro
-Fiuza Marques de Alvito Reserva Red 2017 Tejo
-Churchill's Estates Grafite Grande Reserva Red 2016 Porto e Douro
-Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho
-Dona Vitoria Colecao Privada
-Soalheiro Mineral Rose Alvarinho & Pinot Noir
-Sogrape Vinhos Quinta dos Carvalhais White 2023  Dao Elafoes
-Quinta Vale d'Aldeia Grande Reserva White 2022 Porto e Douro
-Soalheiro Bruto Rose Espumante
-Soalheiro Bruto Nature Espumante
-Guarda Rios Branco 2024
-Quinta de Pancas Cabernet Sauvignon
-Issimo Caves Arcos do Rei 2018
-Zip Douro Branco 2024
-Quinta do Albrna Aristo Chardonnay 2024


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta do Paco de Treixeiro 2024
-Treixeiro Vinho Verde 2023 repped by Epic
-Animus Vinho Verde 2024
-Vale Santa Lucia Douro 2024
-Vale Santa Lucia Rose 2024
-Marques de Mariavala NV
-Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs NV
-Marques de Marialva Grande Riserva Red 2015 Bairrada
-J.P. Ramos Lyma Vinho Verdes 2024
-Quinta do Casal Monteiro
-LAB Vinho Regional Lisboa White 2024
-J.P. Ramos Loios 2024
-Rocim Fresh from Amphora White 2024 Alentejo
-Textura Pura White 2022 Dao e Lafoes
-Companhia das Lezirias Senhora Vinho Novo Red 2023 Tejo
-Herdade Dos Lagos Amphora Red 2022 Alentejo

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the NOVEMBER 8, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the NOVEMBER 8, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Fine wines for the Holiday, Entertaining, Burgundy, VQA Local talent

TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for the release.
====================================================
FIZZ+544056 VILLA TERESA ORGANIC PROSECCO $17.95
FIZZ+45813 AVELEDA BRUT SPARKLING PORTUGAL $16.95

W+36181 WAPISA PATAGONIA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 $17.95
W+37909 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LADY MARMALADE VERMENTINO AUSTRALIA 2024 $18.95 
W+42737 LE BOURGEAIS MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE 2023 $16.95 
W+45808 CERCHIO IDI DI MARZO SETTE VIZI TREBBIANO ABRUZZO 2024 $14.95 
W+95802 PETER ZEMMER PINOT GRIGIO ALTO ADIGE 2024 $19.95
W+17703 LITORALE VAL DELLE ROSE VERMENTINO TUSCANY 2023 $19.95
W+17549 OTU MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2024 $19.95
W+45185 BOSCHENDAL 1685 SAUVIGNON BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $19.95  

R+24849 CICCHITTI CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARGENTINA 2022 $16.95
R+167619 ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2024  $18.95
R+197392 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL PINOT NOIR AUSTRALIA 2024 $19.95
R+167619 ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2024  $18.95
R+197392 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL PINOT NOIR AUSTRALIA 2024 $19.95
R+45495 THE BLACK CHOOK CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $19.95
R+606764 ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95
R+24495 CHÂTEAU MAISON NOBLE SAINT MARTIN BORDEAUX 2022 $16.95
R+44275 DOMAINE LA BERTHETE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $18 
R+561290 LOUIS BERNARD LOUIS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $16.95
R+44600 VARVAGLIONE PAPALE ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2021 $18.95



TOP Wines OVER $20 for the release.
=================================
FIZZ+967398 TALTARNI TACHÉ BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING AUSTRALIA 2016 $26.95 
FIZZ+401018 LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE $23.95 
FIZZ+352153 FERRARI BRUT SPARKLING ALTO ADIGE $29.95

W+267856 STRATUS CHARDONNAY VQA 2024 $35.20
W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $25.95
W+47930 13TH STREET RESERVE VIOGNIER VQA 2023 $29.95
W+396275 ORGANIZED CRIME SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2023 $22.95
W+43938 LOUIS LATOUR POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023 $62.95
W+621581 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE SAINT-VÉRAN 2023 $28.95
W+65573 JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2023 $41.95 
W+36903 BABICH FAMILY ESTATES SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $24.95

R+10541 RYMILL COONAWARRA CLASSIC RELEASE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 $29.95
R+361816 BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $55.00
R+394171 KACABA TERRACED VINEYARD SYRAH VQA 2021 $35.15
R+643239 M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2020 $23.95 
R+45175 CHÂTEAU DE DRACY BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2023 $29.95
R+47576 LA DURBANE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2020 $69.95
R+32757 ANTONINI CORIUM MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $22.95
R+540849 TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $24.95
R+45805 CARPINETO ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO 2022 $21.95
R+548503 SUTHERLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON SOUTH AFRICA 2021 $21.95 
R+586701 CAMPO VIEJO GRAN RESERVA RIOJA 2016 $34.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale LIMITED  Monday October 13 through November 9 -- better hurry!!

W H I T E W I N ES

BOSCHENDAL 1685 CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment,
Ontario, sustainable
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke's Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
PIERRE SPARR GEWURZTRAMINER
AC Alsace, France
373373 (D – 14 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $27.95 Save $2.00

WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

R E D W I N ES

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CANTO DE CASA TEMPRANILLO
DO Cariñena, Spain
43852 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONHEART OF
THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
167189 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

HECHT & BANNIER LE LANGUEDOC
AC Languedoc, France
251587 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

MARCHESI DI BAROLO
LA TRADIZIONE BAROLO
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
168179 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $52.95
NOW $50.70 Save $2.25

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO
GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
353201 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $49.95
NOW $44.95 Save $5.00

TENUTA FRESCOBALDI DI CASTIGLIONI
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
145920 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
606541 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50


AND Nov 10 through November 30, 2025 --

LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from Nov. 10 to Nov. 30, 2025

F I Z Z

13TH STREET BLANC DE BLANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method,
28420 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $27.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT
ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
AC, Champagne, France
158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $114.95
NOW $108.95 Save $6.00

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE
D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
AC, Burgundy, France, traditional method
48793 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

SANTA MARGHERITA BRUT
ROSÉ SPARKLING Italy
302752 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

W H I T E W I N ES

CASAS DEL BOSQUE COLLECTION
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Valle de Casablanca, Chile
974717 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

DOMAINE SABANIS ASSYRTIKO
PGI Central Greece
41120 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
68817 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $33.95
NOW $31.95 Save $2.00

LOUIS JADOT CHARDONNAY BOURGOGNE
AC, Burgundy, France
933077 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $39.95
NOW $37.95 Save $2.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

R E D W I N ES

BLEASDALE MULBERRY TREE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON South Australia
661892 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU ARGADENS BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR
AC, Bordeaux, France
681643 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

EL GORU MONASTRELL/SYRAH/PETIT VERDOT
DOP Jumilla, Spain
443945 (D – 4 g/L) 750 ml $14.95
NOW $13.95 Save $1.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE
ORGANIC PINOT NOIR
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
274753 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $38.95
NOW $35.95 Save $3.00

LAN CRIANZA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
166538 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
964221 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LOUIS JADOT BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
162073 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $41.95
NOW $39.95 Save $2.00

M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE
BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES
AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

THE BLACK CHOOK
SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER South Australia
66738 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑA GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 6 g/L) 750 ml $44.95
NOW $42.45 Save $2.50

RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA
RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
943613 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DO Penedès, Spain
36483 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO RIPASSA VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
479766 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

TAYLOR FLADGATE 20-YEAR-OLD
TAWNY PORT DOP, Portugal
149047 (S – 111 g/L) 750 ml $72.95
NOW $65.95 Save $7.00

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 

REPORT ON DARE TO COMPARE TASTING OF PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY CHARDONNAYS AND PINOT NOIRS, plus a small trade show walkaround...

The Date and Time: June 2, 2025  1 - 5 PM
The Event: a seminar on comparing PEC chardonnays and pinot noirs to non-Canadian PN&C wines.
The Venue: Peter Pan
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade guests, wine media.
The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are at the LCBO, others are at the winery.
The Quote/Background: PEC has about 40 wineries producing a variety of wines from different grapes. But chardonnays and pinot noirs are the best varieties made into wines in PEC. The seminar/masterclass attracted  about 30; there were 10 wines poured, 5 chardonnays and 5 pinot noirs. Three of each were from PEC. The attempt was not to see which wine was best or better, but rather to compare the present status of PEC and non-PEC wines. Sommelier Jay Whiteley, who had moved to PEC in 2018, led the tasting which went on for about 2 hours and was well-presented. The Chardonnays came from Trail Estate, Rosehall Run, and Three Dog in PEC. The two outliers were La Chablisienne 2023 and Church Road Grand Reserve Hawkes Bay New Zealand 2021. The PEC Pinot Noirs came from Stanners, Broken Stone, and Keint-he. The comparison was made to Pech a Mama 2022 from Australia and Cape of Good Hope Sneeuwkans 2019 from South Africa. 
The Wines: The wine show had more than just chardonnays and pinot noirs; I did not taste everything - just the chards and pinots. I also decided to add the PEC wines I tasted from the recent Taste Ontario trade show within my ratings.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Broken Stone Winery    County Grown Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2023 13.5% ABV LCBO +668269  $29.95 
-Closson Chase Vineyards Churchside Pinot Noir Prince Edward County 2022    12.5% ABV  $50
-Closson Chase Vineyards South Clos Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2022    12.5% ABV $50
-Huff Estates Winery Cuveé Peter Huff    Prince Edward County 2021    12.5%ABV  LCBO +198754     $40
-Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard County Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2021    11.5% ABV  LCBO+381715     $59.20 
-Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Cuvée L Pinot Noir VQA Ontario 2022    12.5%    LCBO+36826     $99.20 
-Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2023     $50
-Huff Estates Winery Catharine's Chardonnay    Prince Edward County    2022    12.5%    LCBO+88955     $35
-Stanners Chardonnay PEC 2018 & 2019
-Keint-He Winery Portage Chardonnay PEC 2018  11.9% ABV $22.95


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Broken Stone Winery    Pinot Noir "The One"    Prince Edward County    2023        12%     $39.95 
-Casa-Dea Estates Winery Pecorino Prince Edward County 2023     12.7%  $34.95 
-Casa-Dea Estates Winery Sparkling Rose Prince Edward County 2023 13%     $24.95 
-Rosehall Run Vineyards Stardust Tradtional Method Prince Edward County    2014    12% $65
-Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué    Prince Edward County    2024        12.5%  $26
-The Grange Of Prince Edward Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc Prince Edward County 2024 12.5%  $29.95 
-The Grange Of Prince Edward Aurelia Series Cabernet Franc Prince Edward County 2023 13%  $73.65 
-Trail Estate Winery Chardonnay    Prince Edward County (new oak)    2022    11.4% $48
-Huff Chardonnay Unoaked 2023
-Keint-He Little Creek Chardonnay Benway Block PEC 2021  $41.22 licensee
-Keint-He Greer Road Chardonnay PEC 2021 $36.95

The Food: none
The Downside: I was very late in arriving due to the slow TTC and street construction, but I got to taste the 10 wines in the seminar.
The Upside:a rare opportunity to taste PEC wines in Toronto.
The Contact Person: admin@pecwines.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures