WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 7, 2025 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, 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 wines, beers and spirits, has been at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through LCBO Vintages (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 publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
MAJOR THEME: Rose Table Wine (UNDER ~$20)
+177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
+45075 TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND ROSÉ VQA 2024 $18.95
+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
+388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+16296 ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+43979 CARUSO & MININI FRAPPO FRAPPATO ROSÉ SICILY 2024 $18.95
+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $20.95
+43396 MAN HANEKRAAI ROSÉ SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $14.95
+490961 IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $17.95
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+ 390781 NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY FRANCE 2023 $19.95
W+18560 CLEEBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2022 $18.95
W+31534 DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC 2023 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2023 $17.95 W+289553 UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO ABRUZZO 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+268110 LUNGAROTTI TORRE DI GIANO BIANCO DI TORGIANO UMBRIA 2022 $17.95
R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR CHILE 2023 $16.95
R+569962 VANITÁ PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2023 $17.95
R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA PORTUGAL 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+44140 GENIO ESPANOL ROBLE MONASTRELL SPAIN 2021 $16.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+198754 HUFF CUVÉE PETER F. SPARKLING VQA 2021 $39 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
FIZZ+42032 CUVÉE FRANÇOISE CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX ROSÉ SPARKLING LANGUEDOC NV $25.95
FIZZ+556654 KRONE BOREALIS VINTAGE CUVÉE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING SOUTH AFRICA 2022 $22
W+45136 BACHELDER WERNER-YORK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+45135 BACHELDER PARCELLE HAUT IVY & WARREN SAUNDERS VINEYARD VQA 2022 $45.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+415901 CAVE SPRING SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING VQA 2023 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+523845 CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING VQA 2023 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+45139 BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $27.95
R+33994 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $32
R+11581 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $33.70
R+121723 DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 $52.95
R+17572 VITE COLTE SOGNI AL CAMPO NEBBIOLO PIEDMONT 2022 $24.95
R+943290 FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2020 $49.95
R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO 2021 $43.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...
**LIMITED-TIME OFFERS Save on these popular wines from May 26 to June 22, 2025**
FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO - - https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]
MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
559088 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2
W H I T E W I N ES
ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.
FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 17 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.
FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
89037 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.
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.
OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.
OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 mL REG. $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.
XANADU VINEWORK
SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON
Margaret River, Western Australia,
41315 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.
R E D W I N ES
BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.
FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.
CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.
M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA HAUT CÔTES DU
ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.
REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 7 g/L) 750 mL $42.95
NOW $40.45 Save $2.
TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.
RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.
TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.
VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $24.95 Save $2.
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON -- Elevate Your Cellar: A Journey Through the Okanagan's Iconic Wine Estates 2025
The Date and Time: April 22, 2025, 6PM to 8PM
The Event: Mark Anthony's Private Collectors Tasting
The Venue: The Bovine Wine Club (Union Station)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, private wine clients
The Availability/Catalogue: CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane, and Mission Hill (Oculus 2020 $228; Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019 $80; Compendium 2019 $79; Perpetua 2021 $66; CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023 $91; Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 $97; Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2023 $52) - mostly on consignment through Mark Anthony.
The Quote/Background: this was one of a series of small wine tastings beginning in 2023, moving through 2024 and 2025 but with different wines and vintage dates from the same wineries. This sun-drenched region of British Columbia has become synonymous with craftsmanship and terroir.
The Wines: There were two tables with four wines each, but I was unable to taste the eighth wine (CheckMate) because I left early.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2021
-Mission Hill Compendium 2019
-Martin Lane Riesling Simes Vineyard 2023
-Mission Hill Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019
-Mission Hill Oculus 2020
-Martin Lane Pinot Noir Naramata Ranch 2019
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023
The Food: there were a few gigantic charcuterie/cheese boards, the latter with Manchego and old Cheddar; followed by sushi Cali roll platters (about a dozen different ones - and more if you count the vegan versions). All food was catered by Bovine Club. More food was on the way but I had to leave early.
The Downside: the room got congested really fast
The Upside: a chance to taste wines that are not normally available in Ontario
The Contact Person: kpasquali@iconicwineries.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92
By DEAN TUDOR, 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 wines, beers and spirits, has been at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through LCBO Vintages (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 publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
MAJOR THEME: Rose Table Wine (UNDER ~$20)
+177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
+45075 TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND ROSÉ VQA 2024 $18.95
+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
+388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+16296 ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+43979 CARUSO & MININI FRAPPO FRAPPATO ROSÉ SICILY 2024 $18.95
+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $20.95
+43396 MAN HANEKRAAI ROSÉ SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $14.95
+490961 IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $17.95
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+ 390781 NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY FRANCE 2023 $19.95
W+18560 CLEEBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2022 $18.95
W+31534 DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC 2023 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2023 $17.95 W+289553 UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO ABRUZZO 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+268110 LUNGAROTTI TORRE DI GIANO BIANCO DI TORGIANO UMBRIA 2022 $17.95
R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR CHILE 2023 $16.95
R+569962 VANITÁ PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2023 $17.95
R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA PORTUGAL 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+44140 GENIO ESPANOL ROBLE MONASTRELL SPAIN 2021 $16.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+198754 HUFF CUVÉE PETER F. SPARKLING VQA 2021 $39 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
FIZZ+42032 CUVÉE FRANÇOISE CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX ROSÉ SPARKLING LANGUEDOC NV $25.95
FIZZ+556654 KRONE BOREALIS VINTAGE CUVÉE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING SOUTH AFRICA 2022 $22
W+45136 BACHELDER WERNER-YORK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+45135 BACHELDER PARCELLE HAUT IVY & WARREN SAUNDERS VINEYARD VQA 2022 $45.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+415901 CAVE SPRING SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING VQA 2023 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+523845 CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING VQA 2023 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+45139 BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $27.95
R+33994 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $32
R+11581 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $33.70
R+121723 DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 $52.95
R+17572 VITE COLTE SOGNI AL CAMPO NEBBIOLO PIEDMONT 2022 $24.95
R+943290 FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2020 $49.95
R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO 2021 $43.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...
**LIMITED-TIME OFFERS Save on these popular wines from May 26 to June 22, 2025**
FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO - - https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]
MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
559088 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2
W H I T E W I N ES
ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.
FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 17 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.
FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
89037 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.
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.
OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.
OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 mL REG. $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.
XANADU VINEWORK
SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON
Margaret River, Western Australia,
41315 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.
R E D W I N ES
BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.
FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.
CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.
M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA HAUT CÔTES DU
ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.
REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 7 g/L) 750 mL $42.95
NOW $40.45 Save $2.
TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.
RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.
TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.
VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $24.95 Save $2.
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON -- Elevate Your Cellar: A Journey Through the Okanagan's Iconic Wine Estates 2025
The Date and Time: April 22, 2025, 6PM to 8PM
The Event: Mark Anthony's Private Collectors Tasting
The Venue: The Bovine Wine Club (Union Station)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, private wine clients
The Availability/Catalogue: CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane, and Mission Hill (Oculus 2020 $228; Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019 $80; Compendium 2019 $79; Perpetua 2021 $66; CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023 $91; Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 $97; Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2023 $52) - mostly on consignment through Mark Anthony.
The Quote/Background: this was one of a series of small wine tastings beginning in 2023, moving through 2024 and 2025 but with different wines and vintage dates from the same wineries. This sun-drenched region of British Columbia has become synonymous with craftsmanship and terroir.
The Wines: There were two tables with four wines each, but I was unable to taste the eighth wine (CheckMate) because I left early.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2021
-Mission Hill Compendium 2019
-Martin Lane Riesling Simes Vineyard 2023
-Mission Hill Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019
-Mission Hill Oculus 2020
-Martin Lane Pinot Noir Naramata Ranch 2019
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023
The Food: there were a few gigantic charcuterie/cheese boards, the latter with Manchego and old Cheddar; followed by sushi Cali roll platters (about a dozen different ones - and more if you count the vegan versions). All food was catered by Bovine Club. More food was on the way but I had to leave early.
The Downside: the room got congested really fast
The Upside: a chance to taste wines that are not normally available in Ontario
The Contact Person: kpasquali@iconicwineries.com
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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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