WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 21, 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: Refreshing whites
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
ROSE+39974 FLAT ROCK PINK TWISTED ROSÉ 2024 VQA $17.95
ROSE+15277 CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2024 CHILE $16.95 ROSE+19852 ALBINO ARMANI ROSÉ 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+22460 WESTCOTT BUTLERS' GRANT OLD VINES RIESLING 2023 VQA $19.95
W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES RIESLING 2022 VQA $19.95
W+42097 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 CHILE $18.95
W+41120 DOMAINE SABANIS ASSYRTIKO 2023 GREECE $19.95
W+944298 CAVE DE LA TOURANGELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 LOIRE $16.95
W+499509 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+289538 VESEVO BENEVENTANO FALANGHINA 2024 CAMPANIA $17.95
W+32550 ME BY MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 NEW ZEALAND $16.95
W+42071 QUINTA DO CARDO 2023 PORTUGAL $16.95
W+31123 CAPE POINT NOORDHOEK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $19.95
W+154302 ABAD DOM BUENO GODELLO 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+41874 BIRD IN HAND TWO IN THE BUSH SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $18.95
R+17381 FIN DEL MUNDO PATAGONIA RISERVA MALBEC 2023 $15.95
R+12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON 2020 BORDEAUX $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43852 CANTO DE CASA ORGANIC TEMPRANILLO 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43464 LULUMI PINOT NOIR 2023 LANGUEDOC $17.95
R+41901 COTA 700 COLHEITA 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+41443 NOBLE HILL FIELD ATLAS 2021 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+39869 LUCIEN ROGUET NO.1 TRADITION BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE $78.95
W+43459 FAMILLE PERRACHON VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023 $42.95
W+57430 MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA BC $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+16452 REIF ESTATE DREA'S SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA $29.50
W+11951 ORGANIZED CRIME LIMESTONE BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $24.95
W+148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA $35
W+42676 VESEVO GRECO DI TUFO 2022 CAMPANIA $22.95
R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+38301 FEATHERSTONE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2021 VQA $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+42227 AGAMY RÉGNIÉ 2022 BEAUJOLAIS $22.95
R+37942 GAJA SITO MORESCO 2022 PIEDMONT $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+190462 MUD HOUSE PINOT NOIR 2022 NEW ZEALAND $24.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through Sunday June 22...BETTER HURRY!!!
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
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale June 23 to July 20...
FIZZ
13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00
CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00
TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING RIESLING
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment,
Ontario, traditional method
370361 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00
W H I T E W I N ES
CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00
FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
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
FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 12 g/L)
750 mL REG. $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2
ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
R E D W I N ES
CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00
MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 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
MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50
SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 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
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE ACID TRIP OF THE LIVING VINE May 2025
The Date and Time: May 5, 2025, 1PM-5PM
The Event: A curated collection of biodynamic, organic, and natural wines from around the world
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: today it was the Licensees; yesterday (May 4) it was the Living Vine clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available by the LCBO Consignment ordering system, by the case.
The Quote/Background: there were ten tables with pourers and information. Overall, there were 85 or so regular wines with alcohol, a few apple ciders, and some proxies with all the complexities of wine and none of the alcohol. Proxies are a new form of wine alternative—not dealcoholized wine, but layered blends of fruit, teas, spices, and bitters, designed to pair with food. I did not taste any of these..indeed, I did not even taste all the 85 regular wines....
The Wines: prices are for Licensees....
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Recaredo Intens Rosat 2020 [fizz] Penedes $65.95 (in six pack)
-Viberti Moscato d'Asti 2024 Piedmont $20.66
-Viberti Pubblicano Doglia Dolcetto 2023 Piedmont $24.26
-Viberti Nebbiolo Langhe 2023 Pidmont $33.26
-Viberti Buon Padre Barolo 2021 $62.06 (in six pack)
-Viberti San Pedro Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Bricco delle Viole Nebbiolo Piedmont 2019 $167.36 (in six pack)
-Berlioz Les Christine 2022 Savoie $134.96 (in six pack)
-Battenfeld Spanier Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2023 $24.95
-Camas Chardonnay 2023 Languedoc $17.95
-Antica Enotria Rosso IGT Puglia $21.95
-Lobetia Tempranillo La Mancha Spain $16.95
-COS Rami 2022 Sicily $37.95
-Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Sicily $36.95
-Masseria Cuturi Tuma Primitivo 2022 Puglia $23.95
-Filippi Vindagoti Garganega IGT NV Veneto $39.56 (one litre in six pack)
-Le Piane Nebbiolo 2023 Piedmont $30.95
-Famille Fabre Pirouette White Languedoc $20.95
-David Reynaud Crozes "Georges" Rhone 2022 (in six pack)
-Patrick Sullivan Chardonnay Victoria Australia 2023 $29.66
-Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand $22.95
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Partida Creus NV 9% [fizz] Penedes $39.95
-Viberti Derthona Timorasso 2023 Piedmont $45.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Rinato Chardonnay 2023 Piedmont $62.05 (in six pack)
-Viberti La Volta Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Therianthropy Bonni Vivant Sous Voile Chardonnay VQA Ontario $26.79
-Madame Flock Class A Riesling 2023 Mosel $27.95
-Massimago Gastone Amarones 2020 $74.95 (in six pack)
The Food: none
The Downside: I came early because of the TTC service which sometimes never exists. The tasting was also congested.
The Upside: A chance to taste many natural wines on a global basis.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89
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: Refreshing whites
Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
ROSE+39974 FLAT ROCK PINK TWISTED ROSÉ 2024 VQA $17.95
ROSE+15277 CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2024 CHILE $16.95 ROSE+19852 ALBINO ARMANI ROSÉ 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+22460 WESTCOTT BUTLERS' GRANT OLD VINES RIESLING 2023 VQA $19.95
W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES RIESLING 2022 VQA $19.95
W+42097 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 CHILE $18.95
W+41120 DOMAINE SABANIS ASSYRTIKO 2023 GREECE $19.95
W+944298 CAVE DE LA TOURANGELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 LOIRE $16.95
W+499509 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+289538 VESEVO BENEVENTANO FALANGHINA 2024 CAMPANIA $17.95
W+32550 ME BY MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 NEW ZEALAND $16.95
W+42071 QUINTA DO CARDO 2023 PORTUGAL $16.95
W+31123 CAPE POINT NOORDHOEK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $19.95
W+154302 ABAD DOM BUENO GODELLO 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+41874 BIRD IN HAND TWO IN THE BUSH SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $18.95
R+17381 FIN DEL MUNDO PATAGONIA RISERVA MALBEC 2023 $15.95
R+12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON 2020 BORDEAUX $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43852 CANTO DE CASA ORGANIC TEMPRANILLO 2022 SPAIN $17.95
R+297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43464 LULUMI PINOT NOIR 2023 LANGUEDOC $17.95
R+41901 COTA 700 COLHEITA 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+41443 NOBLE HILL FIELD ATLAS 2021 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+39869 LUCIEN ROGUET NO.1 TRADITION BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE $78.95
W+43459 FAMILLE PERRACHON VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023 $42.95
W+57430 MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA BC $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+16452 REIF ESTATE DREA'S SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA $29.50
W+11951 ORGANIZED CRIME LIMESTONE BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $24.95
W+148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA $35
W+42676 VESEVO GRECO DI TUFO 2022 CAMPANIA $22.95
R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+38301 FEATHERSTONE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2021 VQA $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+42227 AGAMY RÉGNIÉ 2022 BEAUJOLAIS $22.95
R+37942 GAJA SITO MORESCO 2022 PIEDMONT $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+190462 MUD HOUSE PINOT NOIR 2022 NEW ZEALAND $24.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through Sunday June 22...BETTER HURRY!!!
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
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale June 23 to July 20...
FIZZ
13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00
CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00
TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING RIESLING
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment,
Ontario, traditional method
370361 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00
W H I T E W I N ES
CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00
FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
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
FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 12 g/L)
750 mL REG. $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2
ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
R E D W I N ES
CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00
MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 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
MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50
SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 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
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE ACID TRIP OF THE LIVING VINE May 2025
The Date and Time: May 5, 2025, 1PM-5PM
The Event: A curated collection of biodynamic, organic, and natural wines from around the world
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: today it was the Licensees; yesterday (May 4) it was the Living Vine clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available by the LCBO Consignment ordering system, by the case.
The Quote/Background: there were ten tables with pourers and information. Overall, there were 85 or so regular wines with alcohol, a few apple ciders, and some proxies with all the complexities of wine and none of the alcohol. Proxies are a new form of wine alternative—not dealcoholized wine, but layered blends of fruit, teas, spices, and bitters, designed to pair with food. I did not taste any of these..indeed, I did not even taste all the 85 regular wines....
The Wines: prices are for Licensees....
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Recaredo Intens Rosat 2020 [fizz] Penedes $65.95 (in six pack)
-Viberti Moscato d'Asti 2024 Piedmont $20.66
-Viberti Pubblicano Doglia Dolcetto 2023 Piedmont $24.26
-Viberti Nebbiolo Langhe 2023 Pidmont $33.26
-Viberti Buon Padre Barolo 2021 $62.06 (in six pack)
-Viberti San Pedro Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Bricco delle Viole Nebbiolo Piedmont 2019 $167.36 (in six pack)
-Berlioz Les Christine 2022 Savoie $134.96 (in six pack)
-Battenfeld Spanier Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2023 $24.95
-Camas Chardonnay 2023 Languedoc $17.95
-Antica Enotria Rosso IGT Puglia $21.95
-Lobetia Tempranillo La Mancha Spain $16.95
-COS Rami 2022 Sicily $37.95
-Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Sicily $36.95
-Masseria Cuturi Tuma Primitivo 2022 Puglia $23.95
-Filippi Vindagoti Garganega IGT NV Veneto $39.56 (one litre in six pack)
-Le Piane Nebbiolo 2023 Piedmont $30.95
-Famille Fabre Pirouette White Languedoc $20.95
-David Reynaud Crozes "Georges" Rhone 2022 (in six pack)
-Patrick Sullivan Chardonnay Victoria Australia 2023 $29.66
-Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand $22.95
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Partida Creus NV 9% [fizz] Penedes $39.95
-Viberti Derthona Timorasso 2023 Piedmont $45.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Rinato Chardonnay 2023 Piedmont $62.05 (in six pack)
-Viberti La Volta Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Therianthropy Bonni Vivant Sous Voile Chardonnay VQA Ontario $26.79
-Madame Flock Class A Riesling 2023 Mosel $27.95
-Massimago Gastone Amarones 2020 $74.95 (in six pack)
The Food: none
The Downside: I came early because of the TTC service which sometimes never exists. The tasting was also congested.
The Upside: A chance to taste many natural wines on a global basis.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89
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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