WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the OCT 25, 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 • France: Iconic, innovative, intriguing
TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for October 25 release.
=================
ROSE+20012 LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ LANGUEDOC 2024 $17.95
FIZZ+13836 BRILLA! PROSECCO $19.95
W+401232 LUNA NUDA PINOT GRIGIO ALTO ADIGE-TRENTINO 2024 $15.95
W+360255 REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER VQA 2023 $19.95
W+47642 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOXCROFT RIESLING VQA 2023 $18.95
W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2025 $15.95
R+744235 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $19.95
R+46357 HUMBERTO CANALE INTIMO CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARGENTINA 2023 $15.95
R+539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $16.95
R+454041 FONTANAFREDDA EREMO LANGHE ROSSO PIEDMONT 2020 $19.95
R+45811 MONTRALE ROSSO SALENTO PULGLIA 2020 $19.95
R+25447 GANDARADA PORTUGAL 2022 $14.95
R+166512 VALDEMAR INSPIRACIÓN SELECCIÓN SPAIN 2020 $19.95
TOP Wines OVER $20 for October 25 release.
================
FIZZ+281329 JOSEPH CATTIN BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $21.95
W+918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY ARGENTINA 2023 $20.95
W+47634 FEROX WHITE BLEND VQA 2023 $24.95
W+47643 RAVINE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $23.95
W+28845 CLARENCE DILLON CLARENDELLE BLANC BORDEAUX 2023 $26.95
W+299867 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE 2023 $29.95
W+42103 LAKE CHALICE THE FALCON SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $21.95 W+12623 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY NEW ZEALAND 2023 $32.95
R+38128 DI MAJO NORANTE CONTADO RISERVA AGLIANICO DEL MOLISE 2019 $23.95
R+46352 VERSADO CENTENARY VINES MALBEC ARGENTINA 2019 $29.95
R+11665 CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR VQA 2020 $36.95
R+193573 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA 2021 $29.95
R+37411 STRATUS MERLOT VQA 2021 $45.20
R+523183 LEANING POST PINOT NOIR VQA 2023 $35.95
R+649160 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2021 $24.95
R+45174 ROUX PÈRE & FILS BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022 $35.95
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $26.95
R+44724 MARQUÉS DEL ATRIO RESERVA TEMPRANILLO/GRACIANO SPAIN 2019 $22.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale Monday October 13 through November 9 --
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
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 Date and Time: Wednesday May 28, 2025 2PM to 5PM
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
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 • France: Iconic, innovative, intriguing
TOP Wines UNDER $20 [most are $19.95] for October 25 release.
=================
ROSE+20012 LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ LANGUEDOC 2024 $17.95
FIZZ+13836 BRILLA! PROSECCO $19.95
W+401232 LUNA NUDA PINOT GRIGIO ALTO ADIGE-TRENTINO 2024 $15.95
W+360255 REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER VQA 2023 $19.95
W+47642 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOXCROFT RIESLING VQA 2023 $18.95
W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2025 $15.95
R+744235 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $19.95
R+46357 HUMBERTO CANALE INTIMO CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARGENTINA 2023 $15.95
R+539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $16.95
R+454041 FONTANAFREDDA EREMO LANGHE ROSSO PIEDMONT 2020 $19.95
R+45811 MONTRALE ROSSO SALENTO PULGLIA 2020 $19.95
R+25447 GANDARADA PORTUGAL 2022 $14.95
R+166512 VALDEMAR INSPIRACIÓN SELECCIÓN SPAIN 2020 $19.95
TOP Wines OVER $20 for October 25 release.
================
FIZZ+281329 JOSEPH CATTIN BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $21.95
W+918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY ARGENTINA 2023 $20.95
W+47634 FEROX WHITE BLEND VQA 2023 $24.95
W+47643 RAVINE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $23.95
W+28845 CLARENCE DILLON CLARENDELLE BLANC BORDEAUX 2023 $26.95
W+299867 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE 2023 $29.95
W+42103 LAKE CHALICE THE FALCON SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $21.95 W+12623 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY NEW ZEALAND 2023 $32.95
R+38128 DI MAJO NORANTE CONTADO RISERVA AGLIANICO DEL MOLISE 2019 $23.95
R+46352 VERSADO CENTENARY VINES MALBEC ARGENTINA 2019 $29.95
R+11665 CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR VQA 2020 $36.95
R+193573 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA 2021 $29.95
R+37411 STRATUS MERLOT VQA 2021 $45.20
R+523183 LEANING POST PINOT NOIR VQA 2023 $35.95
R+649160 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2021 $24.95
R+45174 ROUX PÈRE & FILS BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022 $35.95
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $26.95
R+44724 MARQUÉS DEL ATRIO RESERVA TEMPRANILLO/GRACIANO SPAIN 2019 $22.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale Monday October 13 through November 9 --
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
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 Date and Time: Wednesday May 28, 2025 2PM to 5PM
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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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