WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MAY 24, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MAY 24, 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)=my basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Outdoor Entertaining and Rose

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+648840 PADDY BORTHWICK RIESLING  NEW ZEALAND 2023 $19.95
W+41073 WALDSCHÜTZ STRASS GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+20599 FEATHERSTONE PINOT GRIGIO VQA 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+41899 AZEVEDO LOUREIRO ALVARINHO PORTUGAL 2024 $13.95
W+328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY SOUTH AFRICA 2022 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

R+12846 SIDEWOOD STABLEMATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $17.95
R+44919 FEROX VANTAGE RED VQA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+14424 CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET FRANC VQA 2020  $19.95
R+42814 M. CHAPOUTIER ROUGE CLAIR & FRAIS RHONE 2024 $18.95
R+42228 CHÂTEAU GAILLARD BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023  $19.95
R+561290 LOUIS BERNARD LOUIS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022  $16.95
R+994616 TERRA D'ALIGI TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $17.95

ROSE TABLE WINE under $20
+32026 SUSANA BALBO CRIOS MALBEC ROSÉ ARGENTINA 2024 $16.95
+24747 LA POSTA MALBEC ROSÉ ARGENTINA 2024 $15.95
+552497 PELEE ISLAND LOLA CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA $18.95
+319384 CARTE NOIRE HÉRITAGE ROSÉ PROVENCE $19.95
+37726 MARRENON ROSACE ROSÉ RHONE 2024 $16.95
+32401 BAGLIETTI NO.1 ORGANIC ROSÉ ITALY 2024 $15.95
+37863 BORN RAMBLA ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $16.95
     

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+401018 LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

W+35723 LAFAZANIS GEOMETRIA ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $23.95
W+82255 ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE 2023  $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+36416 FONTANAFREDDA DERTHONA COLLI TORTONESI TIMORASSO PIEDMONT 2023 $28.95
W+663286 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2024  $22.95

R+41352 EVANS & TATE WILD CAPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2021 $21.95
R+174334 GAJA CA'MARCANDA PROMIS 2022 $79.95
R+368910 CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO TUSCANY 2019  $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2023 SOUTH AFRICA $41.95
R+37384 ANCIANO NO. 10 GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2016  $21.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...quickly save on these wines on sale to May 25, 2025 --

See next paragraph  below for the May 26 to June 22 LTOs....

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

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

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00
*******************************************************

**more 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 ---

The Date and Time: Monday January 20, 1PM to 4PM
The Event: Boldly NY: wines of New York pop-up tasting
The Venue: Paris Paris Ossington Ave.
The Target Audience: wine trade including importers
The Availability/Catalogue: it was another QR code and I did not have a cell phone, but I got a list of wineries and tasted what I could. There were positions and stands for the different wineries at small tables, some of which had shared wineries.
The Quote/Background: Surprisingly there were few paper "sell or tech sheets", which are cheap enough to run off. As it was, I had to write my notes on the invitation sheet.
The Wines: these were mostly wineries seeking distribution in Ontario. Ten were from the Finger Lakes and included Boundary Breaks, Element Winery, Heron Hill Winery, Keuka Lake Vineyards, Living Roots Wine & Co.,Osmote, Ria's Wines, Usonia, Wagner Vineyards and Weis Vineyards. Channing Daughters came from Long Island. Dr. Konstantin Frank was there, although it already had an agent (Buyers + Cellars) as did Lamoureux Landing. I did not taste all the wines; I passed on the reds since there were many tasters ahead of me trying the reds.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Living Roots Bone Dry Riesling 2023
-Lamoureaux Landing Riesling 2021
-Lamoureaux Landing Chardonnay 2023 (unoaked but off-dry)
-Wild Arc Farm Piquette! [sparkling orange wine 2022 $10 canned]
-Dr. Konstantin Frank Blanc de Blancs MC 2020
-Keuka Lakes Vineyard Evergreen Lek 2021 ($35 US)

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ria's Wines Chardonnay Seneca Lake 2023
-Boundary Breaks Riesling 2022
-Ria's Wines Pet Nat Seneca Lake
-Boundary Breaks Reserve Riesling 2023
-Ria's Wines Viva Riesling 2023
-Keuka Lakes Vineyard  20 Rows Dry Riesling 2020 ($35 US)
-Weis Dry Riesling 2023
-Ria's Wines Grace Riesling 2022
-Weis Semi-Dry Riesling 2023
-Elegant Winery Can't Stop Won't Stop 2022 Chardonnay + Riesling blend
-Osmote Pet Nat Cayuga White Finger Lakes
-Wagner Vineyards Riesling Select 2022
-Wagner Vineyards Riesling Finger Lakes  2022

The Food: immense loaves of sourdough bread, with salted butter and olive oil.
The Downside: NY wines are a tough sell in Ontario since we are right around the corner so far as the climate goes and we sell out of the VQA wines quickly here. Also, the dollar valuation does not work in the USA's favour.
The Upside: a chance to taste some relatively rare and different wines.
The Contact Person: melissa@amcc-inc.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87

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: under/over $20 for MAY 10, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MAY 10, 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:  Fizz

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
Fizz+648188 MIMI GRANDE RÉSERVE BRUT ROSÉ PROVENCE $19.95
Fizz+43393 NORTON COSECHA ESPECIAL EXTRA BRUT SPARKLING ARGENTINA  $18.95

Rose+408476 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SCARLET LADYBIRD AUSTRALIA ROSÉ 2024 $18.95

W+702845 D'ARENBERG THE OLIVE GROVE CHARDONNAY AUSTRALIA 2022 $17.95
W+71233 LENZ MOSER PRESTIGE GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $18.95
W+413757 COUILLARD RÉSERVE DU CHIRON MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2023 $14.95
W+588814 ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $17.95
W+734798 THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $18.95

R+63537 CHÂTEAU HYOT BORDEAUX 2022  $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+336313 GUADALUPE RED PORTUGAL 2022 $13.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+574368 FINCA MONICA CRIANZA SPAIN 2019 $15.95
R+971689 D'ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE BASILICATA 2020 $19.95
R+42756 ZUCCARDI BRAZOS DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON ARGENTINA 2023 $17.95
R+478271 SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $18.95
R+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT VQA 2021 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
Fizz+175588 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT  SOUTH AFRICA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
Fizz+405035 HUFF CUVÉE JANINE SPARKLING ROSÉ VQA 2021 $34.00
Fizz+383315 FLAT ROCK RIDDLED SPARKLING VQA 2021 $39.95
Fizz+19346 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING VQA $24.95

Rose+498535 MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ VQA 2024 $21.95

W+660704 STRATUS WHITE VQA 2022  $49.20
W+733956 MALLORY & BENJAMIN TALMARD MÂCON-UCHIZY 2023 $21.95
        
R+157347 ENRICO SERAFINO SANAVENTO BARBARESCO PIEDMONT 2021  $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+23374 CAPRAIA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+747030 LA VITE LUCENTE TUSCANY 2022 $32.95
R+412759 STRATUS CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $45.20
R+48884 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021 $32.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025 --

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

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

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS April 28 TO May 25

MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS     Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto

+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95

NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

traditional method

+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95

NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand

+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95

NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE

+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95

NOW $109.95 Save $10.00

W H I T E W I N ES

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

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand

+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula

+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand

+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95

NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand

+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95

NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara

+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95

NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina

+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95

NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux

+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95

NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ

WO Cape Coast, South Africa

+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95

NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany

+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95

NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand

+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy

+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

LCBO LTOs April 28 - May 25 2025

MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

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

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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: under/over $20 for APRIL 26, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  APRIL 26, 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:  Wines for Spring Flings

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
Rose+15267 STONELEIGH WILD VALLEY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $18.95
Rose+37864 PÉTALOS DE ARESAN ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $13.95

W+30599 LEINDL GV GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+485334 KEW MARSANNE VQA 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+200501 KONZELMANN RIESLING VQA 2023 $16.95
W+175232 SAINT-ROCH CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON CORBAROL 2021 $14.95
W+39938 CASTELFEDER REBELL RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2023 $19.95
W+25713 KOUROS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $14.95
W+27182 DOMAINE HATZIMICHALIS ALEPOTRYPA VINEYARD ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $18.95
W+39754 PRIMO MONTE SKIN FERMENTED NATURAL WINE ABRUZZO 2023 $18.95
W+13359 BERTANI SEREOLE SOAVE VENETO 2023 19.95
W+144386 SOHO PEGGY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $18
W+41261 CUATRO RAYAS 40 VENDIMIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA PORTUGAL 2019 $15.95
R+MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA RIOJA-SANTIAGO RESERVA 2019 $18
R+606764 ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95
R+42731 CHATEAU DE DURETTE LES BRUYÈRES RÉGNIÉ BEAUJOLAIS 2023 $19.95
R+43441 M. CHAPOUTIER LA CIBOISE LUBERON RHONE 2022 $14.95
R+984997 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE VENETO 2021 $19.95
R+166579 MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2020 $16.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
Fizz+438200 WESTCOTT VIOLETTE SPARKLING VQA 2023 $26.95
Fizz+43594 KEW ROSALIE ROSÉ SPARKLING VQA 2019 $32.95

W+547299 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT PARCELLE NORD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $54.95
W+578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $25.95
W+68825 HIDDEN BENCH ROSOMEL VINEYARD FUMÉ BLANC VQA 2022 $29.95
W+974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALANSD 2023 $21.95

R+243592 FOWLES LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH WILD FERMENT SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2020 $34.95
R+258228 MISSION HILL COMPENDIUM BC VQA 2019 $78.95
R+39621 BACHELDER BEAM CITY PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $39.95
R+43438 ALBERT BICHOT HAUTES COTES DE NUITS ROUGE BURGUNDY 2022 $36.95
R+19288 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE PINOT NOIR CHILE 2022 $24.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday April  27 --  better hurry!!!

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2


MORE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from April 28 to May 25, 2025

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO DOC Treviso, Veneto
+621458 (D – 14 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $29.45 Save $1.50

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
traditional method
+224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand
+650325 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
+158550 (D – 11 g/L) 750 mL $119.95
NOW $109.95 Save $10.00


W H I T E W I N ES

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

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC Awatere Valley, Marlborough New Zealand
+225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING VQA Niagara Peninsula
+43281 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 50 bonus points

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC Marlborough New Zealand
+40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE QUARRY ROAD ORGANIC RIESLING VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara
+198853 (M – 24 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CATENA MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina
+478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 75 bonus points

CHÂTEAU PIPEAU SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU Bordeaux
+302018 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $44.95
NOW $40.95 Save $4.00

MAN FAMILY WINES SKAAPVELD SHIRAZ
WO Cape Coast, South Africa
+71332 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $14.95
NOW $12.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ANTICO IGT Tuscany
+69377 (D – 8 g/L) 750 mL $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
+Earn 30 bonus points

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR Marlborough New Zealand
+590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO IGT Puglia, Italy
+636613 (D – 18 g/L) 750 mL REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

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

LCBO'S Limited Time Offerings deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

LCBO'S Limited Time Offerings deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

More LTO deals are at --

Products | LCBO

Products | LCBO Discover our assortment of products at LCBO. Compare products, read reviews, and shop online for in-store pickup...

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

Numbers vs Stars

Consumers tend to round up when they use stars to rate products but round down when they use numbers, University of B.C. assistant professor Deepak Sirwani has found. His research shows sales may triple if companies used star ratings compared to numerical ones.

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: under/over $20 for APRIL 12, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  APRIL 12, 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:  Perfect Pairings for Easter and Passover

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+352856 CYGNUS SADOR ORGANIC RESERVA BRUT NATURE CAVA $19.95
W+918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY ARGENTINA 2023 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+166942 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2024 $17.95
W+89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+44286 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE WHITE VQA 2023 $19.95
W+519025 FEATHERSTONE PHOENIX VQA 2024  $18.95
W+99309 LEYDA GARUMA COASTAL VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2023 $18.95 W+259788 JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING ALSACE 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+39443 TENUTE ORESTIADI MOLINO A VENTO CATARRATTO SICILY 2023 $14.95  
W+39393 ASSULI CARINDA INSOLIA SICILY 2023 $19.95
W+13338 RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2023 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+ 261867 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $19.95
R+744235 WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+14148 EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR CHILE 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+23259 TOMMASI RAFAÈL VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+421024 LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2020 $16.95


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+42732 OEDORIA DIAMANT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT SPARKLING $24.95
ROSE+319368 CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2024 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ROSE+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $20.95

W+99309 BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 AND 2023 $25.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+461640 WILLIAM FÈVRE CHAMPS ROYAUX CHABLIS 2023 $38.95
W+648691 STAETE LANDT ANNABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2022 $24.95

R+213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2021 $49.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+236257 GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE AUSTRALIA 2021 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+312082 STRATUS GAMAY VQA 2023 $35.20 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $35.70 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+230391 CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE BORDEAUX 2022 $23.95
R+20246 CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD BORDEAUX 2012 $33.95
R+276576 POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $55.95
R+42287 BERONIA 198 BARRICAS RESERVA SPAIN 2019 $25.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday April 27, 2025....

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

 

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

Wines imported to US

The top 10 countries of origin for imported wine in the US by value and by volume were:

Italy (facing a 20% tariff)
France (20% tariff)
New Zealand (10% tariff)
Australia (10% tariff)
Spain (20% tariff)
Chile (10% tariff)
Argentina (10% tariff)

Portugal (20% tariff)

Germany (20% tariff)

South Africa (31% tariff)

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 DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Tuesday November 12, 11:30AM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile annual tasting in Toronto
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade in day time, them public at night
The Availability/Catalogue:just about everything is at the LCBO
The Quote/Background: it was a very pleasant stroll through the uncrowded aisles, with many familiar faces.
The Wines: I could not try them all....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir $16.05 +365205 LCBO
-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay Casablanca 2022 $21.95 +37756 Vintages
-Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Red Blend Maule $19.95 +35672 Vintages
-Vina Garces Silva Organic Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2024 $15.95 +389726 Vintages
-Vina Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Maipo $25 (Mark Anthony)
-Vina las Ninas Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay NV Colchagua $19.95 (Hektars Agency)
-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda $16.95 +37758 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Colchagua $22.95 +322586 Vintages
-Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal 2022 $48 (Bacco Imports)
-Vina Vik Milla Cala Cachapoal 2021 $100
-Vina Vik La Piu Belle Cachapoal 2021 $135
-Vina Vik VIK Cachapoal $250
-Montes Folly Syrah Colchagua 2020 $90 +62356
-De Martino Viejas Tinajas Muscat Itata 2021 $47 +25921
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon  2020 +35100 $220
-Casa Bauza Presumido 2020 +38476  $40
-Garage Wine Co Cru Truquilemu DO Empedrado 2019 +24544  $71.25

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay 2022 Casablanca +37748 $17.95
-Vina Carmen Delanz Cabernetv Sauvignon Alto Jahuel Maipo +41879 $29.95
-Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua $18.95 +606772 $18.95
-Emiliana Organic Coyam Colchagua +63891 $29.95
-Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic Casablanca +37162 $13.95
-Montes Sparkling Angel $26.95 +37122 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay Aconcagua +390203 $19.95
-Montes Wings Apalta +33354 $67.95
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 Colchagua +62364 $109.95
-Montgras Intriga 2022 Maipo $23.95 (Charton Hobbs)

The Food: cold cuts platter, with salami and prosciutto, two cheeses, lots of breads (soft focaccia), cooked split cherry tomatoes, marinated eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, dry cured tomatoes.
The Downside: modest food platter
The Upside: lots of room to move around, in the early hours of the show
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

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: under/over $20 for MARCH 29, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MARCH 29, 2025 release.                       
                                 THIS IS THE BLUE MOON 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:  Classic Euro wines and their New World Counterparts

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE AUSTRALIA 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+370098 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD COLLECTION NICOLE VINEYARD RÉSERVE VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC  2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+599274 DR. L RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+40537 NOVUS ALTITUDE ASSYRTIKO/MOSCHOFILERO/MALAGOUSIA GREECE 2023 $15.95

R+66298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $17.95
R+36316 TRAPICHE TESORO MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $15.95
R+433060 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+25366 TRIUS DISTINCTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA 2023  $19.95
R+42221 DOMAINE DE BEL-AIR LES GRANITS BLEUS BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022 $19.95 R+948059 FAMILLE PERRIN SIGNATURE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39226 CORNO GRANDE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO PREMIUM 2022 $17.95
R+39484 CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON VENEZIE 2023 $17.95
R+41902 SANTOS LIMA TAVERNA DA ALDEIA PORTUGAL 2021 $13.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+42003 HENRI D'AUGAN BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX ROSÉ SPARKLING NV $22.95
W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CAVE SPRING VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+44145 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WILD CASK RIESLING VQA 2021 $32
W+18585 PASCAL BOUCHARD LE CLASSIQUE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
W+274357 DOMAINE CHAUVEAU LA CHARMETTE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2023 $27.95

R+38499 WAPISA PATAGONIA PINOT NOIR ARGENTINA 2022 $22.95
R+11582 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES NIAGARA PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+26503 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE GAMAY VQA 2021 $28.95
R+42229 LES ARBILLONS MÂCON MILLY-LAMARTINE ROUGE 2020 $21.95
R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2021 $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $25.95
R+681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO TUSCANY 2022 $26.95
R+984187 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2015 $29.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through SATURDAY March 29...you better hurry...new listing out March 31 (see next entry below)...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay New Zealand was $20.95, now $17.95, save $3
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna was $19.95, now $16.95, save $3
R+352583 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma was, $49.95, now $44.95, save $5
R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3
R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, was $28.95, now $25.95, save $3
R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50
R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3

LTO deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

More LTO deals are at --

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

** Some New Wines I Tasted Near the End of Last year (2024)  ---

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Tuesday November 12, 11:30AM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile annual tasting in Toronto
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade in day time, then public at night
The Availability/Catalogue:just about everything is at the LCBO
The Quote/Background: it was a very pleasant stroll through the uncrowded aisles, with many familiar faces.
The Wines: I could not try them all....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir $16.05 +365205 LCBO
-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay Casablanca 2022 $21.95 +37756 Vintages
-Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Red Blend Maule $19.95 +35672 Vintages
-Vina Garces Silva Organic Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2024 $15.95 +389726 Vintages
-Vina Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Maipo $25 (Mark Anthony)
-Vina las Ninas Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay NV Colchagua $19.95 (Hektars Agency)
-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda $16.95 +37758 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Colchagua $22.95 +322586 Vintages
-Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal 2022 $48 (Bacco Imports)
-Vina Vik Milla Cala Cachapoal 2021 $100
-Vina Vik La Piu Belle Cachapoal 2021 $135
-Vina Vik VIK Cachapoal $250
-Montes Folly Syrah Colchagua 2020 $90 +62356
-De Martino Viejas Tinajas Muscat Itata 2021 $47 +25921
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon  2020 +35100 $220
-Casa Bauza Presumido 2020 +38476  $40
-Garage Wine Co Cru Truquilemu DO Empedrado 2019 +24544  $71.25

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay 2022 Casablanca +37748 $17.95
-Vina Carmen Delanz Cabernetv Sauvignon Alto Jahuel Maipo +41879 $29.95
-Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua $18.95 +606772 $18.95
-Emiliana Organic Coyam Colchagua +63891 $29.95
-Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic Casablanca +37162 $13.95
-Montes Sparkling Angel $26.95 +37122 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay Aconcagua +390203 $19.95
-Montes Wings Apalta +33354 $67.95
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 Colchagua +62364 $109.95
-Montgras Intriga 2022 Maipo $23.95 (Charton Hobbs)

The Food: cold cuts platter, with salami and prosciutto, two cheeses, lots of breads (soft focaccia), cooked split cherry tomatoes, marinated eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, dry cured tomatoes.
The Downside: modest food platter
The Upside: lots of room to move around, in the early hours of the show
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

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