WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/over $20 for the March 7, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/over $20 for the March 7, 2026 release.

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

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

THEME • Women in Wine

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================

[FIZZ+650648 PARÉS BALTÀ BRUT CAVA $17.95]
702845 D'ARENBERG THE OLIVE GROVE CHARDONNAY AUSTRALIA $17.95
356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA 2024 $17.95 
541854 VILLA SPARINA GAVI DI GAVI PIEDMONT $19.95
224428 JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 NEW ZEALAND
$19.95
527622 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO PINOT GRIGIO ABRUZZO
$18.95 
 

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
10971 INFINITO WINEMAKER'S SELECTION MALBEC 2023 ARGENTINA
$15.95
46401 CHAKANA NUNA VINEYARD MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA
$16.95
50121 HINTERBROOK NOMAD HUMBLE 2023 VQA $19.95
569699 TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 CHILE $19.95
40964 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES HÉRITAGE COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2023 RHONE $19.95
48276 DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIORGITIKO 2023 GREECE $18.95
994616 TERRA D'ALIGI TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $17.95
46569 MASSERIA SORANÌ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2021 $19.95
70730 HERDADE SÃO MIGUEL COLHEITA SELECCIONADA TINTO 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
44964 MARCO REAL SYRAH 2023 SPAIN $17.95

TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================

[FIZZ+48055 TAWSE SPARK QUARRY ROAD BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING 2017 VQA $39.95]

390203 MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY CHILE 2023 $21.95 
545004 MISSION HILL RESERVE CHARDONNAY BC VQA $27.95
747600 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE $20.95
359760 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WOOD POST VINEYARD RIESLING 2021 VQA $28.95
256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $24.95
466144 J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2024 $31.95
10421 ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $24.95


TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
13990 TYRRELL'S HUNTER VALLEY SHIRAZ 2023 AUSTRALIA
$24.95
142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 AUSTRALIA
$24.95
633628 MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE MERITAGE BC-VQA $32.95 
553313 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERLOT BC-VQA $32.95
50114 RAVINE CABERNET FRANC 2021 BC-VQA $29.95
576314 KONZELMANN BARREL AGED RESERVE SERIES CABERNET/MERLOT 2022 BC-VQA $24.95
906073 FAMILLE PERRIN LA GILLE GIGONDAS 2021 $32.95
47575 DOMAINE LES EVIGNEAUX RASTEAU 2022 $26.95 
47667 COS CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA CLASSICO 2022 SICILY $44.95 
325654 STONELEIGH LATITUDE PINOT NOIR NEW ZEALAND $23.95 

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: save on these wines from March 2 to March 29, 2026
FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

WHITE WINES
FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke's Bay, East Coast,
New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S
BLEND RIESLING 6
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO
IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti,
Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy
474742 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke's Bay, North Island,
New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95

VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION
ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 6
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
38117 (M – 34 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

R E D  W I N ES

BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA
DO Campo de Borja, Spain
273748 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

CHÂTEAU TEYSSIER
AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion,
Bordeaux, France
226035 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S
RUN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
925453 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

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

MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

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

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
590414 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH
WO Swartland, South Africa
595280 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $14.95 Save $3.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95

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

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

SIERRA CANTABRIA GARNACHA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
45091 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $30.95 Save $2.00

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

THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ VIOGNIER
South Australia
66738 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

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

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

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
943787 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO RIPASSA VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
479766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Virus-free.www.avg.com

REPORT ON CHILE PACIFICO 2025 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE

REPORT ON CHILE PACIFICO 2025 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Monday October 27 2025 2PM - 5PM
The Event: WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents
The Availability/Catalogue: the booklet showed a wide range of wines available through the LCBO or through an agent. Unlike earlier years, there were more wines over the $20 level. 16 wineries brought in 125 or so wines for sampling; most of them were reds.
The Quote/Background: Earlier there was a Pisco tasting. Also, some of the wineries were looking for agents to represent them in Ontario.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Aresti Family Collection Assemblage 2020 $120 FOB
-Vina Aresti Trisquel Series Semillon 2024 $24.95
-Vina El Principal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $100
-Garces Silva Family Vineyards Amayna Cote d'Mar 2022 $39 Consignment The Vine
-Montes Outer Limits Albarino 2024 $24.95 Vintages 47156
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 $105.95 Vintages 62364 
-Montgras Ninquen CabSauv & Syrah 2022 $29.95
-Vina Perez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon 2023$22.95 Vintages
-Vina Perez Cruz Piedra Pircas Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $42.95 Vintages Cellar Collection 536839
-VSPT Wine Group Chardonnay Leyda Lot 5 2023 $26.95


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86   89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Aresti Reserva Chardonnay 2023 $34 FOB
-Vina Aresti Espiritu de Chile Sauvignon Blanc $18 FOB
-Bodega Volcanes de Chile Parinacota $39.95
-Garces Silva Family Vineyards Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2025 $28.99 The Vine
-Vina Marea Sauvignon Blanc 2024 $24.95
-Vina Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $19.95 Vintages Essential
-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2023 $17.95 Vintages
-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $18.95 Vintages

The Food: cheese and meat boards, marinated veggies (red peppers, tomatoes), focaccia and breads, artichokes, waitstaff did walk around platters.
The Downside: it got crowded really quickly
The Upside: a good chance to taste some of the more expensive wines from Chile.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

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

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

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the February 21, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the February 21, 2026 release.

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

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

THEME • Southern Hemisphere aka Antipodean wines

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
357913 COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS ARGENTINA 2024 $15.95
28583 CASAS DEL BOSQUE LA CANTERA BOTANIC SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2021 $19.95 
462457 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD RÉSERVE MARSANNE LANGUEDOC
2024 $17.95
15774 J. DE VILLEBOIS SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2024 $19.95 
48110 KASTEELBERG CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2025 $16.95

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
44779 TIERRA DE CUBAS DUX GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2015 $16.95 
46404 DONA PAULA EL ALTO SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $19.95
162529 SUSANA BALBO CRÍOS MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $18.95
18767 ALTOS IBÉRICOS CRIANZA SPAIN 2021  $19.95 
485474 VENTISQUERO GREY GLACIER SINGLE BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2019 $19.95
36529 ORESTIADI MAZAL FRAPPATO SICILY 2022 $18.95 
573675 FERZO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $19.95

TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
632034 TYRRELL'S HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLON 2025 AUSTRALIA $23.95
184549 LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $55.00
25031 THIRTY BENCH TRIANGLE RIESLING VQA 2021 $28.95
47917 CAYTHORPE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $20.95 
417774 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY VQA 2022
$33.70
241182 CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING VQA 2021 $39.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
594002 JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE MERITAGE VQA 2022 
$29.95
130252 TAWSE SKETCHES CABERNET/MERLOT VQA 2021 $22.95
48326 CELLIER DES SAINT-ETIENNE CÔTE DE BROUILLY BEAUJOLAIS 2024 $20.95
46882 CHÂTEAU DE BEL-AIR LALANDE-DE-POMEROL BORDEAUX 2015 $48.95
22793 ROBERTO SAROTTO NATIVO NEBBIOLO PIEDMONT 2022 $23.95 
222810 ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $24.95 
203968 PASQUA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2022 $24.95 
60137 MOUNT RILEY PINOT NOIR 2023 NEW ZEALAND $21.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are the "better" value ones...on sale through March 1....

W H I T E W I NES &  R O S E

CAVES D'ESCLANS
WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ
AC Côtes de Provence, France
325076 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $27.95 Save $2

SUSANA BALBO CRIOS TORRONTÉS
Argentina
1834 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2

AGANIS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
45809 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $23.95 Save $1.00

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2

FIELDING UNOAKED
CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.95 Save $1.00

RED WINES

FAMILLE PERRIN LES SINARDS
CHÂTEAUNEUFDUPAPE
AC, Southern Rhône, France
926626 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $43.95
NOW $40.95 Save $3.00

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

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

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

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

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

UMBERTO CESARI LIANO
SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON
IGT Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
225086 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $24.95 Save $5.00

M. CHAPOUTIER LES
VIGNES DE BILAHAUT
CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES
AOC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $16.95
NOW $13.95 Save $3

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 CHILE PACIFICO 2025 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Monday October 27 2025 2PM - 5PM
The Event: WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, agents
The Availability/Catalogue: the booklet showed a wide range of wines available through the LCBO or through an agent. Unlike earlier years, there were more wines over the $20 level. 16 wineries brought in 125 or so wines for sampling; most of them were reds.
The Quote/Background: Earlier there was a Pisco tasting. Also, some of the wineries were looking for agents to represent them in Ontario.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Aresti Family Collection Assemblage 2020 $120 FOB
-Vina Aresti Trisquel Series Semillon 2024 $24.95
-Vina El Principal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $100
-Garces Silva Family Vineyards Amayna Cote d'Mar 2022 $39 Consignment The Vine
-Montes Outer Limits Albarino 2024 $24.95 Vintages 47156
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 $105.95 Vintages 62364 
-Montgras Ninquen CabSauv & Syrah 2022 $29.95
-Vina Perez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon 2023$22.95 Vintages
-Vina Perez Cruz Piedra Pircas Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $42.95 Vintages Cellar Collection 536839
-VSPT Wine Group Chardonnay Leyda Lot 5 2023 $26.95


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vina Aresti Reserva Chardonnay 2023 $34 FOB
-Vina Aresti Espiritu de Chile Sauvignon Blanc $18 FOB
-Bodega Volcanes de Chile Parinacota $39.95
-Garces Silva Family Vineyards Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2025 $28.99 The Vine
-Vina Marea Sauvignon Blanc 2024 $24.95
-Vina Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $19.95 Vintages Essential
-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2023 $17.95 Vintages
-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $18.95 Vintages

The Food: cheese and meat boards, marinated veggies (red peppers, tomatoes), focaccia and breads, artichokes, waitstaff did walk around platters.
The Downside: it got crowded really quickly
The Upside: a good chance to taste some of the more expensive wines from Chile.
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

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

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

REPORT FROM ROGERS & COMPANY TRADE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 2025

REPORT FROM ROGERS & COMPANY TRADE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 2025

The Event: Portfolio tasting of Rogers & Co wines
The Venue: George 
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking list of wines available to taste, with notes and prices (licensee)
The Quote/Background: 125 wines were available for tasting. The Bollinger mini-tasting of four sparklers was the absolute highlight of the event: Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV @$85.99 licensee, with scores in the mid-90s; followed by Champagne Bollinger PN TX 20 NV @$144.99 licensee, score of 94 from Decanter; followed by Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee 2025, rated 96 just about everywhere, @$248.99 licensee. All three are also available in magnums (1500ml). Pricewise -- the best deal appeared to be the Champagne Bollinger Rose Brut NV, rate about 93, @$118.99 licensee (only 750ml bottles). 
The Wines: sadly I could not taste all the wines, and I tasted mainly whites.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Haut Roc Blanquant de Belair-Monange AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 $70.99
-Domaine Gautherin Chablis 2023 $35.99 licensee
-Domaine Luquet Macon-Villages Le Pavillon 2024 $27.99
-Champagne Valentin Leflaive Sigma Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $64.99
-Champagne Valentin Leflaive Avize Grand Cru Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $115.99
-Olivier Leflaive Freres Puligny Montrachet 2022 $194.99
-Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2023 $56.99
-Annonce de Belair-Monange AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2022 $104.99
-Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse Dauphin de Grand-Puy Ducasse Paulliac 2019 $53.99 [my fave red]
-Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tara Falerio DOC Pecorino 2024 $18.99
-Lis Neris Jurosa Chardonnay 2021 $54.99  [my fave white]
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2022 $168.19
-Produttori Del Barbaresco Montefico Riserva DOCG 2020 $89.99
-Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay 2024 $23.99
-Truchard Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2024 $43.19
-Buehler Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022 $30.99
-Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2024 $100.49
-Shafer One Point Fiv Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $162.99
-Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $534.99
-Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2024 $19.29
-Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 $19.29
-Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022 $79.69
-Paul Hobbs Coombsville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $142.49

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86   89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Olivier Leflaive Freres Montagny 1er Cru Bonneveaux 2020 $76.99
-Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2024 $54.99 licensee
-Auguste Thevenaut Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 $24.99
-Chateau Peymouton Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2028 $33.99
-Chateau Chantalouette Pomerol 2019 $48.99
-H.Cuvelier & Fils AOP Bordeaux Rouge 2023 $20.99
-Tenuta Orestiadi Molino a Vento Grilo 2024 $14.49
-Tenuta Orestiadi Catarratto DOC Sicilia 2024 $16.99
-Organized Crime Winery Limestone Block Chardonnay 2023 $18.62
-Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 $52.99

The Food: cheese board, biscuits, grapes.
The Downside: the cheese board seemed to be freezer cold
The Upside: a chance for some mini-tasting of wines (e.g. Bollinger)
The Contact Person: m.barr@rogcowines.com
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.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under & over $20 for the February 7, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the February 7, 2026 release.

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

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

THEME • EUROPE

FIZZ
====
14440 BACK 10 SMITTEN SPARKLING 2024 VQA $25.95
25233 MARYNISSEN HERITAGE COLLECTION CHARMED SPARKLING 2021 VQA $17.95 
49602 KEW PINOT MEUNIER NATURAL BRUT SPARKLING 2019 VQA $32.95
49617 DIVERGENCE HUGHES VINEYARD ROSÉ BRUT SPARKLING 2021 VQA 
$39.95
959304 BOUVET EXCELLENCE CRÉMANT DE LOIRE ROSÉ BRUT SPARKLING $24.95 
515288 RIVAROSE BRUT PRESTIGE ROSÉ SPARKLING PROVENCE $19.95
46347 LA GIOIOSA BRUT ROSÉ PROSECCO 2024 $16.95
46348 CASTELL D'OR CABARET ORGANIC BRUT CAVA $18.95

TOP WHITE WINES UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
[177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ 2024 VQA $16.95]

47112 VICHUQUÉN SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2024 $15.95
745349 DOM. JACKY MARTEAU TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2024 $19.95
47832 TWIN ISLANDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 NEW ZEALAND $17.95
408146 MARIA PAPOILA ALVARINHO/LOUREIRO 2024 PORTUGAL $18.95
80374 MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE 2024 PORTUGAL $17.95
48092 WARWICK THE FIRST LADY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95 
82073 FÉLIX LORENZO CACHAZO CARRASVIÑAS VERDEJO 2023 SPAIN $19.95

TOP RED WINES UNDER $20 in this release.
======================================
377481 LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA 2021 $17.95
46397 CASARENA ESTATE LUJÁN DE CUYO MALBEC 2023 ARGENTINA $19.95
46396 TILIA MALBEC/SYRAH 2024 ARGENTINA $15.95
360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 AUSTRALIA $19.95
146522 GLORIA RESERVA 2022 PORTUGAL $14.95
452730 JOSÉ MARIA DA FONSECA DOMINI 2023 PORTUGAL $17.95 
53124 CATHEDRAL CELLAR TRIPTYCH 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $19.95
545939 MARQUÉS DE TORO SINGLE VINEYARD MENCÍA 2021 SPAIN $14.95
11851 CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET/MERLOT 2020 VQA $19.95
36531 LUPO MERAVIGLIA TRE DI TRE 2023 PUGLIA  $17.95
37751 CASAS DEL TOQUI GRAN TOQUI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 CHILE
$19.95
44678 DE MARTINO ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 CHILE $17.95

TOP WHITE WINES OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
417832 DOMAINE QUEYLUS RÉSERVE DU DOMAINE CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $48.70
49603 WENDING HOME ESTATE VINEYARD RIESLING 2021 VQA $24.95
20455 DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA  $30
396275 ORGANIZED CRIME SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA $22.95 
24945 CHARLY NICOLLE LES FOURNEAUX ANTE MCMLXXX CHABLIS 1ER CRU $59.95 
47326 DOMAINE DE TERRES BLANCHES SANCERRE 2023 $41.95

TOP RED WINES OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
45184 CLOUDSLEY END OF THE ROAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $49.95
23866 TOMMASI LE FORNACI LUGANA 2024 VENETO $21.95
454488 DAMILANO LECINQUEVIGNE BAROLO 2020 $56.95
243592 FOWLES LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH WILD FERMENT SHIRAZ 2021 AUSTRALIA $29.95
454819 JOIE FARM PINOT NOIR 2022 BC VQA $47.95
284570 TAWSE GROWERS BLEND CABERNET FRANC 2020 VQA $29.95
286393 CHÂTEAU PAUL MAS CLOS DES MÛRES 2023 LANGUEDOC $21.95
3962 RICASOLI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 $23.95
16890 BELL'AJA BOLGHERI 2022 TUSCANY $39.95
86207 ZONIN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2021 $49.95
453548 ALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2016 SPAIN $32.95
21533 DOMAINE QUEYLUS LA GRANDE RÉSERVE PINOT NOIR 2019 VQA $65.95
44781 DOMINIO FOURNIER TINTA DEL PAÍS 2020 SPAIN $29.95


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

W H I T E W I N ES &  R O S E

CAVES D'ESCLANS
WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ
AC Côtes de Provence, France
325076 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $27.95 Save $2

SUSANA BALBO
CRIOS TORRONTÉS
Argentina
1834 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2

AGANIS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
45809 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $23.95 Save $1.00

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2

FIELDING UNOAKED
CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.95 Save $1.00

RED WINES

FAMILLE PERRIN LES SINARDS
CHÂTEAUNEUFDUPAPE
AC, Southern Rhône, France
926626 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $43.95
NOW $40.95 Save $3.00

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

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

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

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

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

UMBERTO CESARI LIANO
SANGIOVESE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON
IGT Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
225086 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $24.95 Save $5.00

M. CHAPOUTIER LES
VIGNES DE BILAHAUT
CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES
AOC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $16.95
NOW $13.95 Save $3

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 FROM ROGERS & COMPAMY TRADE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 2025

The Date and Time: Monday October 20, 2025  1:30PM - 4PM
The Event: Portfolio tasting of Rogers & Co wines
The Venue: George 
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking list of wines available to taste, with notes and prices (licensee)
The Quote/Background: 125 wines were available for tasting. The Bollinger mini-tasting of four sparklers was the absolute highlight of the event: Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV @$85.99 licensee, with scores in the mid-90s; followed by Champagne Bollinger PN TX 20 NV @$144.99 licensee, score of 94 from Decanter; followed by Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee 2025, rated 96 just about everywhere, @$248.99 licensee. All three are also available in magnums (1500ml). Pricewise -- the best deal appeared to be the Champagne Bollinger Rose Brut NV, rate about 93, @$118.99 licensee (only 750ml bottles). 
The Wines: sadly I could not taste all the wines, and I tasted mainly whites.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Haut Roc Blanquant de Belair-Monange AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 $70.99
-Domaine Gautherin Chablis 2023 $35.99 licensee
-Domaine Luquet Macon-Villages Le Pavillon 2024 $27.99
-Champagne Valentin Leflaive Sigma Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $64.99
-Champagne Valentin Leflaive Avize Grand Cru Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $115.99
-Olivier Leflaive Freres Puligny Montrachet 2022 $194.99
-Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2023 $56.99
-Annonce de Belair-Monange AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2022 $104.99
-Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse Dauphin de Grand-Puy Ducasse Paulliac 2019 $53.99 [my fave red]
-Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Tara Falerio DOC Pecorino 2024 $18.99
-Lis Neris Jurosa Chardonnay 2021 $54.99  [my fave white]
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2022 $168.19
-Produttori Del Barbaresco Montefico Riserva DOCG 2020 $89.99
-Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay 2024 $23.99
-Truchard Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2024 $43.19
-Buehler Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022 $30.99
-Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2024 $100.49
-Shafer One Point Fiv Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $162.99
-Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $534.99
-Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2024 $19.29
-Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 $19.29
-Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022 $79.69
-Paul Hobbs Coombsville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $142.49

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Olivier Leflaive Freres Montagny 1er Cru Bonneveaux 2020 $76.99
-Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2024 $54.99 licensee
-Auguste Thevenaut Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 $24.99
-Chateau Peymouton Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2028 $33.99
-Chateau Chantalouette Pomerol 2019 $48.99
-H.Cuvelier & Fils AOP Bordeaux Rouge 2023 $20.99
-Tenuta Orestiadi Molino a Vento Grilo 2024 $14.49
-Tenuta Orestiadi Catarratto DOC Sicilia 2024 $16.99
-Organized Crime Winery Limestone Block Chardonnay 2023 $18.62
-Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 $52.99

The Food: cheese board, biscuits, grapes.
The Downside: the cheese board seemed to be freezer cold
The Upside: a chance for some mini-tasting of wines (e.g. Bollinger)
The Contact Person: m.barr@rogcowines.com
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.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under & over $20 for the January 24, 2026 release.

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

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

THEMES • Chilean wines, Niagara VQA wines

TOP WHITE WINES UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
461400 MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES VERDEJO 2023 SPAIN $14.95
46402 MANOS NEGRAS ATREVIDA CHARDONNAY 2023 ARGENTINA $17.95
48089 FALCONHEAD MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $19.95
10632 LACHETEAU LES CIMES HAUT-POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 LOIRE $15.95
295626 STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 AUSTRIA $19.95
37420 HUBER VISION ORGANIC GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 $19.95
25713 KOUROS ASSYRTIKO 2024 GREECE $14.95
47979 VOLCANES DE CHILE RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $14.95
44281 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CHARDONNAY 2023 CHILE  $17.95
406991 SANTA ALICIA GRAN RESERVA DE LOS ANDES CHARDONNAY 2024 $18.95
259788 JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING 2024 ALSACE $18.95
33416 COLLEMASSARI MELACCE ORGANIC VERMENTINO 2024 $19.95

TOP RED WINES UNDER $20 in this release.
======================================
36310 THE OWL & THE DUST DEVIL REMOLINOS VINEYARD MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA $19.95 
35672 EMILIANA NOVAS STELLAR SELECTION ORGANIC CABERNET CHILE $17.95
12993 DOMAINE DE LA BAUME LES THERMES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 LANGUEDOC $16.95
22798 FAUSTINO V RESERVA 2018 RIOJA $19.95
25257 GUARDA RIOS RED 2022 PORTUGAL $11.95
178459 ANTICHE TERRE VENETE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2023 $17.95 
20951 DOMAINE FOND CROZE CONFIDENCE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 $16.95 
47088 PAJARU VIENTU APPASSIMENTO 2024 PUGLIA $19.95
46629 BOCCANTINO SUSUMANIELLO PRIMITIVO 2023 $15.95



TOP WHITE WINES OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
44203 BOUVET LADUBAY SAUMUR SAPHIR BRUT VINTAGE SPARKLING 2022 $23.95 
578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA $26.95
404087 KACABA RESERVE RIESLING 2023 VQA $24.15
14960 DOMAINE DU BICHERON MÂCON-PÉRONNE 2022  $23.95

TOP RED WINES OVER $20 in this release.
======================================
11582 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2023 VQA $34.95
11665 CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $36.95
541151 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR 2022 CHILE $23.95
534339 VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2024 BEAUJOLAIS $20.95
14469 CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL FRONSAC 2020 $20.95
525931 CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHEVROL LALANDE DE POMEROL 2022 $35.95
491852 BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 $39.95

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


REPORT ON THE ALTO ADIGE UNCORKED TASTING, FALL 2025

The Date and Time: Tuesday October 14, 2025  12:30 to 5PM
The Event: Tasting a variety of wines from the Alto Adige Uncorked region of Italy.
The Venue: Aria Restaurant
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, agents, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: It was another huge booklet, listing some 19 wineries not at the LCBO as of October 14. There were notes about every winery, and of course a listing of the wines that they were presenting (almost all of them Alto Adige DOC but also with some IGTs). BTW, a quick check of the LCBO catalogue shows that there are 33 wines from Alto Adige, all from four wineries: Alois Lageder, Elena Walch, Cavit and Tiefenbruner (these four were not at the trade tasting). The area is well-known for its white wines.
The Quote/Background: The masterclass was overbooked, and the room for some 110 wines to sample was very tight.
The Wines: I did not try everything -- no time. Prices were not indicated....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cantina Bozen Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Bozen Chardonnay Riserva Stegher 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Colterenzio Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva Lafoa 2021 Alto Adige DOC
-Castle Englar Cuvee Blanc de Castel 2023 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 
-Castle Englar Gewurztraminer Orange 2021 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
-Cantina Kaltern Sauvignon Stern 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta Kornell Bianco Riserva Aichberg 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Manincor Sauvignon Tannenberg 20214 Alto Adige DOC
-Hans Rottensteiner Winery Pinot Nero Riserva Select 2021 Alto Adige DOC
-Morandell Winery Cabernet Franc Riserva Podalirius 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Chardonnay Riserva Doran 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Merlot Riserva Gant 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Peter Zemmer Pinot Nero Riserva 2022 Alto Adige DOC

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cantina Bozen Pinot Grigio 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Winery Castel Sallegg Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Castelfeder Chardonnay Doss 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Castelfeder Sauvignon Raif 2024 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
-Cantina Colterenzio Chardonnay Lafoa 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Castle Englar Chardonnay Belasy 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta J. Hofstatter Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta J. Hofstatter Gewurztraminer Joseph 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta Kornell Sauvignon Blanc Cosmas 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Kurtatsch Sauvignon Kofl 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Kurtatsch Cuvee Bianco Amos 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Morandell Winery Merlot Antiope 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Hans Rottensteiner Winery Chardonnay Alto Adige DOC
-St. Michael-Eppan Winery Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-St. Michael-Eppan Winery Chardonnay Fallwind 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Chardonnay Somereto 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Tramin Chardonnay Glarea 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Peter Zemmer Chardonnay Buchholz 2024 Alto Adige DOC

The Food: buffet style - dried apricots, tzatziki, raw veggies, red beet hummus, white bean puree, outstanding chicken liver pate, pita bread, olives, diverse salami, prosciutto, breadsticks, cured hams, nine different cheeses including asiago italiano, chevre des pyrenees, appenzeller, caciottina toscana, cossanella, et al, and four excellent terrines from the Cheese Boutique: game terrine with pork and cranberries, elk terrine and figs, duck rillettes and foie gras, duck terrine and orange.
The Downside: it was very crowded and I spent considerable time trying to get samples to taste and spit. 
The Upside: great food
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.




- 

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

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

REPORT ON THE ALTO ADIGE UNCORKED TASTING, FALL 2025

REPORT ON THE ALTO ADIGE UNCORKED TASTING, FALL 2025

The Date and Time: Tuesday October 14, 2025  12:30 to 5PM
The Event: Tasting a variety of wines from the Alto Adige Uncorked region of Italy.
The Venue: Aria Restaurant
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, agents, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: It was another huge booklet, listing some 19 wineries not at the LCBO as of October 14. There were notes about every winery, and of course a listing of the wines that they were presenting (almost all of them Alto Adige DOC but also with some IGTs). BTW, a quick check of the LCBO catalogue shows that there are 33 wines from Alto Adige, all from four wineries: Alois Lageder, Elena Walch, Cavit and Tiefenbruner (these four were not at the trade tasting). The area is well-known for its white wines.
The Quote/Background: The masterclass was overbooked, and the room for some 110 wines to sample was very tight.
The Wines: I did not try everything -- no time. Prices were not indicated....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cantina Bozen Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Bozen Chardonnay Riserva Stegher 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Colterenzio Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva Lafoa 2021 Alto Adige DOC
-Castle Englar Cuvee Blanc de Castel 2023 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 
-Castle Englar Gewurztraminer Orange 2021 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
-Cantina Kaltern Sauvignon Stern 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta Kornell Bianco Riserva Aichberg 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Manincor Sauvignon Tannenberg 20214 Alto Adige DOC
-Hans Rottensteiner Winery Pinot Nero Riserva Select 2021 Alto Adige DOC
-Morandell Winery Cabernet Franc Riserva Podalirius 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Chardonnay Riserva Doran 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Merlot Riserva Gant 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Peter Zemmer Pinot Nero Riserva 2022 Alto Adige DOC

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (86 – 89 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cantina Bozen Pinot Grigio 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Winery Castel Sallegg Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Castelfeder Chardonnay Doss 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Castelfeder Sauvignon Raif 2024 Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
-Cantina Colterenzio Chardonnay Lafoa 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Castle Englar Chardonnay Belasy 2022 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta J. Hofstatter Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta J. Hofstatter Gewurztraminer Joseph 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Tenuta Kornell Sauvignon Blanc Cosmas 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Kurtatsch Sauvignon Kofl 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Kurtatsch Cuvee Bianco Amos 2023 Alto Adige DOC
-Morandell Winery Merlot Antiope 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Hans Rottensteiner Winery Chardonnay Alto Adige DOC
-St. Michael-Eppan Winery Chardonnay 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-St. Michael-Eppan Winery Chardonnay Fallwind 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Teriano Chardonnay Somereto 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Cantina Tramin Chardonnay Glarea 2024 Alto Adige DOC
-Peter Zemmer Chardonnay Buchholz 2024 Alto Adige DOC

The Food: buffet style - dried apricots, tzatziki, raw veggies, red beet hummus, white bean puree, outstanding chicken liver pate, pita bread, olives, diverse salami, prosciutto, breadsticks, cured hams, nine different cheeses including asiago italiano, chevre des pyrenees, appenzeller, caciottina toscana, cossanella, et al, and four excellent terrines from the Cheese Boutique: game terrine with pork and cranberries, elk terrine and figs, duck rillettes and foie gras, duck terrine and orange.
The Downside: it was very crowded and I spent considerable time trying to get samples to taste and spit. 
The Upside: great food
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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


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

REPORT ON LEGACY PORTUGESE MAY WINE TASTING IN TORONTO

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

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


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

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

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

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

TORONTO WINTERLICIOUS JAN 30 - FEB 12 "LUNCHES"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Australian Wine Trade Tasting...

REPORT ON WINE SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASTING OF SEPTEMBER 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THEME • Sparkling wines for the holidays/Icewine

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

LTO to JANUARY 4, 2026

R E D W I N ES

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

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

W H I T E W I N ES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIZZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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



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


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


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


REPORT ON WINE SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASTING OF 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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