WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JULY 19, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JULY 19, 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 publications. Ratings are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone would taste like a Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). Ratings are BETTER or BEST, which gives me some wiggle room. With the rigorous lab standards at the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD (75-85 points). I do not list the GOOD wines -- just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points compares to SILVER and GOLD medals [with GOOD being BRONZE]. 

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Best BBQ wines, and Nova Scotia discoveries

Recommended Wines UNDER $20 
=========================
ROSE+45885 REDTAIL ROSÉ 2023 VQA  $19
ROSE+44125 MIRADA ORGANIC ROSÉ 2024 SPAIN $15.95

W+42735 HUMBERTO CANALE ESTATE 1909 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 ARGENTINA  $17.95
W+41875 BIRD IN HAND SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 AUSTRALIA  $17.95
W+25384 PFAFF CUVÉE JUPITER RIESLING 2023 ALSACE  $17.95
W+44464 ÉLISABETH COLOMBARD/SAUVIGNON 2023 FRANCE $13.95
W+25762 GUNDERLOCH RED STONE RIESLING 2023 RHEINHESSEN  $19.95
W+37070 PETRIESSA ASSYRTIKO 2024 GREECE $18.95
W+408146 MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO 2023 PORTUGAL $17.95

R+42115 FABRE MONTMAYOU BARREL SELECTION MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $19.95 
R+46055 FEATHERSTONE GEMSTONE 2023  VQA $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+320507 PIPOLI AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2021 BASILICATA $17.95
R+44954 TERRE DI FAIANO ORGANIC PRIMITIVO 2023 PUGLIA  $14.95
R+44856 LA CARUSA NERO D'AVOLA/SYRAH 2023 SICILY $17.95
R+121160 VILLA TRASQUA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 $19.95
R+168823 BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 RIOJA $19.95        

Recommended Wines OVER $20 
========================
FIZZ+256289 BENJAMIN BRIDGE NOVA 7 SPARKLING NOVA SCOTIA  $24.95

W+ 238642 INNISKILLIN MONTAGUE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA  $32.95 
W+88955 HUFF CATHERINE'S CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA  $34
W+46054 KONZELMANN BARREL AGED RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $24.95 
W+46059 CHARLES BAKER LAUNDRY VINEYARD RIESLING 2023 VQA  $32.20
W+43522 VINCENT DE LA REMONDIÈRE CHABLIS 2023 $36.95

R+553321 MISSION HILL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 BC VQA $37.95
R+45862 LIGHTFOOT & WOLFVILLE FAUNA RED 2022 NOVA SCOTIA  $26.95
R+997353 INNISKILLIN MONTAGUE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2022 VQA $35.95 
R+203364 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 CHILE $22.95
R+43907 CHÂTEAU BEAU SITE HAUT VIGNOBLE 2016 BORDEAUX $54.95
R+44071 TORRE ZAMBRA COLLE MAGGIO RISERVA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $34.95
R+216309 CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $24.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better or best" value...on sale to July 20...BETTER HURRY!!!

FIZZ

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00

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


W H I T E W I N ES

CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

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

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

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 12 g/L)
750 mL REG. $17.95
NOW $15.95  Save $2

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

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


*********LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
Save on these popular wines from "July 21 to August 17, 2025"

W H I T E W I N ES

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

CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
304469 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $42.95
NOW $38.95 Save $4.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS VQA Niagara
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 mL $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

KIM CRAWFORD ILLUMINATE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
18947 (D – 16 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

SUSANA BALBO CRIOS TORRONTÉS Argentina
1834 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

WILLM RESERVE PINOT GRIS
AC Alsace, France
42495 (XD – 8 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $17.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
43281 (D – 11 g/L)
750 mL REG. $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2


R E D W I N ES

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

DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS
DO Bierzo, Spain
446484 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

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

PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH
WO Swartland, South Africa
595280 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $13.95 Save $3.00

RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA
RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
943613 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 7 g/L)
750 mL REG. $27.95
NOW $25.95


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 ACID TRIP OF THE LIVING VINE May 2025

The Date and Time: May 5, 2025, 1PM-5PM
The Event: A curated collection of biodynamic, organic, and natural wines from around the world
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: today it was the Licensees; yesterday (May 4) it was the Living Vine clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available by the LCBO Consignment ordering system, by the case.
The Quote/Background: there were ten tables with pourers and information. Overall, there were 85 or so regular wines with alcohol, a few apple ciders, and some proxies with all the complexities of wine and none of the alcohol. Proxies are a new form of wine alternative—not dealcoholized wine, but layered blends of fruit, teas, spices, and bitters, designed to pair with food. I did not taste any of these..indeed, I did not even taste all the 85 regular wines....

The Wines:  prices are for Licensees....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Recaredo Intens Rosat 2020 [fizz] Penedes $65.95 (in six pack)

-Viberti Moscato d'Asti 2024 Piedmont $20.66
-Viberti Pubblicano Doglia Dolcetto 2023 Piedmont $24.26
-Viberti Nebbiolo Langhe 2023 Pidmont $33.26
-Viberti Buon Padre Barolo 2021 $62.06 (in six pack)
-Viberti San Pedro Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Bricco delle Viole Nebbiolo Piedmont 2019 $167.36 (in six pack)
-Berlioz Les Christine 2022 Savoie $134.96 (in six pack)
-Battenfeld Spanier Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2023 $24.95
-Camas Chardonnay 2023 Languedoc $17.95 
-Antica Enotria Rosso IGT Puglia $21.95
-Lobetia Tempranillo La Mancha Spain $16.95
-COS Rami 2022 Sicily $37.95
-Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Sicily $36.95
-Masseria Cuturi Tuma Primitivo 2022 Puglia $23.95
-Filippi Vindagoti Garganega IGT NV Veneto $39.56 (one litre in six pack)
-Le Piane Nebbiolo 2023 Piedmont $30.95
-Famille Fabre Pirouette White Languedoc $20.95
-David Reynaud Crozes "Georges" Rhone 2022 (in six pack)
-Patrick Sullivan Chardonnay Victoria Australia 2023 $29.66
-Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand $22.95

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Partida Creus NV 9% [fizz] Penedes $39.95
-Viberti Derthona Timorasso 2023 Piedmont $45.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Rinato Chardonnay 2023 Piedmont $62.05 (in six pack)
-Viberti La Volta Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Therianthropy Bonni Vivant Sous Voile Chardonnay VQA Ontario $26.79
-Madame Flock Class A Riesling 2023 Mosel $27.95
-Massimago Gastone Amarones 2020 $74.95 (in six pack)

The Food: none
The Downside: I came early because of the TTC service which sometimes never exists. The tasting was also congested.
The Upside: A chance to taste many natural wines on a global basis.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

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

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

Virus-free.www.avg.com

Wine Reviews of Featherstone Estate Winery releases...

1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 +341586 continuously available at LCBO: a summer social sipper or, combining Riesling (60.1%), pinot grigio (18.2%), chardonnay (12.6%), and gewurztraminer (9.1%) – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages of the grape varieties change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller, about 1068 cases. Incredibly fresh with juicy-fruity tones for summer picnics. Vegan friendly. 14.3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


2.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a consistent blend  of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. US oak was used. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of dark cherry-berry and plums, some leafy herby qualities. Black pepper shows on palate. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving ripe acid balances. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Could keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week) but ready now. Vegan friendly. 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 available at LCBO August 30th: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrels for fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending lime citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Vegan friendly. 9.5 g/L residual sugar, 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



4.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the off-dry Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious all riesling sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit (green apples, peaches, pears) on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging to get that "petrol" character. Consistent vintage. 9.01% ABV.  RS 20.45 g/L. Vegan friendly. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


5.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 +117861 Vintages available June 7 AND again on September 27: over the years, this rose has had varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, gewurztraminer and cabernet franc. It's an extremely useful wine for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the temperature unexpectedly dropped). Expect plenty of red fruit tones (strawberry, cranberry, cherry and raspberry) in its deliciousness. Great price. Vegan friendly. 9g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



6.Featherstone Estate Winery Gemstone 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 available July 19 Vintages LCBO +46055, currently for sale ONLINE and at the winery: Gemstone is a light red wine, with cabernet franc (57.1%) and merlot (42.9%) suggesting an ease of palate delivery and sipping. After developing in stainless steel and with full malolactic, the wine is aged in 2 months of oak. On the nose you can expect plums and raspberry tones, followed by dark cherries and oak. The cabernet franc contributes some dried herb savouriness, making it an ideal wine for pairing with appropriate appetizers or first courses. The merlot completes the picture with soft velvet mouthfeel. Ready now but can keep for a few years. 2g/L RS. 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

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 JULY 5, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for JULY 5, 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:  Sunny Mediterranean Wines -- Sipping Summer

**ROSE under $20 --- 

+53421 FIELDING ROSÉ VQA 2024  $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
CHILE +43407 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION ROSE 2024 $16.95
FRANCE +37678 C'EST TROP ROSÉ 2024 $16.95
PROVENCE +319392 CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L'ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2024 $20.95
+43568 CHÂTEAU DE L'AUMÉRADE AUMÉRADE STYLE ROSÉ 2024 $19.95  
TUSCANY +556266 RICASOLI ALBIA ROSÉ 2024 $18.95
VENEZIE +25752 SANTA MARGHERITA ROSÉ 2024 $18.95
NEW ZEALAND +43353 ERADUS SADIE ROSÉ 2024 $19.95

Recommended Wines UNDER $20 
=========================
W+AUSTRALIA +41892 DELINQUENTE SCREAMING BETTY VERMENTINO 2024 $19.95  
W+41435 EVANS & TATE WILD CAPE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 AUSTRALIA $19.95 
W+LANGUEDOC +40434 LAURENT MIQUEL ALAINA BLANC 2022 $18.95
W+RHÔNE +18600 LES DAUPHINS RESERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 $14.95
W+11670 GORGHI TONDI COSTE A PREOLA GRILLO 2023 $18.95
W+646067 AVELEDA LOUREIRO 2023 PORTUGAL $14.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
SOUTH AFRICA +439554 AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE 2021 $18.95
SPAIN +461327 BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)

R+CHILE +542183 RAVANAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+178657 NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2022 $17.95
R+41787 THE LANE ADELAIDE HILLS LDR 2022 AUSTRALIA $19.95
BORDEAUX +123489 CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2022 $19.95
+224915 DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 $17.95
ABRUZZO +396382 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
PORTUGAL +43854 MARQUÊS DE BORBA COLHEITA RED 2022 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+
SOUTH AFRICA +41452 SPIER SEAWARD SHIRAZ 2022 $19.95
SPAIN +13632 PALACIO DE PRIMAVERA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA RESERVA 2020 $19.95 


Recommended Wines OVER $20 
========================
Fizz - NEW ZEALAND+280172 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ SPARKLING CUVÉE $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+36806 LE CLOS JORDANNE CLAYSTONE TERRACE CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $42 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+45618 HIDDEN BENCH BÉTON CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA $29.95
W+112227 DOMAINE CHEVALLIER CHABLIS 2023 $37.95
W+SICILY 577676 TORNATORE ETNA BIANCO 2024 $24.95

TUSCANY +344416 CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
+438580 QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 $38.95
R+PIEDMONT 638338 MARZIANO ABBONA I DUE RICU 2021 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
RHÔNE +981787 DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D'OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2021 $39.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better or best" value...on sale  June 23 to July 20...

FIZZ

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00

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


W H I T E W I N ES

CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

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

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

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 12 g/L)
750 mL REG. $17.95
NOW $15.95  Save $2

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

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


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

From Featherstone VQA Niagara  May 2025

1.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 +341586 continuously available at LCBO: a summer social sipper or, combining Riesling (60.1%), pinot grigio (18.2%), chardonnay (12.6%), and gewurztraminer (9.1%) – all highly aromatic grapes. The percentages of the grape varieties change from vintage to vintage depending on vineyard conditions. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. A popular seller, about 1068 cases. Incredibly fresh with juicy-fruity tones for summer picnics. Vegan friendly. 14.3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


2.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a consistent blend  of 95% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. US oak was used. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of tastes of dark cherry-berry and plums, some leafy herby qualities. Black pepper shows on palate. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving ripe acid balances. Should go well with BBQ veggies. Could keep for another few years (I tasted one bottle over a week) but ready now. Vegan friendly. 3 g/L residual sugar. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


3.Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 +89011 available at LCBO August 30th: 20% of this wine went into neutral Canadian oak barrels for fermentation, leaving 80% for stainless steel. That contributed to the softness and to the muted tones of grassiness. Tropical flowers are accented rather than tropical fruit, and this too adds to its dryness culminating with ending lime citrus notes for a long finish. It's a great wine for savvy lovers who go for complexity rather than just herbs. At the same time, this allows for more food choices. Vegan friendly. 9.5 g/L residual sugar, 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


4.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the off-dry Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious all riesling sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, plentiful lime, grapefruit) evolving to Ontario orchard fruit (green apples, peaches, pears) on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long finish which also makes it nifty food wine for many Asiatic dishes. Medium body, off-dry. Suitable for aging to get that "petrol" character. Consistent vintage. 9.01% ABV.  RS 20.45 g/L. Vegan friendly. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


5.Featherstone Estate Winery Rose 2024 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 +117861 Vintages available June 7 AND again on September 27: over the years, this rose has had varying amounts of grape varieties – all dependent on what wily winemaker David Johnson sees as the best possible blend. In the past it has had pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, as well as gamay noir, merlot, chardonnay, gewurztraminer and cabernet franc. It's an extremely useful wine for any event, any occasion, with any food, or just alone as a sipper on the beach/patio/deck/terrace/backyard/porch/balcony – even in front of a roaring fireplace (as I did just this week when the temperature unexpectedly dropped). Expect plenty of red fruit tones (strawberry, cranberry, cherry and raspberry) in its deliciousness. Great price. Vegan friendly. 9g/L residual sugar, 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



6.Featherstone Estate Winery Gemstone 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 available July 19 Vintages LCBO +46055, currently for sale ONLINE and at the winery: Gemstone is a light red wine, with cabernet franc (57.1%) and merlot (42.9%) suggesting an ease of palate delivery and sipping. After developing in stainless steel and with full malolactic, the wine is aged in 2 months of oak. On the nose you can expect plums and raspberry tones, followed by dark cherries and oak. The cabernet franc contributes some dried herb savouriness, making it an ideal wine for pairing with appropriate appetizers or first courses. The merlot completes the picture with soft velvet mouthfeel. Ready now but can keep for a few years. 2g/L RS. 11.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

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 JUNE 21, 2025

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JUNE 21, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Refreshing whites

Recommended Wines UNDER $20 
=========================
ROSE+39974 FLAT ROCK PINK TWISTED ROSÉ 2024 VQA $17.95
ROSE+15277 CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2024 CHILE $16.95 ROSE+19852 ALBINO ARMANI ROSÉ 2024 $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+22460 WESTCOTT BUTLERS' GRANT OLD VINES RIESLING 2023 VQA $19.95
W+89029 TAWSE SKETCHES RIESLING 2022 VQA  $19.95
W+42097 SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023  CHILE $18.95
W+41120 DOMAINE SABANIS ASSYRTIKO 2023 GREECE $19.95
W+944298 CAVE DE LA TOURANGELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 LOIRE $16.95
W+499509 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
 W+289538 VESEVO BENEVENTANO FALANGHINA 2024 CAMPANIA $17.95
W+32550 ME BY MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 NEW ZEALAND $16.95
W+42071 QUINTA DO CARDO 2023 PORTUGAL $16.95
W+31123 CAPE POINT NOORDHOEK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $19.95
W+154302 ABAD DOM BUENO GODELLO 2022 SPAIN $17.95

R+41874 BIRD IN HAND TWO IN THE BUSH SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $18.95 
R+17381 FIN DEL MUNDO PATAGONIA RISERVA MALBEC 2023 $15.95
R+12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON 2020 BORDEAUX $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43852 CANTO DE CASA ORGANIC TEMPRANILLO 2022 SPAIN  $17.95
R+297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+43464 LULUMI PINOT NOIR 2023 LANGUEDOC  $17.95
R+41901 COTA 700 COLHEITA 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95
R+999946 REMO FARINA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+41443 NOBLE HILL FIELD ATLAS 2021 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)


Recommended Wines OVER $20 
========================
FIZZ+39869 LUCIEN ROGUET NO.1 TRADITION BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE $78.95 
W+43459 FAMILLE PERRACHON VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2023 $42.95
W+57430 MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA BC  $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+16452 REIF ESTATE DREA'S SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 VQA  $29.50
W+11951 ORGANIZED CRIME LIMESTONE BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $24.95
W+148866 CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA $35
W+42676 VESEVO GRECO DI TUFO 2022  CAMPANIA  $22.95

R+84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+38301 FEATHERSTONE RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2021 VQA $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+42227 AGAMY RÉGNIÉ 2022 BEAUJOLAIS $22.95
R+37942 GAJA SITO MORESCO 2022 PIEDMONT $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
R+190462 MUD HOUSE PINOT NOIR 2022  NEW ZEALAND  $24.95 

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday June 22...BETTER HURRY!!!

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

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
559088 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2

W H I T E W I N ES

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

FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 17 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.

TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
89037 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke's Bay, East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 mL REG. $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

XANADU VINEWORK
SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON
Margaret River, Western Australia,
41315 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.


R E D W I N ES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.

M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA HAUT CÔTES DU
ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.

REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 7 g/L) 750 mL $42.95
NOW $40.45 Save $2.

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $24.95 Save $2


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  June 23 to July 20...

FIZZ

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,
traditional method, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00

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


W H I T E W I N ES

CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara River,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

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

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

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 12 g/L)
750 mL REG. $17.95
NOW $15.95  Save $2

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


R E D W I N ES

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95
NOW $16.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

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

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

REPORT ON THE ACID TRIP OF THE LIVING VINE May 2025

The Date and Time: May 5, 2025, 1PM-5PM
The Event: A curated collection of biodynamic, organic, and natural wines from around the world
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: today it was the Licensees; yesterday (May 4) it was the Living Vine clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available by the LCBO Consignment ordering system, by the case.
The Quote/Background: there were ten tables with pourers and information. Overall, there were 85 or so regular wines with alcohol, a few apple ciders, and some proxies with all the complexities of wine and none of the alcohol. Proxies are a new form of wine alternative—not dealcoholized wine, but layered blends of fruit, teas, spices, and bitters, designed to pair with food. I did not taste any of these..indeed, I did not even taste all the 85 regular wines....

The Wines:  prices are for Licensees....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Recaredo Intens Rosat 2020 [fizz] Penedes $65.95 (in six pack)

-Viberti Moscato d'Asti 2024 Piedmont $20.66
-Viberti Pubblicano Doglia Dolcetto 2023 Piedmont $24.26
-Viberti Nebbiolo Langhe 2023 Pidmont $33.26
-Viberti Buon Padre Barolo 2021 $62.06 (in six pack)
-Viberti San Pedro Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Bricco delle Viole Nebbiolo Piedmont 2019 $167.36 (in six pack)
-Berlioz Les Christine 2022 Savoie $134.96 (in six pack)
-Battenfeld Spanier Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2023 $24.95
-Camas Chardonnay 2023 Languedoc $17.95 
-Antica Enotria Rosso IGT Puglia $21.95
-Lobetia Tempranillo La Mancha Spain $16.95
-COS Rami 2022 Sicily $37.95
-Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Sicily $36.95
-Masseria Cuturi Tuma Primitivo 2022 Puglia $23.95
-Filippi Vindagoti Garganega IGT NV Veneto $39.56 (one litre in six pack)
-Le Piane Nebbiolo 2023 Piedmont $30.95
-Famille Fabre Pirouette White Languedoc $20.95
-David Reynaud Crozes "Georges" Rhone 2022 (in six pack)
-Patrick Sullivan Chardonnay Victoria Australia 2023 $29.66
-Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand $22.95

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Partida Creus NV 9% [fizz] Penedes $39.95
-Viberti Derthona Timorasso 2023 Piedmont $45.86 (in six pack)
-Viberti Rinato Chardonnay 2023 Piedmont $62.05 (in six pack)
-Viberti La Volta Barolo Riserva 2019 $144.86 (in six pack)
-Therianthropy Bonni Vivant Sous Voile Chardonnay VQA Ontario $26.79
-Madame Flock Class A Riesling 2023 Mosel $27.95
-Massimago Gastone Amarones 2020 $74.95 (in six pack)

The Food: none
The Downside: I came early because of the TTC service which sometimes never exists. The tasting was also congested.
The Upside: A chance to taste many natural wines on a global basis.
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

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

Ontario Supporting Grape Growers and Wineries

	NEWS RELEASE Ontario Supporting Grape Growers and Wineries Province expanding grape varieties for Vintners Quality Alliance Certified Wine June 17, 2025 Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement   TORONTO — The Ontario government is supporting grape growers and wineries by adding 24 new grape varieties to Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certified wine. These new grapes were approved because of the high quality of wines they produce, their resistance to extreme temperatures and their lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. "Ontario wineries are producing great-tasting, top-quality wines. They are earning praise around the world and beating out wine-producing giants in international competitions," said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. "As we approach Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day, we're proud to support this thriving industry and remind everyone that world-class wine is being made right here at home." VQA certified wines are the seal of authenticity by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA), the regulatory agency responsible for the integrity of Ontario wine appellations, enforcing wine composition and labelling standards and ensuring consumers have the information they need to make an informed choice. The OWAA tests and audits each wine and winery before they are allowed to use the VQA label. "Expanding the list of grape varieties certified by VQA is great news for Ontario's grape growers and wineries. It opens new opportunities for growth at a time when the market is growing and modernizing and when supporting local agribusinesses has never been more important," said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "Whether you're visiting a winery, dining out or shopping, choose a locally grown and globally acclaimed Ontario wine."   Quick Facts Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day is Friday, June 27, 2025. In 2024, more than $433.6 million in VQA wines were sold worldwide.   Quotes "We are very pleased the Ontario government has approved this historic expansion of the grape list. The additions reflect both established and new grape varieties, and support a drive to sustainability, more flexibility to adapt to growing conditions and more consumer choice. These changes provide new options for winemakers who are striving to make the best and most authentic wine possible, across all winegrowing regions in Ontario." - Derek Cartlidge Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority "Today's news means more jobs and bigger paycheques in Ontario's growing grape and wine sector," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. "Approving these new grape varieties means our local wineries and the farm families behind them can continue to innovate, adapt to changing growing conditions, and bring new, distinctive wines to market. It's a win for our farmers, a win for sustainability, and a win for everyone who enjoys high-quality Ontario wine. Niagara's wineries are already some of the best in the world and this announcement helps them stay ahead." - Sam Oosterhoff MPP for Niagara West   Additional Resources The full list of the grapes approved for VQA certification, including the new additions, can be found on the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority website.   Media Contacts Liam Maloney Minister's Office Liam.Maloney@ontario.ca Media Relations Communications Branch MPBSDP.MediaRelations@ontario.ca
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LCBO LIMITED TIME OFFERS THROUGH JUNE 22, AND FROM JUNE 23 TO JULY 20 (BELOW)

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through Sunday June 22....

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

MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale June 23 to July 20...

FIZZ

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,

traditional method, sustainable, vegan

147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 mL $29.95

NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING

VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario,

traditional method, sustainable, vegan

213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $32.95

NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,

traditional method

224766 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $30.95

NOW $27.95 Save $3.00

TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING RIESLING

VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment,

Ontario, traditional method

370361 (M – 19 g/L) 750 mL $24.95

NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

W H I T E W I N ES

CLOSSON CHASE THE BROCK CHARDONNAY

VQA Niagara River,

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

20899 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95

NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE

DOP, Abruzzo, Italy

573683 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $17.95

NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

35386 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE

VQA Niagara Peninsula,

Ontario, sustainable

1578 (D – 12 g/L)

750 mL REG. $17.95

NOW $15.95 Save $2

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA

DOC, Veneto, Italy

707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

R E D W I N ES

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,

sustainable, vegan

417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

MALIVOIRE FARMSTEAD GAMAY

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,

sustainable, vegan

591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95

NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE

DOC, Veneto, Italy

650713 (D – 12 g/L) 750 mL $24.95

NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Valle de Colchagua, Chile

322586 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $22.95

NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CABERNET

South Australia

285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $18.95

NOW $16.45 Save $2.50

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO

DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $20.95

NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA

DOC, Sardinia, Italy

425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $19.95

NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

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 JUNE 7, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JUNE 7, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:   Rose Table Wine (UNDER ~$20)

+177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2024  $16.95
+45075 TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND ROSÉ VQA 2024 $18.95
+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
+388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+16296 ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
+43979 CARUSO & MININI FRAPPO FRAPPATO ROSÉ SICILY 2024 $18.95
+493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ NEW ZEALAND 2024 $20.95
+43396 MAN HANEKRAAI ROSÉ SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $14.95
+490961 IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ SPAIN 2024 $17.95


Recommended Wines UNDER $20 
=========================

W+ 390781 NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY FRANCE 2023 $19.95
W+18560 CLEEBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2022 $18.95
W+31534 DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2023 $19.95
W+673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC 2023 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2023  $17.95 W+289553 UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO ABRUZZO 2024 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+268110 LUNGAROTTI TORRE DI GIANO BIANCO DI TORGIANO UMBRIA 2022 $17.95

R+37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR CHILE 2023 $16.95
R+569962 VANITÁ PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2023 $17.95 
R+488007 PERIQUITA RESERVA PORTUGAL 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+44140 GENIO ESPANOL ROBLE MONASTRELL SPAIN 2021  $16.95


Recommended Wines OVER $20 
========================
FIZZ+198754 HUFF CUVÉE PETER F. SPARKLING VQA 2021  $39 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
FIZZ+42032 CUVÉE FRANÇOISE CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX ROSÉ SPARKLING  LANGUEDOC NV $25.95 
FIZZ+556654 KRONE BOREALIS VINTAGE CUVÉE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING SOUTH AFRICA  2022 $22


W+45136 BACHELDER WERNER-YORK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $39.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+45135 BACHELDER PARCELLE HAUT IVY & WARREN SAUNDERS VINEYARD  VQA 2022 $45.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+415901 CAVE SPRING SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING VQA 2023 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)
W+523845 CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING VQA 2023 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

R+45139 BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $27.95
R+33994 BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $32
R+11581 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $33.70
R+121723 DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 $52.95
R+17572 VITE COLTE SOGNI AL CAMPO NEBBIOLO PIEDMONT 2022 $24.95
R+943290 FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2020  $49.95
R+155408 MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBARESCO 2021 $43.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...
**LIMITED-TIME OFFERS Save on these popular wines from May 26 to June 22, 2025**

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

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
559088 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2

W H I T E W I N ES

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

FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 17 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.

TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
89037 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke's Bay, East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 mL REG. $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.

XANADU VINEWORK
SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON
Margaret River, Western Australia,
41315 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.


R E D W I N ES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS SAINT-ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.

M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA HAUT CÔTES DU
ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES AC, Midi, France
168716 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 mL $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.

REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
995910 (D – 7 g/L) 750 mL $42.95
NOW $40.45 Save $2.

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 mL $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 mL $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 mL $26.95
NOW $24.95 Save $2.

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

REPORT ON -- Elevate Your Cellar: A Journey Through the Okanagan's Iconic Wine Estates  2025

The Date and Time: April 22, 2025, 6PM to 8PM
The Event: Mark Anthony's Private Collectors Tasting
The Venue: The Bovine Wine Club (Union Station)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, private wine clients
The Availability/Catalogue: CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane, and Mission Hill (Oculus 2020 $228; Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019 $80; Compendium 2019 $79; Perpetua 2021 $66; CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023 $91; Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 $97; Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2023 $52) - mostly on consignment through Mark Anthony.
The Quote/Background: this was one of a series of small wine tastings beginning in 2023, moving through 2024 and 2025 but with different wines and vintage dates from the same wineries. This sun-drenched region of British Columbia has become synonymous with craftsmanship and terroir.

The Wines: There were two tables with four wines each, but I was unable to taste the eighth wine (CheckMate) because I left early.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2021
-Mission Hill Compendium 2019
-Martin Lane Riesling Simes Vineyard 2023
-Mission Hill Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019
-Mission Hill Oculus 2020
-Martin Lane Pinot Noir Naramata Ranch 2019

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023

The Food: there were a few gigantic charcuterie/cheese boards, the latter with Manchego and old Cheddar; followed by sushi Cali roll platters (about a dozen different ones - and more if you count the vegan versions). All food was catered by Bovine Club. More food was on the way but I had to leave early.
The Downside: the room got congested really fast
The Upside: a chance to taste wines that are not normally available in Ontario
The Contact Person: kpasquali@iconicwineries.com 
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

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 BOLDLY NEW YORK STATE WINES TASTING JANUARY 2025

REPORT ON BOLDLY NEW YORK STATE WINES TASTING JANUARY 2025

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

Okanagan BC VQA Wines Report

REPORT ON -- Elevate Your Cellar: A Journey Through the Okanagan's Iconic Wine Estates  2025

The Date and Time: April 22, 2025, 6PM to 8PM
The Event: Mark Anthony's Private Collectors Tasting
The Venue: The Bovine Wine Club (Union Station)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, private wine clients
The Availability/Catalogue: CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane, and Mission Hill (Oculus 2020 $228; Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019 $80; Compendium 2019 $79; Perpetua 2021 $66; CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023 $91; Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 $97; Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2023 $52) - mostly on consignment through Mark Anthony.
The Quote/Background: this was one of a series of small wine tastings beginning in 2023, moving through 2024 and 2025 but with different wines and vintage dates from the same wineries. This sun-drenched region of British Columbia has become synonymous with craftsmanship and terroir.

The Wines: There were two tables with four wines each, but I was unable to taste the eighth wine (CheckMate) because I left early.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2021
-Mission Hill Compendium 2019
-Martin Lane Riesling Simes Vineyard 2023
-Mission Hill Quatrain Legacy Collection 2019
-Mission Hill Oculus 2020
-Martin Lane Pinot Noir Naramata Ranch 2019

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2023

The Food: there were a few gigantic charcuterie/cheese boards, the latter with Manchego and old Cheddar; followed by sushi Cali roll platters (about a dozen different ones - and more if you count the vegan versions). All food was catered by Bovine Club. More food was on the way but I had to leave early.
The Downside: the room got congested really fast
The Upside: a chance to taste wines that are not normally available in Ontario
The Contact Person: kpasquali@iconicwineries.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

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

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

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