REPORT ON BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO TASTING Oct 14 2026

REPORT ON BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO TASTING Oct 14 2026

The Date and Time: October 14, 2026 12:30PM - 4PM
The Event: a walkaround tasting of various Brunellos
The Venue: Liberty Grand CNE
The Target Audience: influencers and a few wine writers, wine trade people, agents and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: we got a brochure with a listing of the many wines of Montalcino, along with a map-- from the Elenco dei Produttori Consorziati dated 2025. It has been three years since Brunello came through Toronto. At that time the trade show specialized in the 2019 vintage.
The Quote/Background: as per most wine trade shows, the Brunellos were displayed on 30 or so tables, many with Ontario agents, and some looking for agents. Each table had anywhere from three to six bottles. So there were at least 150 wines. There are over 208 producing wineries in the region, and 25% of them are organic or biodynamic. Repeated from a variety of sources -- "Brunello di Montalcino has an aroma of cherries, strawberries, florals, tar, truffles, violets and spices. They are supple, generous, elegant, refined, polished, succulent and rich in texture and depth. All are well-balanced with silky smooth mouthfeel, integrated tannins with a long aftertaste." Of course, all of these have to develop through long cellaring, about 3 - 10 years at least.
The Wines: Most of the producers had a Rosso to start, followed by a Brunello, followed by a specialized named Brunello, followed by a Riserva. Of course I could not taste them all. So my strategy was simply to pick a few wineries and taste  what they had available at the show, rather than  a hit and miss around all the tables. The theme of the show at this point was the 2021 vintage -- which was fabulous.

I enjoyed the wines from Col d'Orcia, Donatella Cilielli Colombini, Tassi, Altesino (Rogers), Aminta Famiglia Cecchi, Argiano (Noble Estates), Capanna, Carpinto, Casanova di Neri, Casisano, Tommasi Family Estates, Castiglion del Bosco, Fanti.

Here are some of their better tasting wines -- 

Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2021 (Rogers)
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2021 (Noble)
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova 2021
Capanna 2021
Carpineto 2021
Aminta Famiglia Cecchi 2021
Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
Tassi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Colombaiolo DOCG
Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Giusepe Tassi DOCG DOCG
Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Franci Riserva DOCG


The Food: there were lots of choices, what with a charcuterie platter of salami, Genoa salami, cheeses like pecorino and gorgonzola, breads, biscuits, Italian crackers, prosciutto with melon. Also in the spread there were roasted red peppers, caponata, calabrese salami, fennel, olives, grilled tomatoes, bruschetta, cannellini bean puree. This was followed up with a dessert table of sweets and dolci such as cakes, pastry, tarts.
The Downside: it was also a social event, part of a difficult day dealing with a lot of people. Noise was very prominent, and there were, frankly, too many people at the show.
The Upside: a chance to taste a full range of one varietal.
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 October 10, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/over $20 for the October 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 RECOMMENDED 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.

RECOMMENDED White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2025 $17.95
356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KARMA CHARDONNAY 2025 $17.95 
527622 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO PINOT GRIGIO 2025 $18.95 
531780 TASCA D'ALMERITA REGALEALI BIANCO 2025 $18.95
367771 INVIVO PINOT GRIS 2025 $19.95
64774 MIGUEL TORRES GRAN VIÑA SOL CHARDONNAY 202 $17.95

RECOMMENDED Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
50193 PEACOCK'S FAN COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $16.95
11877 LAURENT PERRACHON ET FILS TERRES ROSES MOULIN-À-VENT 2023 $19.95
396382 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 $18.95
51600 CARM RED 2023 $19.95

RECOMMENDED White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
241182 CHARLES BAKER VINEMOUNT RIDGE RIESLING 2022 $39.95
695908 JEAN PABIOT ET FILS DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ $34.95
49034 CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY LIRAC BLANC 202 $24.95
302083 BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2024 $26.95
369850 KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIGIO 2025 $21.95
35465 AVELEDA SOLOS DE XISTO ALVARINHO 2024 $24.95

RECOMMENDED Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
50840 DEMUERTE ONE RED 2023 $20.95
361816 BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR 2023 $65
437376 REDSTONE ESTATE SYRAH 2021 $40.95
47390 RAVINE GAMAY NOIR 2023 $24.95
666628 CHÂTEAU TANESSE CADILLAC CÔTES DE BORDEAUX 2022 $20.95
942094 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE SANT'ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $24.95

ROSE et al

49432 CHÂTEAU CORRENSON TAVEL 2025 $21.95
729392 FOSS MARAI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO 360 $19.95 
45850 SENSI 18K PURE GOLD BRUT PROSECCO $23.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are the "better" value wines...on sale through October 11...

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

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 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

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CLARENCE DILLON
CLARENDELLE RED
Bordeaux, France
28837 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, vegan
64618 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany
964221 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $31.95
NOW $28.95  Save $3

BENJAMIN BRIDGE
NOVA 7 SPARKLING
Nova Scotia, Charmat method
256289 (S – 71 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


WHITE WINE

CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
304469 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $42.95
NOW $40.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

TERRA VEGA SAUVIGNON BLANC KPM
Central Valley, Chile
156968 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

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 – 31 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

RED WINES

13TH STREET GAMAY 
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
177824 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CASA DI LUIGI PINOT NOIR KPM
Central Valley, Chile
16586 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $15.00
NOW $14.00 Save $1.00

DANDELION VINEYARDS
LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
167189 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE
PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 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

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 JARAMAN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley/McLaren Vale,
South Australia
377036 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

JOSEPH DROUHIN-VAUDON CHABLIS
AOC, Burgundy, France
284026 (XD – 2 g/L)
REG. 750 ml $35.95
NOW $31.95
Save $48 on a case of 12

WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
427500 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $33.95
NOW $31.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

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 --- 

Not many...My wife Ann and I have had various serious medical issues. Consequently, I missed the following tasting opportunities:
-Alto Adige
-Chianti
-Portugal
-Business France
-Profile Portfolio
-Nicholas Pearce Wines Portfolio

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 Sept 26, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/over $20 for the Sept 26, 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 RECOMMENDED 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.


THEME • BEYOND CABERNET

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

37223 ARTESANO DE ARGENTO AGRELO VINEYARD ORGANIC WHITE MALBEC $14.95
50128 LACHETEAU LA CONFLUENCE SAUVIGNON BLANC Loire 2024 $13.95
361220 PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $19.95


RECOMMENDED Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
640979 CRIOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 $17.95 
673897 JIP JIP ROCKS SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2024 $17.95
18344 XANADU CIRCA 77 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $18.95
50141 NUGAN STOMPER'S CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 $19.95
39275 FEATHERSTONE GAMAY NOIR 2023 $18.95 
51596 ERMELINDA FREITAS TOURIGA NACIONAL RESERVA 2022 $19.95

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

359760 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WOOD POST VINEYARD RIESLING 2024 $28.95
53667 INNISKILLIN MONTAGUE SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 $32.95
256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2024 $24.95
578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2025 $26.95
49632 AQUILAIA VERMENTINO 2025 $21.95 


RECOMMENDED Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================

213132 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2022 $49.95
52916 INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $29.95
53235 KEINT-HE LITTLE CREEK CLOSSON BLOCK SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR $45
49834 SUR DE LOS ANDES GRAN RESERVA MALBEC 2022 $22.95
523001 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CABERNET FRANC 2024 $24.95
392738 DOMAINE QUEYLUS PINOT NOIR TRADITION 2024 $37.70
19288 MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE PINOT NOIR 2023 $24.95
10360 FRESCOBALDI PERANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $24.95
47118 CARPINETO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 $32.95
209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA RESERVA 2021 $44.95 

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are the "better" value wines...on sale through October 11...

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

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 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

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CLARENCE DILLON
CLARENDELLE RED
Bordeaux, France
28837 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, vegan
64618 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany
964221 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $31.95
NOW $28.95  Save $3

BENJAMIN BRIDGE
NOVA 7 SPARKLING
Nova Scotia, Charmat method
256289 (S – 71 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines to Oct. 11, 2026

WHITE WINE

CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
304469 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $42.95
NOW $40.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

TERRA VEGA SAUVIGNON BLANC KPM
Central Valley, Chile
156968 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

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 – 31 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

RED WINES

13TH STREET GAMAY 
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
177824 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CASA DI LUIGI PINOT NOIR KPM
Central Valley, Chile
16586 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $15.00
NOW $14.00 Save $1.00

DANDELION VINEYARDS
LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
167189 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE
PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 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

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 JARAMAN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley/McLaren Vale,
South Australia
377036 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

JOSEPH DROUHIN-VAUDON CHABLIS
AOC, Burgundy, France
284026 (XD – 2 g/L)
REG. 750 ml $35.95
NOW $31.95
Save $48 on a case of 12

WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
427500 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $33.95
NOW $31.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO --

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

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 September 12, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/over $20 for the September 12, 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 wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases 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.

THEME • ONTARIO

RECOMMENDED White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
[CAVA] 352856 CYGNUS SADOR ORGANIC RESERVA BRUT NATURE CAVA 2022 $19.95

37559 ESTERHÁZY KLIMT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2025 $15.95
12679 MATAHIWI ESTATE PINOT GRIS 2024 $17.95 
99309 LEYDA GARUMA COASTAL VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $18.95
39302 LA PERRIÈRE CÔTEAUX DU GIENNOIS BLANC 2024 $19.95
50935 SAN MARZANO TALÒ CHARDONNAY 2024 $17.95 
50564 CA' DE' ROCCHI SOAVE CLASSICO 2024 $18.95
609891 WHITEHAVEN MANSION HOUSE BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $17.95

RECOMMENDED Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
527853 CHÂTEAU JOININ 2024 $14.95
261867 FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC 2024 $19.95
50091 VELENOSI PROPE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 $18.95 
50775 VITICCIO SOSPETTI TOSCANA ROSSO 2022 $18
995704 ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2022 $18.95
33371 FRANKLAND ROCKY GULLY SHIRAZ 2022 $17.95
51577 QUINTA VALE SANTA LUZIA TINTO 2023 $19.95



RECOMMENDED White Wines OVER  $20 in this release.
=========================================
183491 HIDDEN BENCH RIESLING 2023 $26.95
299867 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE $29.95
50189 SCHILD OLD VINE CHARDONNAY 2025 $21.95 
184549 DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2023 $55
431593 TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE RIESLING 2024 $24.95

RECOMMENDED  Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
19022 R.LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA 2014 $44.95
184564 DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR 2023 $55
11582 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2024 $34.95
118067 COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2024 $22.95
142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $24.95
25678 TUA RITA ROSSO DEI NOTRI 2023 $32.95
36460 BERTANI VALPANTENA VALPOLICELLA 2024 $26.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some of my Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through September 13, 2026...
BETTER HURRY...(but see below for Sept14-Oct11)

WHITE WINES

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

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 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

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CLARENCE DILLON
CLARENDELLE RED
Bordeaux, France
28837 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, vegan
64618 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany
964221 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $31.95
NOW $28.95  Save $3

BENJAMIN BRIDGE
NOVA 7 SPARKLING
Nova Scotia, Charmat method
256289 (S – 71 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00


LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from Sept. 14 to Oct. 11, 2026

WHITE WINE

CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
304469 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $42.95
NOW $40.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

TERRA VEGA SAUVIGNON BLANC KPM
Central Valley, Chile
156968 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

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 – 31 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

RED WINES

13TH STREET GAMAY 
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
177824 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CASA DI LUIGI PINOT NOIR KPM
Central Valley, Chile
16586 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $15.00
NOW $14.00 Save $1.00

DANDELION VINEYARDS
LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
167189 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE
PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 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

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 JARAMAN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley/McLaren Vale,
South Australia
377036 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

JOSEPH DROUHIN-
VAUDON CHABLIS
AOC, Burgundy, France
284026 (XD – 2 g/L)
REG. 750 ml $35.95
NOW $31.95
Save $48 on a case of 12

WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula,
Ontario, sustainable
427500 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $33.95
NOW $31.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO --

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

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 August 29, 2026 BLUE MOON release!!!

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/ over $20 for the August 29, 2026 BLUE MOON 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 Wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases 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.

FEATURE STORIES • BOOK CLUB; GOOD PARTNERS: LUBANZI
---------------------------------------------------

RECOMMENDED WINES
=================

ROSE
====
37666 PAUL MAS LE ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
37678 C'EST TROP ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
556258 SAN MARZANO TRAMARI ROSÉ DI PRIMITIVO 2025 $16.95

RECOMMENDED White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=================================================
37537 BADENHORST SECATEURS CHENIN BLANC 2025 $19.95
454785 TOI TOI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $18.95
48241 BISQUERTT LA JOYA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2024
$16.95
48640 VIEIL ARMAND ORIGINE PINOT BLANC 2023 $18.95
50308 MASSEY DACTA MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $18.95
50493 MOSELLAND GOLDSCHILD MOSEL RIESLING 2023
51579 BACALHÔA CATARINA WHITE 2024 $15.95
53055 COOPERS HAWK DRY RIESLING 2024 $19.95
644385 BORD ELEGANCE LAUDUN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES BLANC $19.95


RECOMMENDED  Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
=================================================
17403 TORRE ZAMBRA MADIA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2024 $17.95
23973 MARYNISSEN CABERNET FRANC 2023 $16.95
443374 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $19.95
48242 LUBANZI CINSAULT 2024 $18.95
49831 MALMA CHACRA LA PAPAY MALBEC 2024 $17.95
50147 CORRYTON BURGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $17.95
542183 RAVANAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 $16.95
645051 LA MALDITA GARNACHA 2024 $14.95

 
RECOMMENDED White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
================================================
41257 LIEBLING LINGARD VINEYARD RIESLING 2023 $22
49000 EDOUARD DELAUNAY SEPTEMBRE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY $29.95
50130 CHATELAIN HARMONIE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2024 $30.95
50255 LOVEBLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 $29.95
53054 FEROX SILVER LION COLLECTION CHARDONNAY 2022 $35
88955 HUFF CATHERINE'S CHARDONNAY 2023 $34


RECOMMENDED  Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
================================================
20422 HIDDEN BENCH GAMAY 2024 $29.95
157347 ENRICO SERAFINO SANAVENTO BARBARESCO 2022 $39.95
356048 CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 $24.95
36331 BORGO SCOPETO VIGNA MISCIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO $35.95
403345 TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD CABERNET $20.95
46302 BENJAMIN BRIDGE WILD ROCK RED 2024 $21.95
48377 MOMMESSIN MARY & THOMAS BACHELDER BEAUJOLAIS- $24.95
50143 DE BORTOLI THE ESTATE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $24.95
51700 CANTINE DI ORA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2022 $42.95
53080 TRIUS SHOWCASE RHS MERLOT 2020 $44.95
637835 CHÂTEAU DES TOURS BROUILLY 2024 $23.95
643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI $27.95
692343 OYSTER BAY HAWKE'S BAY MERLOT 2024 $20.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some of my Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through September 13, 2026...

WHITE WINES

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

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 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

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CLARENCE DILLON
CLARENDELLE RED
Bordeaux, France
28837 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
64618 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany
964221 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $31.95
NOW $28.95  Save $3

BENJAMIN BRIDGE
NOVA 7 SPARKLING
Nova Scotia, Charmat method
256289 (S – 71 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO --

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

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 August 15, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/ over $20 for the August 15, 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 • Great Wines for Takeout Night

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
68015 FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $19.95
49578 NOEMA ASSYRTIKO 2024 GREECE $19.95
51404 CASA SANTOS LIMA MEIA SERRA ENCRUZADO 2023 PORTUGAL $19.95
541854 VILLA SPARINA GAVI DI GAVI 2025 TUSCANY $19.95
708073 ATTEMS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 FRUILI $19.95
39442 PLANETA LA SEGRETA GRILLO 2024 $19.95
41899 AZEVEDO LOUREIRO ALVARINHO 2024 $13.45
51629 DE WETSHOF CHALK ROAD CHENIN BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95
51695 SEÑORÍO DE NAVA FUENTENEBRO ALBILLO MAYOR 2022 $17.95
40788 AVELINO VEGAS MONTESPINA SOBRE LÍAS VERDEJO 2025 SPAIN $16.95
51206 ECHEVERRIA NO ES PITUKO ORANGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 CHILE $17.95
196956 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS 2024 $17.95
49035 ALAIN JAUME GRAND VENEUR CÔTES DU RHONE 2024 $19.95

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
11851 CREEKSIDE RED TRACTOR CABERNET/MERLOT 2020 VQA $19.95
278150 CITRA NIRO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $17.95
50092 PASQUA MUCCHIETTO PRIMITIVO 2022 $19.95
168823 BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 $18.95
548867 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA 2021 PORTUGAL $16.45
45323 ADEGA COOPERATIVA DE VIDIGUEIRA ALICANTE BOUSCHET 2023 PORTUGAL $19.95
28081 VIÑALBA PATAGONIA RESERVE MALBEC 2023 $19.95
49830 EL PORVENIR AMAUTA ABSOLUTO MALBEC 2024 $16.95
46055 FEATHERSTONE GEMSTONE 2023 VQA $17.95
476002 LUNGAROTTI L'UM UMBRIA SANGIOVESE/MERLOT 2022 $17.95
451724 ZENATO ALANERA PARZIALE APPASSIMENTO 2022 $18.95


TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
39763 TRIUS SHOWCASE WILD FERMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 VQA $28.95
171322 PATRIARCHE PÈRE & FILS MÂCON VILLAGES CHARDONNAY 2025 $24.95
42676 VESEVO GRECO DI TUFO 2024 CAMPANIA $22.95
51690 PERI PERI VICERÉ INZOLIA 2025 SICILY $24.95


TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
11728 CHÂTEAU LALANDE DE GRAVET SAINT-ÉMILION GRAND CRU 2022 $28.95
633628 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERITAGE 2022 BC VQA $32.95
44514 REDSTONE GAMAY NOIR 2022 VQA $25.95
52473 FEATHERSTONE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 VQA $29.95
438580 QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 $40.95
538918 ASTROLABE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2023 $29.95

ROSE TABLE WINE [listed only, under $20]
==============================
45075 TAWSE GROWERS BLEND ROSÉ 2025 VQA $18.95
668426 VILLA AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $19.95
556142 PASQUA 11 MINUTES ROSÉ ODI ET AMO VENEZIE 2024 $19.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale  through August 16...better hurry!! Different LTOs on August 17 through Sept 13 (see below)

W H I T E W I N ES

ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli, Italy
707950 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

BOSCHENDAL 1685 CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE
RESERVE CHENIN BLANC
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa
231282 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

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

OYSTER BAY
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3

WINZER KREMS KREMSTAL DAC
GRÜNER VELTLINER
DAC Kremstal, Austria
375022 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00

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

KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S
RUN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
925453 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Limestone Coast/Clare Valley,
South Australia
744235 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP
CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
396481 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA
DO Campo de Borja, Spain
273748 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2


LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on THESE wines from Aug.17 to Sept.13, 2026

WHITE WINES

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

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
286278 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 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

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CLARENCE DILLON
CLARENDELLE RED
Bordeaux, France
28837 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DUCA DI SARAGNANO
ALCHYMIA PRIMITIVO
IGT Puglia, Italy
636613 (M – 17 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
64618 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

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

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS
GRAN RESERVA
DOP Cariñena, Spain
82024 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany
964221 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $31.95
NOW $28.95  Save $3

BENJAMIN BRIDGE
NOVA 7 SPARKLING
Nova Scotia, Charmat method
256289 (S – 71 g/L) 750 ml $25.95
NOW $23.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

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

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 August 1, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/over $20 for the August 1, 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 • Sicily & Sardinia

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

389726 BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 CHILE $16.95
50397 LA TOUR BEAUMONT HAUT-POITOU SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 LOIRE $18.95
289553 UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO 2025 ABRUZZO $17.95
627067 LA CALA VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2024 $17.95
51202 SANTA EULÁLIA AVESSO WHITE VINHO VERDE 2025 PORTUGAL $16.95
23030 BRIGALDARA SOAVE 2024 VENETO $16.95
18600 LES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2024 $14.95
49581 GREEK WINE CELLARS FLOWERS MALAGOUZIA 2024 $17.95

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================

208322 SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2023 ARGENTINA $16.95
44588 ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2023 CHILE $17.95
297317 XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 $19.95
994616 TERRA D'ALIGI TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 $17.95
36485 TINAZZI FEUDO CROCE NYKTÓS AGLIANICO PUGLIA 2022 $15.95
51716 JERZU ANTICHI BANTU CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2023 $19.95
573519 VILLA PUCCINI RISERVA CHIANTI 2021 $17.95
646083 CARMIM TERRA LENTA PREMIUM 2024 PORTUGAL $14.95
49292 MONTE ALAYA CRIANZA RIOJA ALAVESA 2021 $18.95


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

52199 KEINT-HE GREER ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 VQA PEC $40.
421032 CHARLES MIGNON PREMIUM RÉSERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE $60.95
545004 MISSION HILL RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2023 BC VQA $27.95
147512 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING 2024 VQA $21.95
392357 KONZELMANN RESERVE SERIES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 VQA $24.95
51692 TERRE DEI MITI ETNA BIANCO 2024 SICILY $26.95
49369 COLOMBA BIANCA RESILIENCE GRILLO 2024 SICILY $21.95
39654 RAPITALÀ VIGNA CASALJ ALCAMO CLASSICO 2024 SICILY $23.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
52009 WENDING HOME GAMAY 2023 VQA $29.95
121137 SANTADI GROTTA ROSSA CARIGNANO DEL SULCIS 2023 SARDINIA $21.95
388645 TENUTE ORESTIADI IL ROSSO DI LUDOVICO RISERVA 2020 SICILY $21.95
508655 PLANETA FRAPPATO 2024 SICILY $23.95
49590 TENUTE DEL MARCHESE NERO D'AVOLA 2024 SICILY $24.95
132365 COBOS FELINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $22.95
260919 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $23.95
50164 FOWLES ARE YOU GAME? PINOT NOIR 2022 $22.95
30145 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $29.95
143099 MAS DES BRESSADES TRADITION 2023 $20.95 
38310 RÉVA NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 2023 $29.95

ROSE WINES [some of the better ones]
===================================

16296 ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ 2025 VQA $19.95
707281 CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS ROSÉ 2025 RHONE $19.95
43979 CARUSO & MININI FRAPPO FRAPPATO ROSÉ 2025 SICILY $19.95
15688 BENJAMIN BRIDGE MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING NOVA SCOTIA $32.95
48906 TIMBERLAY BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX $17.95
44203 BOUVET SAPHIR SAUMUR BRUT VINTAGE SPARKLING 2023 LOIRE $22.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale July 20 through August 16

WHITE WINE

ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli, Italy
707950 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

BOSCHENDAL 1685 CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE
RESERVE CHENIN BLANC
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa
231282 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

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

OYSTER BAY
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3

WINZER KREMS KREMSTAL DAC
GRÜNER VELTLINER
DAC Kremstal, Austria
375022 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00

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

GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC
AOP Languedoc, France
413237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S
RUN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
925453 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Limestone Coast/Clare Valley,
South Australia
744235 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP
CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
396481 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA
DO Campo de Borja, Spain
273748 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2

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

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 July 18, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20+ wines under/over $20 for the July 18, 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 • Summer Smart Buys

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
669531 DOMAINE GASSIER EMBRUNS DE VIOGNIER 2024 LANGUEDOC $19.95
391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 LOIRE $17.95
485656 M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2024 $16.95
36910 COLOMBELLE COLOMBARD/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 
$12.95
49094 MITRAVELAS WHITE ON GREY MOSCHOFILERO 2025 GREECE $16.95
528786 JANARE FIANO 2025 CAMPANIA $19.95
41445 SIX HATS CHENIN BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95 
126870 LA MASCOTA CHARDONNAY 2024 ARGENTINA $16.95
51936 HOWARD PARK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 AUSTRALIA $18.95
686675 SPY VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $19.95 
218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO 2024 SPAIN $15.95


TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
569962 VANITÁ PRIMITIVO 2025 PUGLIA $17.95
37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 CHILE $19.95
38862 VILLA DES ANGES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $14.95 
48908 CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES ROUGE 2022 $19.95
12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR 2020 $17.95
72975 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ 2023 $19.95 
186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2023 $17.95
629816 MI TERRUÑO EXPRESIÓN MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA
$18.95
38491 LA BELLE MARGUERITE RESERVA MALBEC 2023 ARGENTINA $16.95
14081 CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 $16.95

TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
417774 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA$33.70
47822 WESTCOTT RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $50
341792 CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 VQA $22
46059 CHARLES BAKER LAUNDRY VINEYARD RIESLING 2024 VQA$34.95
21028 ANSELMANN GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2024 PFALZ
$23.95 
121129 SANTADI VILLA SOLAIS VERMENTINO DE SARDEGNA 2024 $21.95
63941 MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 NEW ZEALAND $29.95
41803 AHI KA BLACKMORE GROWER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024  $20.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
49711 LOS CLOP PARAJE ALTAMIRA RESERVA MALBEC 2023 $22.95
41312 EVANS & TATE HULLABALOO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 $20.95
16448 CASTELLO DI RADDA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $23.95 
45139 BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2023 VQA $29
50366 CHATEAU ORMES DE PEZ ST. ESTEPHE 2018 BORDEAUX
$52.95
300012 BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 $64.95
960427 CONDE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA 2017 SPAIN $32.95 
642496 BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2018 SPAIN $33.95


ROSE TABLE WINE PARADE [LISTED, BUT NOT TASTED]:
======================
ONTARIO
279117 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2024 VQA $23.95
650655 REDSTONE ROSÉ 2025 VQA $18.95
117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2025 VQA $16.95
BULGARIA
43738 PENTAGRAM SYRAH ROSÉ 2025 $18.95
FRANCE
49431 BASTIDE DE LA CISELETTE LOU PIGNA BANDOL ROSÉ 2025 $26.95
225003 E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2025 $23.95 739474 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL 2025 $21.95
49008 ÉLIZABETH PRESTIGE ROSÉ 2025 $13.95
GREECE
49579 NOEMA ERUPTION ROSÉ 2024 $22.95
NEW ZEALAND
493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ 2025 $20.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through July 19...better hurry!! See below for the July 20 - August 16 offers....

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 $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

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

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

RED WINE

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA
PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO
PGI Korinthia, Greece
48276 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

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

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
626325 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $60.95
NOW $56.95 Save $4.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 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


MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI
CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.5, save $2

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

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

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

SPARKLING WINES

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, traditional method,
Ontario, 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, traditional
method, Ontario, sustainable, vegan
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, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

ROSE WINE

DOMAINE LAFAGE MIRAFLORS ROSÉ
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France
367375 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

******************************************

LIMITED-TIME OFFERS July 20 - Aug 16
Save on these popular wines from July 20 to August 16, 2026:

WHITE WINE

ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli, Italy
707950 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

BOSCHENDAL 1685 CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE
RESERVE CHENIN BLANC
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa
231282 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

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

OYSTER BAY
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95
Save $36 on a case of 12

WINZER KREMS KREMSTAL DAC
GRÜNER VELTLINER
DAC Kremstal, Austria
375022 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00

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

GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC
AOP Languedoc, France
413237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S
RUN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
925453 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

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

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

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Limestone Coast/Clare Valley,
South Australia
744235 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP
CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
396481 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

BORSAO TRES PICOS
GARNACHA
DO Campo de Borja,
Spain
273748 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

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

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 July 4, 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 • "Nothing But Chardonnay"

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

11947 ROSEWOOD RIESLING VQA 2023 $19.95
51087 POÇAS TONGUE TWISTER VINHO VERDE 2025 $16.95
701094 MAS DES BRESSADES TRADITION BLANC 2024 RHÔNE $19.95
588814 ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2024 GREECE $18.95
350124 LE JADE PICPOUL DE PINET 2024 $16.95
49370 FANTINEL BORGO TESIS FRIULANO 2024 $15.95
49371 FILODIVINO SERRA46 VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO 2023 $19.95
49054 PODERE MONTALE I MAREMMANI CHARDONNAY 2024 TUSCANY
$19.95
675421 MULDERBOSCH STEEN OP HOUT CHENIN BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $16.95
48202 RUSTENBERG WILD FERMENT UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2024 SOUTH AFRICA $18.45

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================

999946 FARINA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022$19.95
49713 LA POSTA GLORIETA PINOT NOIR 2024 ARGENTINA $17.95 
12998 TENACITY OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2024 AUSTRALIA $19.95
18339 DEEP WOODS EBONY MARGARET RIVER CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2022 $19.95
131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2024 $19.95 
49567 JOSEPH JACÔME BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023 $19.95
14469 CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL FRONSAC 2019 BORDEAUX $19.95
224915 DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2024 $17.95
49877 CHÂTEAU NOZIÈRES CAHORS 2022 $18.25
50672 EPICURO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2023 PUGLIA $16.95
25399 DUCA DI SARAGNANO GOVERNO ALL'USO 2024 $19.95
470377 CASA DE CAMBRES RESERVA RED 2020 PORTUGAL
$16.95
43854 MARQUÊS DE BORBA COLHEITA RED 2024 $15.95 
51092 MARTINEZ LACUESTA SELECTO CRIANZA 2023 
$19.95
37088 LUIS GURPEGUI 147 ANIVERSARIO TEMPRANILLO 2021
$14.95

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

267856 STRATUS CHARDONNAY 2025 VQA $35.20
51116 TAPI MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $21.95
51935 KACABA JENNIFER'S PINOT GRIS VQA $24.15
119099 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY 2024 ARGENTINA $21.95 
578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $26.95 
45618 HIDDEN BENCH BÉTON CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $29.95
648451 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE MÂCON-VILLAGES 2023 $21.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
41314 TOMICH HILL HILLTOP PINOT NOIR 2025 AUSTRALIA $21.95
50115 RISKY BUSINESS MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $23.95
49059 GIANNICOLA DI CARLO NOBU1830 RISERVA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $21.95
576793 DAMILANO MARGHE LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2023 PIEDMONT $21.85 

THE ROSE TABLE WINE PARADE   [not tasted, but listed]
==========================

49073 SANTA JULIA CHIMANGO NATURAL ROSÉ 2025 ARGENTINA
$21.95
388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ 2025 VQA $19.95 
12841 KONZELMANN LAKEFRONT SERIES CABERNET ROSÉ 2025 VQA
$17.95
42942 REIF IT'S COMPLICATED ROSÉ 2024 VQA $24.95
49430 MAISON MARIGNY BUDDY ROSÉ 2025 LANGUEDOC
$14.95
48979 AUBERT & MATHIEU PALOOZA ROSÉ 2025 LANGUEDOC
$15.95
23757 S DE LA SABLETTE COTEAUX VAROIS-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $17.95
701318 DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2025 
$24.65
50140 MARANI SAPERAVI ROSÉ 2024 GEORGIA $15.95
49549 OENOPS APLA ROSÉ 2025 GREECE $19.95 
50316 TORRE ZAMBRA INCASTRO ROSA 2025 ABRUZZO
$19.95
43353 ERADUS SADIE ROSÉ 2025 NEW ZEALAND
$19.95
50311 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA ROSÉ 2025 PORTUGAL
$13.95
49223 LAN ROSADO RIOJA ROSÉ 2025 $16.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through July 19, 2026...

WHITE WINES

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

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

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

RED WINE

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA
PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO
PGI Korinthia, Greece
48276 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

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

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
626325 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $60.95
NOW $56.95 Save $4.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 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


MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI
CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.5, save $2

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

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

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

SPARKLING WINES

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, traditional method,
Ontario, 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, traditional
method, Ontario, sustainable, vegan
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, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

ROSE WINE

DOMAINE LAFAGE MIRAFLORS ROSÉ
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France
367375 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 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 Week  --- 

Featherstone Estate Winery Blanc de Noirs 2023 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Traditional Method $44.95 -- Limited holdings at the Winery (504 cases of 6 bottles per case). This 100% pinot noir from the Bench was ultimately held on its lees for 24 months before disgorging in March 2026. With competitive pricing by Westcott Brilliant, Cave Spring, Ridgepoint and 2020 sparkling roses, it was within a fighting mood of my bone-dry steely palate, just the way a crémant should taste. Several samplings from just one bottle over time revealed touches of red cherry-berry throughout but without the so-called "Ontario cranberry" pinot noir tart finish. Instead, my palate found a relaxed citrus component towards the end. I tasted this wine over several days using a Champagne stopper to contain the bubbles. With pouring, it seemed as if the mousse would never stop. But it did --  over multiple tastings too. Quite impressive. My wife loved it for its dryness and the fact that this wine is definitely a food wine (try it, as we did, with smoked brisket or pork belly or flank steak). The colouring of the wine is first rate -- just a touch of pinot noir paleness. The winery suggests a cellaring potential of 2 - 4 years but I think it can go on for many years longer (I bought a case of a 2010 VQA sparkling pinot noir that I am still drinking my way through). Residual sugar here is 6.8 g/L, below the usual 9 or 10; 12% ABV; vegan friendly. Rated 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


Featherstone Estate Winery Stone & Vine VQA Ontario 2023 $44.95, 278 cases at the winery -- It's a Bordeaux-style blend, with cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot being equal, about a third each. Everything was vinified separately, and then aged in French oak (for the cabernets) and American oak (for the merlot). Malolactic fermentation was 100% completed. The final blend from the best of individual casks of each varietal was determined by the winemakers -- and then this wine rested an extra year in oak: Stone & Vine is made only in years when the vintage has been exceptionally rewarding. This is a wine driven by black fruit (black currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries, black pepper) and vanilla-mocha. Merlot contributes the soft cherry and velvet texture that the varietal is known for, while cabernet franc donates vegetal and herbal savouriness, and cabernet sauvignon's black fruit determines the wine's complex finish. It's still tannic but with nuances of smoke and spices. I usually do a double-decant, taste, and then put it in a bottle with a cork for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then you will miss out on the evolution of the wine which will be fully mature in a few more years, and should keep even longer. Umami food pairings may probably be best, with cured meats, older cheeses, even vegan mushroom risottos. 2.6 g/L residual sugar; 12.5% ABV; vegan friendly; cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 93 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

Virus-free.www.avg.com

My 2026 Summerlicious picks...

JULY 3 - 19

1. CHIADO 416-538-1910 www.chiadorestaurant.com $55 Lunch

Salted Cod Quenelles
    piri-piri aioli, chickpea puree, watercress
Grilled Sardines
    roasted peppers, onion confit, salsa verde
Tartare of Salmon
    avocado, cucumber, apple, raspberry vinaigrette
Roasted Quail
    boneless fried cassava, creamy exotic mushroom sauce
Watercress and Arugula Salad
    pickled beets, pear, walnuts, lemon vinaigrette
Bisque
    lobster and shrimp bisque, saffron, cognac

Main Dish

Seared Yellowfin Tuna Steak
    anchovy, black olive, capers salsa
Pan Seared Skate Fish
    lemon spinach risotto, tomato jalapeno confit
Grilled Filet of Atlantic Salmon
    crusted with fresh herbs, plum chutney
Salted Cod a Braz
    classical stir fry with thin fries, onion confit, parsley
Muscovy Duck Leg Confit madeira wine citrus jus
Risotto of Seasonal Vegetables

Dessert
Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart
Lemon Cake served with rose sabayon
Crème Caramel (Flan)
    citrus infused, blackcurrant coulis
Molotof  meringue of egg whites, crème anglaise

2. JUMP 18 Wellington St W   416-363-3400    www.jumprestaurant.com $41 Lunch

Appetizer
Wild & Tame Mushroom Soup
    assorted mushrooms, truffle gastrique, chives
Chopped Salad
    summer greens, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, chickpeas, olives, bocconcini, lemon vinaigrette
Fig & Prosciutto Crostini
    roasted figs, prosciutto, goat cheese
BBQ Pulled Pork Empanada
    bbq pulled pork, pickled cabbage slaw, jalapeño

Main Dish

Chicken Caprese Panino
    fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto, garlic aïoli, ciabatta, Jump fries
Miso Glazed Atlantic Salmon
    snap pea salad, shiitake mushrooms, new potatoes, miso & lime dressing

Steak Salad ‘Tagliata’
    3 oz sliced flatiron, arugula, cipollini onions, cured tomato, fingerling potatoes, salsa verde
Sungold Tomato & Zucchini Bucatini
    summer squash, cherry tomatoes, fennel, basil, pecorino romano

Dessert
Thai Sticky Rice Pudding
    mango, coconut, toasted sesame, mint
Strawberry Cream Cake

3. CECI BAR $34 Lunch  33 Yonge St        437-253-1613 cecibar.com
    Cuisines: Argentinian,  Brazilian, Mexican
     
Ceci Toast
    sourdough, half guacamole, half tomato, pico de gallo, pickled vegetables

Creamy Tortilla Soup
    roasted tomatoes, cilantro crema, tortilla chips
Street Corn Salad
    grilled corn, shredded lettuce, lime aïoli, pico de gallo, tajín, white cheese

Patatas Bravas
    bravas aïoli, parmigiano-reggiano, pickled vegetables

Main Dish

Tuna Bowl
    sushi rice, grilled pineapple, edamame, carrots, chipotle mayo, tortilla chips

Chicken Caesar Salad
    romaine, grilled adobo chicken, Caesar dressing, parmigiano-reggiano

Cubano Sandwich
    pork carnitas, smoked ham, swiss cheese, mustard, pickled vegetables, fries

Al Pastor Skewers
    pork shoulder, fried rice, grilled pineapple, ginger, edamame (substitute tofu for vegetarian option)

Dessert

Margarita Panna Cotta
    lemon, tequila syrup, strawberry compote
Cherry Crumble Cake
    streusel, coconut lime whipped cream
Chocolate Gelato
    cookie crumble 
    macerated strawberries, vanilla sponge, whipped cream
Flourless Chocolate Cake
    raspberry coulis, candied almonds

4. BOSK $48 Lunch    188 Unversity [Shangri-la Hotel]   647-788-8281
     www.shangri-la.com
Genovese Salad 
    Hoogenboom Family Farms baby romaine hearts, basil pesto, dressing, lemon braised Thompson Farms new potatoes, green beans, puffed farrow, pine nuts

Veal Carpaccio
    Grass fed veal tenderloin, anchovy emulsion, caper berries, haven greens rocket leaf, house made focaccia

Zucchini & Salted Ricotta
    Variegated summer squash, zucchini blossoms, spiced sunflower seeds, ricotta salata, mint

Main Dish
Sweet Corn Agnolotti
    Charred Ontario corn, potato and mascarpone stuffed pasta, preserved chili, puffed sorghum, pickled pearl onions

Chicken Supreme
    Roasted Halal chicken breast, spinach and ricotta dumplings, peperonata, charred eggplant, salmoriglio

Baccala Fritti
    Citrus cured Ontario pickerel, Hewitt's Dairy buttermilk dressing, trout roe, watercress, tarragon, potato pavé

Dessert
Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
    Rhubarb cremieux, Ontario strawberries, vanilla mascarpone ganache
Spumoni Mousse Torte
    Pistachio crumble, amarena cherries
Sorbetto
    Mango pineapple, blueberry and black tea

5. MILAGRO CANTINA  5 Mercer St $34 Lunch milagrorestaurant.com  416-850-2855

Gazpacho a la Mexicana
    Chilled vine ripened tomato & jalapeño soup with chopped cucumbers, sweet peppers, pasilla chili oil

Tostada de Aguachile Verde
    BC snapper crudo, lime-cilantro marinade, chiles güeros, red onions, crunchy anchos, avocado

Ensalada de Verano
    Fresh summer salad prepared with green mango, red cabbage, and jalapeños with tangy serrano chili & agave vinaigrette

Main Dish

Tacos de Camarones a la Talla
    Shrimp sautéed in a zesty achiote & three chili adobo on flour tortillas, served with guajillo crema and pineapple-jalapeño slaw

Tacos de Costilla al Tamarindo
    Slow braised beef in tamarind & ancho chili on corn tortillas, served with grilled pineapple-jalapeño salsa

Tacos de Cochinita en Recado Negro
    Slow braised pulled pork in black achiote & citrus marinade on corn tortillas, served with refritos and pickled habanero shallots

Dessert
Arroz con Leche al Caramelo
    Rice pudding with buttered raisins and burnt caramel sauce

Mousse de la Abuela
    Crème fraiche, Mexican chocolate, and a touch of smoky morita chili

Pastel 'Tres Leches'
    Classic Mexican vanilla sponge cake drowned in chilled ‘three milks’ sauce
 

6. HOTEL OCHO 195 Spadina Ave 416-593-0885
    www.hotelocho.com  $27 Lunch

Smoked Salmon Dip
    with garlic pita bread

Spinach & Feta Frittata
    with whipped feta and confit tomatoes

Caprese Salad
    with arugula, pesto and balsamic glaze

Ocho BLT
    with mixed greens salad and home fries
Baked Eggplant
    with whipped ricotta and caponata

Spaghetti Carbonara
    with pancetta and fried egg yolk

Dessert

Melon Kebob
    with chocolate syrup dip

Brigadeiros & Beijinhos
    3 pieces, assorted - chocolate with sprinkles and coconut with coconut flakes

Gelato
    two scoops, choice of vanilla or chocolate

7. Wok Theory $27 Lunch 530 Dundas 416-979-2480 www.woktheory.com

Classic Dim Sum Sampler 1

    Supreme Shrimp Dumpling ("Har Gow"), Pork and Shrimp Dumpling ("Siu Mai"), Shrimp and Chive Dumpling

Classic Dim Sum Sampler 2

    Crispy Shrimp Roll, Pan Fried Shrimp and Chive Patty, Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Chicken

Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup

Main Dish

Classic Mapo Tofu with Minced Pork
    Served with Steamed Rice

HK Style "Dai Pai Dong" Brunch
    Soy Sauce Chow Mein and Street-Style Steamed Rice Rolls

Pepper Salt Pork Chops
    Served with Egg Fried Rice

Dessert

Classic Mango Pudding with Cream

Sweet Custard Bao Pair
    One Matcha Custard Bun, One Golden Custard Bun
Ice Cream of the Day
    Served with Glutinous Sesame Ball with a Salted Egg Yolk Filling

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