WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/over $20 for the October 24, 2026 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These 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.
BUT FIRST: 45813 AVELEDA BRUT SPARKLING $16.95, and
177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
RECOMMENDED White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
45051 CABRIZ RESERVA ENCRUZADO WHITE 2025 $19.95
190603 PARÉS BALTÀ BLANC DE PACS 2025 $18.95
328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2023 $19.95
360255 REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 $19.95
37559 ESTERHÁZY KLIMT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2025 $17.95
518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $18.95
47636 LEGION ONTARIO COMMAND UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2025 $19.95
RECOMMENDED Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
617175 BABU RESERVA 2023 $15.95
31165 BARBANERA INBIANCO SANGIOVESE 2025 $15.95
320507 PIPOLI AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2022 $18.95
353193 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BLACKBERRY PATCH CABERNET 2022 $19.95
39484 CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 $16.95
47635 LEGION ONTARIO COMMAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2025 $19.95
984997 TEDESCHI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2023 $19.95
39660 TASCA D'ALMERITA REGALEALI NERO D'AVOLA 2023 $18.95
37262 AGRAMONT GRACIANO 2022 $15.95
268169 CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO $18.95
RECOMMENDED White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
485334 KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2024 $22.95
16059 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY 2024 $34.95
RECOMMENDED Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $26.95
11665 CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2023 $36.95
22798 FAUSTINO V RESERVA 2019 $20.95
994095 ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 $74.95
692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA 2018 $38.95
41096 EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 $21.95
36690 TORRE ZAMBRA COLLE MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $26.95
53920 LIGHTHALL VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR 2023 $39.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines up to Nov. 8, 2026
WHITE WINES
BOSCHENDAL CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
FEATHERSTONE
BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 19 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
FLAT ROCK RIESLING
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
PIERRE SPARR GEWURZTRAMINER
AOC Alsace, France
373373 (D – 14 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CHARDONNAY
Clare Valley/Limestone Coast,
South Australia
711556 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
RED WINES
BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00
CATENA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00
CHÂTEAU TEYSSIER
AOC Montagne-Saint-Émilion,
Bordeaux, France
226035 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00
ESPORÃO RESERVA RED
DOC Alentejo, Portugal
606590 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $28.95
NOW $26.95 Save $2.00
GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC
AOP Languedoc, France
413237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
LAN CRIANZA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
166538 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
MARCHESI DI BAROLO
LA TRADIZIONE BAROLO
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
168179 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $51.45 Save $2.50
PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50
RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00
RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO
GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
353201 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $49.95
NOW $44.95 Save $5.00
SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina,
unfined and unfiltered
79798 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00
KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95
TENUTA FRESCOBALDI
CASTIGLIONI
IGT Toscana,
Tuscany, Italy
145920 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95
* SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH....
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 s 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
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.
BUT FIRST: 45813 AVELEDA BRUT SPARKLING $16.95, and
177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
RECOMMENDED White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
45051 CABRIZ RESERVA ENCRUZADO WHITE 2025 $19.95
190603 PARÉS BALTÀ BLANC DE PACS 2025 $18.95
328559 CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2023 $19.95
360255 REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 $19.95
37559 ESTERHÁZY KLIMT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2025 $17.95
518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $18.95
47636 LEGION ONTARIO COMMAND UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2025 $19.95
RECOMMENDED Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
617175 BABU RESERVA 2023 $15.95
31165 BARBANERA INBIANCO SANGIOVESE 2025 $15.95
320507 PIPOLI AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2022 $18.95
353193 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BLACKBERRY PATCH CABERNET 2022 $19.95
39484 CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 $16.95
47635 LEGION ONTARIO COMMAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2025 $19.95
984997 TEDESCHI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2023 $19.95
39660 TASCA D'ALMERITA REGALEALI NERO D'AVOLA 2023 $18.95
37262 AGRAMONT GRACIANO 2022 $15.95
268169 CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO $18.95
RECOMMENDED White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
485334 KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2024 $22.95
16059 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY 2024 $34.95
RECOMMENDED Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $26.95
11665 CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2023 $36.95
22798 FAUSTINO V RESERVA 2019 $20.95
994095 ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 $74.95
692780 R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA 2018 $38.95
41096 EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 $21.95
36690 TORRE ZAMBRA COLLE MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $26.95
53920 LIGHTHALL VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR 2023 $39.95
LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines up to Nov. 8, 2026
WHITE WINES
BOSCHENDAL CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
FEATHERSTONE
BLACK SHEEP RIESLING
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
80234 (M – 19 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
FLAT ROCK RIESLING
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
PIERRE SPARR GEWURZTRAMINER
AOC Alsace, France
373373 (D – 14 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CHARDONNAY
Clare Valley/Limestone Coast,
South Australia
711556 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00
WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00
RED WINES
BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00
CATENA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
478727 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00
CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00
CHÂTEAU TEYSSIER
AOC Montagne-Saint-Émilion,
Bordeaux, France
226035 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00
ESPORÃO RESERVA RED
DOC Alentejo, Portugal
606590 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $28.95
NOW $26.95 Save $2.00
GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC
AOP Languedoc, France
413237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
LAN CRIANZA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
166538 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00
MARCHESI DI BAROLO
LA TRADIZIONE BAROLO
DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
168179 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $51.45 Save $2.50
PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50
RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00
RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO
GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
353201 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $49.95
NOW $44.95 Save $5.00
SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina,
unfined and unfiltered
79798 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00
KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95
TENUTA FRESCOBALDI
CASTIGLIONI
IGT Toscana,
Tuscany, Italy
145920 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $20.95
* SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH....
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 s 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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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