February 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Romantic Wines

Here are my top wine picks from the February 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). Titled "Our Most Romantic Wines", this is the annual Valentine's Day release and also includes a new batch of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. A good-sized release with just over 90 products offered, all of which should be readily available for purchase by Saturday, if not earlier.

We'll begin with the feature on "Romantic Wines", which specifically restricts the offerings to Europe's most romantic (and wine-producing) regions - Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, and Germany. In all, there are sixteen wines included as part of the feature story, five of which are included among my top wine picks. From Italy, there is a fine Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany that is crafted with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, while the French red wine is from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is composed of 70% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre. The last red wine is from the Douro in Portugal, and it is a blend of equal parts Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, plus 20% Tinta Roriz. Among the white wines, there is a Grüner Veltliner from Austria, and a medium-sweet Riesling from Mosel, Germany.

Among my top red wine picks from the main release, we'll start in Tuscany with the iconic Cepparello that is made with 100% Sangiovese. Also from Tuscany is the Chianti Classico that is crafted using 96% Sangiovese and 4% Merlot, as well as the Bolgheri that is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines from Bordeaux are blends, with the Médoc a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon plus Merlot, while the Bordeaux Supérieur is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. From Rioja, Spain, the Gran Reserva is made with Tempranillo, while the Crianza is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with small amounts of Garnacha and Graciano. The Priorat from Spain is composed of Garnacha and Mazuelo, while the Portuguese red from Alentejano is a blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. The last blend is from South Africa, and it is composed of 92% Syrah and 8% Grenache.

It was somewhat slim pickings among the white wines from the main release. However, what is recommended is very good. Chardonnay leads the pack, and first up is an excellent Chablis Premier Cru from Burgundy, followed by a pair of lovely premium offerings from Niagara. There's also a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, as well as a blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro from Vinho Verde in Portugal.

Other wines include a pair of lovely, locally crafted sparkling wines from Niagara. The 2021 Rosé Brut Sparkling is made with 100% Pinot Noir, while the 2019 Brut Sparkling is made with 100% Pinot Meunier. The only rosé table wine in this release is also from Niagara, and it is crafted using 100% Cabernet Franc. And lastly, the Moscatel de Setúbal from Portugal is made with 100% Muscat.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GLORIA RESERVA 2022 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#146522) (XD) - $14.95  89 pts  wine review
• GUARDA RIOS SIGNATURE RED 2022 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#11151) (XD) - $14.95  90 pts  wine review
• LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA 2021 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#377481) (XD) - $17.95
• CAP ROYAL ROUGE BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR 2022 - Vegan, AOC, France (#486761) (XD) - $19.95  review coming soon...
• CASAS DEL TOQUI LIMITED EDITION GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Sustainable, Alto Totihue, DO Valle de Cachapoal, Chile (#37751) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review

• CHÂTEAU FONTAINE DE L'AUBIER 2019 - Sustainable, AOC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#35619) (XD) - $25.95
• BON MAS 2020 - DOQ Priorat, Spain (#44773) (XD) - $27.95
• VAN LOGGERENBERG HIGH HOPES SYRAH/GRENACHE 2023 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#48106) (XD) - $31.95  OFE
• ALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2016 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review
• BELL'AJA BOLGHERI 2022 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#16890) (XD) - $39.95  review coming soon...

• CASTELLO DI AMA AMA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#515759) (XD) - $45.95
• DAMILANO LECINQUEVIGNE BAROLO 2020 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#454488) (XD) - $56.95
• DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN LA BÉGUDE DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 - Sustainable, AOC, Rhône, France (#47574) (XD) - $57.95
• COL D'ORCIA OLMAIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#16668) (XD) - $77.95  OFE  92+ pts  wine review
• CAMIGLIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#25970) (XD) - $86.95
• ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2022 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#28768) (XD) - $199.95

White Wine:

• VICHUQUÉN SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - DO Valle de Curicó, Chile (#47112) (XD) - $15.95
• MARIA PAPOILA ALVARINHO/ LOUREIRO 2024 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $18.95
• RABL LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 - Sustainable, DAC Kamptal, Austria (#377457) (XD) - $19.95
• GOLDSCHILD ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2023 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#45015) (MS) - $21.95
• DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $30.00  review coming soon...
• DOMAINE QUEYLUS RÉSERVE DU DOMAINE CHARDONNAY 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#417832) (XD) - $48.70
• DOMAINE YVON & LAURENT VOCORET FOURCHAUME CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2023 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#22776) (XD) - $58.95  review coming soon...

Rosé Wine:

• PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ 2024 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#177840) (XD) - $16.95

Sparkling Wine:

• KEW PINOT MEUNIER NATURAL BRUT SPARKLING 2019 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#49602) (XD) - $32.95  review coming soon...
• DIVERGENCE HUGHES VINEYARD BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#49617) (XD) - $39.95  91+ pts  wine review

Fortified Wine:

• BACALHÔA MOSCATEL DE SETÚBAL 2022 - Vegan, DOP, Portugal (#996181) (S) - $18.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON ICEWINE 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#471813, 200 mL) (S) - $29.95  92 pts  wine review

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January 24, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Chile

Here are my top wine picks from the January 24, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), with the feature story focusing on must-try wines from Chile. While this is a fairly small release with only 77 products featured, it does pack a punch with many very good wines for your enjoyment. The release favours red wines with nearly 60% of wines red coloured, and everything should be available for purchase by this Saturday, if not earlier.

With it being a small release, the feature story on wines from Chile is also small, with only nine wines included in the thematic. However, six of these wines are among my top wine picks from Chile. The lone white wine from Chile is a Sauvignon Blanc, while the rest are mono-varietal red wines, including, unsurprisingly, a couple of Carmenere wines. Other single varietal red wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley, a Pinot Noir from the Aconcagua Coast, and a Syrah from Leyda Valley.

My top red wine recommendations begin on the local front with a pair of fine Pinot Noir wines from the Niagara Escarpment. In terms of blends, the Southern Rhône brings us the Lirac, which is composed of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. The Roussillon is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache Noir, while the Portuguese red from Alentejo is crafted with Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Syrah.

Among my top white wine picks in this release, it is Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that lead the way. There are a trio of 2024 Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand, as well as a barrel-fermented and -aged Sauvignon Blanc from Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are two Chardonnays - one each from Niagara and Mendoza. The only other dry white wine is the Pinot Grigio from Trentino in northern Italy. If you enjoy sweeter wines, the Riesling from Niagara is off-dry, while the Cabernet Franc Icewine will be lusciously sweet.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations in this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GUARDA RIOS RED 2022 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#25257) (D) - $11.95  89 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE FOND CROZE CONFIDENCE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOC, France (#20951) (XD) - $16.95
• SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2023 - AOP, Languedoc, France (#195107) (XD) - $16.95
• LEYDA COASTAL VINEYARDS CANELO SYRAH 2022 - DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#42109) (XD) - $18.95
• ENCIERRA PUQUILLAY CARMENÈRE 2022 - Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#44679) (XD) - $19.95
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS 2026 YEAR OF THE HORSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - Las Piedras, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts

• ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR 2022 - Sustainable, DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#541151) (XD) - $23.95
• CLOS DE LUZ MASSAL 1945 CARMENÈRE 2023 - DO Valle de Cachapoal, Chile (#11861) (XD) - $24.95
• XAVIER VIGNON LIRAC 2022 - AOP, Rhône, France (#636183) (XD) - $24.95  92 pts
• RATTI OCHETTI NEBBIOLO 2023 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#475913) (XD) - $32.95  91 pts  wine review
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2023 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11582) (XD) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
• CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11665) (XD) - $36.95  91+ pts  wine review
• BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 - Sustainable, DOC, Veneto, Italy (#491852) (XD) - $39.95  91 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• VOLCANES DE CHILE RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#47979) (XD) - $14.95  89 pts  wine review
• ATREVIDA CHARDONNAY 2023 - Vegan, Mendoza, Argentina (#46402) (XD) - $17.95  review coming soon...
• OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, Ohau, North Island, New Zealand (#17552) (XD) - $17.95
• CA' MONTINI TERRE DI VALFREDDA PINOT GRIGIO 2024 - DOC Trentino, Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy (#46566) (XD) - $18.95
• FALCONHEAD MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#48089) (XD) - $19.95
• GIESEN UNCHARTED SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#26132) (XD) - $22.95
• KACABA RESERVE RIESLING 2023 - Vegan, VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#404087) (D) - $24.15  review coming soon...
• DIVERGENCE CREEK ROAD VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#49231) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#578864) (XD) - $26.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#53397, 200 mL) (S) - $34.95

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January 10, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Smart Buys

Happy New Year! Here are my top wine picks from the January 10, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). As the first release of the year, this is the annual Smart Buys release, which tends to be smaller and cheaper when compared to the releases we saw over the last 2–3 months. The mini-thematic takes a quick look at Portugal. In all, there are 86 products offered in this release, including a few that are Online & Flagship Exclusives (OFE), with 50 products priced below $20. All the wines should be readily available for purchase across Ontario.

We'll begin with the annual Smart Buys feature, which has twenty-five wines listed and seven of which are included among my top wine picks from this release. Within the Smart Buys feature, the lone white wine recommendation is a medium sweet Riesling from Niagara. Staying on the local front, there's also a Merlot and a $25 Pinot Noir, both from Niagara. Smart Buy blends include the Côtes du Rhône, which is composed of 60% Grenache Noir and 40% Syrah, the Portuguese red from Alentejo that is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Syrah, and the Riserva Chianti Classico, which is 90% Sangiovese and the balance other permitted varieties. The last Smart Buy is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, Australia.

My top red wine recommendations from the main release begins in the Southern Rhône Valley with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is composed of mainly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support, followed closely by the 2024 Vacqueyras, which is a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre. The 2022 Vacqueyras is composed of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Next up is Italy for a lovely red from Sicily that is a 70/30 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, followed by the wine from Abruzzo that is crafted using Montepulciano. There are two other blends - the Rioja from Spain, which is made using a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha., and the Douro red, which is composed of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca with Sousão and Tinta Amarela in support. Other red wines include a lovely Pinot Noir by Tawse, and a Malbec from Argentina.

All my top white wine picks from the main release are mono-varietal wines, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines dominating the list. There are four Sauvignon Blanc wines, with a trio from Marlborough and one from Niagara. Of Chardonnay, there are a pair from Burgundy, one from Prince Edward County, and one from Niagara. Other white wines include the Torrontés from Argentina, the Grasevina from Croatia, and the Chenin Blanc from the Loire. For sweet wine lovers, look to either the excellent Vidal Icewine or the Riesling Icewine - both of these delectably sweet wines are from Niagara.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2024 - AOC, France (#18783) (XD) - $14.95
• RAVASQUEIRA LAGAR RED BLEND 2022 - Vinho Regional Alentejo, Portugal (#45093) (XD) - $14.95  88+ pts  wine review
• PIETRAME EDIZIONE LIMITATA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 - DOP, Italy (#32534) (XD) - $15.95  90 pts  wine review
• HOLLICK THE BARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#18525) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CABRAL SELEÇÃO 2022 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#28606) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review

• CUSUMANO PRESTI E PEGNI BENUARA SYRAH/ NERO D'AVOLA 2022 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#597138) (XD) - $17.95  91 pts  wine review
• MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA LAGUNILLA RESERVA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#44774) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#131540) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• EL ESTECO MALBEC 2023 - Valle de Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#113191) (XD) - $19.95
• THE ORGANIZED CRIME BREAK-IN PINOT NOIR 2022 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#396267) (XD) - $24.95

• CECCHI RISERVA DI FAMIGLIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#14200) (XD) - $24.95
• DOMAINE SAINT ROCH PROJET F VACQUEYRAS 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#47577) (XD) - $28.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE FONT SARADE LES HAUTS DE LA PONCHE VACQUEYRAS 2024 - AOP, Rhône, France (#42394) (XD) - $31.95  OFE
• TAWSE QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR 2023 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#307686) (XD) - $35.95
• BROTTE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#35974) (XD) - $49.95

White Wine:

• EL ESTECO BLEND DE EXTREMOS TORRONTÉS 2024 - Valle de Cafayate, Argentina (#46399) (XD) - $18.95
• LE GARENNE CHENIN BLANC 2024 - Loire Valley, France (#47327) (XD) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• RAPAURA SPRINGS CLASSIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#465880) (XD) - $19.95
• KUTJEVO GRASEVINA 2024 - Danube-Kutjevo Vineyard, Slavonia, Croatia (#519074) (XD) - $19.95
• MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#67587) (M) - $19.95
• PROSPER MAUFOUX MÂCON-VILLAGES 2023 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#18709) (XD) - $20.95

• SPY VALLEY E BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#36874) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
• RAVINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#48905) (XD) - $22.95
• VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#47831) (XD) - $24.95
• BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#302083) (XD) - $25.95  90 pts  wine review
• CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS PETIT CHABLIS 2023 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#557769) (XD) - $29.95
• VOLTA AMPHORA RAMIREZ VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#48951) (XD) - $29.95

Dessert Wine:

• TAWSE RIESLING ICEWINE 2023 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#44186, 200 mL) (S) - $36.95
• INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE GOLD VIDAL ICEWINE 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#19083, 375 mL) (S) - $99.95  93 pts  wine review

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December 20, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Special Sparklers

Here are my top wine picks from the last release of the year - the December 20, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). We are back to a manageable release size with just over 100 products offered in this release. The feature story is titled "Special Sparklers" and focuses on fine sparkling wines to cap off the year. All the wines should be readily available for purchase both online and in-store at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature story that looks at special sparkling wines for your next (special) occasion, whether its New Year's celebrations or something else months from now. Of the dozen bubblies that were included as part of the theme, five are among my top sparkling wine picks. From Champagne, the Blanc de Blancs is crafted with 100% Chardonnay, while the Zero Dosage Champagne is composed of 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Noir. Also from France, the Limoux is crafted with the indigenous Mauzac grape varietal. On the local front, from Niagara, the 2018 Brut Sparkling is a blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier, while the Rosé Sparkling is made with 68% Chardonnay and 32% Pinot Noir, with dosage of Cabernet Franc.

Other sparkling wines not part of the feature story include the 2021 Brut Sparkling from Prince Edward County that is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, while the Crémant de Bourgogne is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir.

Italy leads the way among my top red wine picks from this release, and at the top of the pecking order is the excellent Nerello Mascalese from Sicily. Tuscany has a quartet of lovely red wines, with Sangiovese the centrepiece. The Brunello di Montalcino is crafted with Sangiovese Grosso, while the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a blend of Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Canaiolo, and other permitted varieties. The Riserva Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese, while the Chianti Classico Annata is composed of 90% Sangioveto (Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo. From France, both the Vacqueyras and the Corbières are blends made with Grenache and Syrah. Among the mono-varietal wines, both Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia will delight, as well as the Pinotage from South Africa.

All of my top white wine recommendations in this release are mono-varietal wines and dry, including the Rieslings from Australia and Austria. Chardonnay wine lovers should find joy in examples from Niagara, Burgundy, and Australia. Other mono-varietal white wines include the Chenin Blanc from South Africa, an Italian Pinot Grigio from Trentino, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, and a Spanish Verdejo from Rueda.

Happy holidays and see you in 2026! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2023 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#37937) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2021 - Sustainable, Valle de Elqui, Chile (#269175) (XD) - $17.95
• VITIS ÚNICA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#668707) (XD) - $18.95
• ANGOVE FAMILY CREST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#20886) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• AUBERT & MATHIEU MARIE ANTOINETTE CORBIÈRES 2023 - AOP, Languedoc, France (#25811) (XD) - $19.95

• KANONKOP KADETTE PINOTAGE 2022 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#30191) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP 1ST OFF THE RANK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#33417) (XD) - $21.95  92 pts  wine review
• FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#973453) (XD) - $25.95
• NOZZOLE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#11109) (XD) - $27.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#970095) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review

• BLACK BANK HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48739) (XD) - $34.95
• CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• TORNATORE PIETRARIZZO ETNA ROSSO 2021 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#18926) (XD) - $40.95  92+ pts  wine review
• PECCHENINO SAN GIUSEPPE BAROLO 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#181396) (XD) - $76.95
• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $81.95

White Wine:

• TRASIEGO GREEN QUARTZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#47080) (XD) - $16.95
• ALVI'S DRIFT 221 CHENIN BLANC 2024 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#45189) (XD) - $17.95
• MOUNTADAM EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2024 - Eden Valley, South Australia (#10411) (XD) - $18.95
• PAGO DEL CIELO CELESTE ON THE LEES SUR LIES VERDEJO 2024 - DO Rueda, Spain (#44756) (XD) - $19.95
• CONTESSA GIOVANNI MANCI PINOT GRIGIO 2024 - DOC Trentino, Italy (#46527) (XD) - $19.95
• KILIKANOON MORT'S BLOCK WATERVALE RIESLING 2023 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#428342) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CAVE DE LUGNY MÂCON-CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#45272) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $30.00
• DOMÄNE WACHAU RIED LOIBENBERG FEDERSPIEL RIESLING 2023 - Wachau, Austria (#45352) (XD) - $32.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional Method, AOP, Languedoc, France (#44204) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING 2018 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#234161) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• LOUIS BOUILLOT FLASHBACK 1975 EXTRA BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Anniversary Edition, Traditional Method, AOC, Burgundy, France (#46346) (XD) - $39.95
• TWO SISTERS LUSH ROSÉ SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#42955) (D) - $58.00
• LAFONTAINE DU LOUP BRUT SPARKLING 2021 - Ttraditional Method, VQA Ontario, Canada (#48424) (D) - $65.45
• NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE 2019 - AOC, France (#13831) (XD) - $66.95
• BRUNO PAILLARD DOSAGE ZÉRO D:Z CHAMPAGNE - AOP, France (#45268) (XD) - $127.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CELLARS RIESLING ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#471839, 200 mL) (S) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48391, 375 mL) (S) - $99.95  92+ pts  wine review

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December 6, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Finest Festive Wines + Ribera del Duero

Here are my top wine picks from the December 6, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), which follows the massive Nov. 22nd VINTAGES Release, with a bigger selection of fine wines for your pleasure. There are 162 products offered in this release, of which 47 are among my recommended buys, and there are many more that I could've added to my list, but it was already quite lengthy and difficult to whittle down. The theme of the release is titled "Finest Festive Wines", which simply translates to more premium wines for festive gatherings, while the mini-feature looks at wines from Ribera del Duero. Also included in this fantastic release are a new batch of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. All the wines should be readily available for purchase both online and in-stores across Ontario.

Of the twenty-five wines included in the thematic on Finest Festive Wines, six are included among my top wine picks. We'll start with bubbles, beginning with a limited edition Dom Pérignon Champagne that is crafted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, followed by a non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne that is made exclusively with Chardonnay. The last bubbly recommendation from the thematic is the Prosecco DOCG from Veneto that is made with 100% Glera. The lone white wine from the feature story is an excellent, locally crafted Chardonnay from Niagara. Among the red wines, there is the Super Tuscan that is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, followed by the Riserva Amarone, which is a blend of 80% Corvina and Corvinone, and the balance Rondinella.

The mini-thematic shines a spotlight on the Ribera del Duero wine region of Spain. Primarily known for its red wines, all four wines featured in the mini-thematic are red wines, and my lone recommendation from the Ribera del Duero is a blend of 93% Tempranillo, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Merlot.

There are many recommended red wines from the main release. We'll start in Italy with the Pieropan Amarone, which is a blend of 60% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, and 5% Croatina Veronese, followed by a pair of Riserva Chianti Classicos, with the 2018 primarily Sangiovese with Merlot in support, while the 2019 is a blend of 92% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. The Valpolicella Ripasso is composed of 75% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella. From Sicily, there is a wine crafted with Perricone, while the Etna Rosso is made with Nerello Mascalese. Chile shows strongly, especially in the under-$25 category with five recommended buys. The 2023 Cab Sauv is actually a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, while the 2021 Cab Sauv is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Other wines from Chile include a Pinot Noir, and a consistently delicious Carmenère. Other blends include the lovely Rasteau from the Southern Rhône Valley, which is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, while the GSM from Australia is composed of 52% Grenache, 38% Shiraz, and 10% Mataro.

Among my top white wine picks from the main release, the only blend is the white from Portugal, which is composed of Rabigato and Viosinho. Chile also stands out among other white wines in this release with a trio of recommendations - a Chardonnay from Leyda Valley, a Sauvignon Blanc from Atacama Valley, and an Albariño from the Aconcagua Coast.

Other sparkling wines not part of the theme include a pair of fine local wines from Niagara - the Blanc de Noirs is 90% Pinot Noir and the rest Meunier, while the 2017 Natural Brut Sparkling is crafted with 100% Chardonnay. The last bubbly is the Friuli Prosecco DOCG that is made with Glera.

Sweet wine enthusiasts have several fine options in this release. The Hattyús Tokaji from Hungary is composed of 77% Furmint and 23% Zéta, while the Passito from Sicily is 100% Zibibbo (aka Muscat of Alexandria). Last, but definitely not the least, the Sauternes is a blend of 93% Sémillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Muscadelle.

Happy holidays and enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release!

Red Wine:

• TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2023 - Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN GRENACHE/ SHIRAZ/ MATARO 2023 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#412189) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GARAGE OLD VINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Valle del Maule, Chile (#47671) (XD) - $19.95
• COLOMBA BIANCA RESILIENCE PERRICONE 2023 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#32685) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• PEREZ CRUZ PIEDRA SECA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - Sustainable, DO Maipo Andes, Chile (#36167) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review

• MONTGRAS INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Vegan, Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57901) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SANTA MARIA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2021 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#47033) (XD) - $23.95
• LA CHEVALIÈRE RASTEAU 2023 - AOP, Rhône, France (#18502) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO 1865 TAYÚ PINOT NOIR 2024 - DO Valle del Malleco, Chile (#16628) (XD) - $23.95  91+ pts  wine review
• VILLACRECES PRUNO 2022 - Vegan, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#312140) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
• TRASQUA FANATICO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283861) (XD) - $24.95

• ESTATE PAPAIOANNOU SAINT GEORGE AGIORGITIKO 2019 - Vegan, PDO Nemea, Greece (#27217) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2021 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review
• DONNAFUGATA DEA VULCANO 2022 - Sustainable, DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#32533) (XD) - $34.95  OFE  91 pts  wine review
• FRESCOBALDI TENUTA PERANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#13496) (XD) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
• REDSTONE REDSTONE VINEYARD MERLOT 2020 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48247) (XD) - $40.95  92 pts  wine review
• VIETTI PERBACCO NEBBIOLO 2022 - Vegan, DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#15087) (XD) - $42.95  92 pts  wine review

• MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES SANTENAY VILLAGES 2022 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#45170) (XD) - $52.95
• WINE ART ESTATE IDISMA DRIOS XI DRY RED WINE 2020 - Drama, Greece (#35719) (XD) - $56.95  OFE
• BOLLA LE ORÍGÍNÍ RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#204792) (XD) - $67.95  92 pts  wine review
• PIEROPAN VIGNA GARZON RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2018 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#16087) (XD) - $79.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
• TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2023 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#72439) (XD) - $98.95

White Wine:

• ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP EXCALIBUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#311456) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE HATZIMICHALIS ALEPOTRYPA VINEYARD ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, PGI Atalanti Valley, Greece (#27182) (XD) - $19.95
• VENTISQUERO GREY GLACIER SINGLE BLOCK LONGOMILLA VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - DO Valle de Atacama, Chile (#17461) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHURCHILL'S ESTATES GRAFITE BRANCO 2023 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#45408) (XD) - $20.95  91 pts  wine review
• MONTES OUTER LIMITS ALBARIÑO 2024 - DO Zapallar, Chile (#47156) (XD) - $24.95  OFE  90+ pts  wine review
• LEYDA LOT 5 CHARDONNAY 2023 - DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#47081) (XD) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review

• GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#164228) (XD) - $28.95
• J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2024 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#466144) (XD) - $31.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MARC BROCARD SAINTE CLAIRE CHABLIS 2024 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#356634) (XD) - $35.95  91 pts  wine review
• TAWSE ROBYN'S BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#416321) (XD) - $46.95  93 pts  wine review
• LAURENZ V. L5 GRÜNER VELTLINER 2020 - Niederösterreich, Austria (#45356) (XD) - $53.95  OFE  91+ pts  wine review
• DOG POINT CHARDONNAY 2023 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $59.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE - DOCG, Friuli, Italy (#16602) (D) - $22.95  88 pts  wine review
• BOTTEGA IL VINO DEI POETI BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE 2024 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#46058) (D) - $29.95  89 pts  wine review
• CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS CSV ESTATE GROWN NATURAL BRUT SPARKLING 2017 - Sustainable, Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#237198) (XD) - $49.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
• TRIUS SHOWCASE BLANC DE NOIRS SPARKLING - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#47776) (XD) - $58.00  93 pts  wine review
• GONET SULCOVA CUVÉE GAÏA BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#45903) (XD) - $106.95  OFE
• PHILIPPE GONET TER BLANC DE BLANCS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#45280) (XD) - $123.95
• DOM PÉRIGNON MURAKAMI LIMITED EDITION CHAMPAGNE 2015 - In Gift Box, AOC, France (#46637) (XD) - $382.95

Fortified Wine:

• BARBEITO 5-YEAR-OLD MALVASIA RESERVA MADEIRA - DOP, Portugal (#39480, 500 mL) (S) - $18.95
• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $32.95

Desssert Wine:

• PANNON TOKAJ 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2017 - Tokaj, Hungary (#278937, 500 mL) (S) - $40.95
• LA CHAPELLE DE LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY SAUTERNES 2015 - AOC, second wine of Ch. Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Bordeaux, France (#477588, 375 mL) (S) - $40.95  92+ pts  wine review
• DONNAFUGATA BEN RYÉ PASSITO DI PANTELLERIA 2022 - Sustainable, DOC, Sicily, Italy (#324723, 375 mL) (S) - $54.95  94 pts  wine review
• HATTYÚS 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2017 - Tokaj, Hungary (#46595, 500 mL) (S) - $59.95

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