There’s something so gratifying about introducing a friend to a wine they’ve never heard of and seeing something click. Such a joy. So here are the six best new arrivals that could deliver that light switch moment, including a grilling red so good at $16 that it will probably be gone before you go back for more.
2024 La Val Albariño Rías Baixas DO, Spain
Score 94
(Vintages 49861, $23.95)
The fragrance sings with scents of citrus and ocean air with a touch of lemon blossom. Then it slides in like liquid lightning — a bright, focused beam of light that slowly fans out to echo the elements on the nose before receding with a cool mineral undertow. A subtle sifting of salt is left in its wake, leaving the palate seasoned. Sure to appeal to everyone on the deck, dock or patio, this wine shows exactly why Albariño is the darling of connoisseurs. (12.5% alc. 2 g/L sugar)
2024 TWR Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Score 93
(Vintages 411603, $26.95)
Diehard fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc will want to move quickly on this before the lot disappears. The fragrance is lemon and snow pea — familiar and correct. Then, it recalibrates expectations. The hallmark raciness is there, but the focus is laser sharp, the fruit is restrained and the minerality is stony and salt-edged, calling to mind smart Sancerre. The silky extract carries basil and lime zest, celery and white pepper, cool brine and slate. It keeps you sipping. Excellent with goat cheese and walnut salad. (13% alc., 3 g/L sugar)
2025 Douglas the Beachhouse Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa
Score 94
(LCBO 122390, $12.95)
The 2025 of this fan favourite has just landed — and it absolutely belongs on this list. The scent is subtle lime. The entry is crisp and composed — green mango and peach pit, a touch of salted lime, nothing shrill, nothing wasted. Just a lovely refresher this time of year. At $12.95 it is also, objectively, a steal. Bracingly crisp, this is the white you keep topping up and is the first bottle empty on the table. Outstanding with a big platter of sushi on a hot summer night. (12.5% alc. 3 g/L sugar)
Pelee Island The Three Pinots VQA Ontario
Score 92
(LCBO 50552, $16.95)
Go local and swap out your favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for this zippy blend of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois. While not quite as green or grassy as Marlborough’s flagship wine style, it offers immediate pleasure. The Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc contribute crunchy green apple on the nose and palate while the Pinot Auxerrois adds juicy peach and sweet Bartlett pear. It comes together in a fruit-driven style that finishes clean and dry. Serve it with guacamole and chips to be the hero host. (11.5% alc., 6 g/L sugar)
Chill Bill Spritzy Red, Australia
Score 92
(LCBO 48549, $14.95)
This is a fun wine with a serious subtext. The cartoon label and tongue-in-cheek name play on the very real idea that some reds should be chilled. Meant to be served straight from the fridge, this sparkling, sweet-fruited red delivers more than just a quick hit of juicy appeal. Black olive, bitter orange and grapefruit pith season the berry-rich centre, so it drinks like a slightly upmarket Lambrusco brightened with Aussie sunshine. Bring it out when the mercury rises, garnished with olives and grapefruit. (9.5% alc., 60 g/L sugar)
CAROLYN’S PICK OF THE WEEK: 2024 Finca Sophenia Altosur Organic Malbec Gualtallary Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Score 96
(LCBO 13113, $15.95)
This organic red comes with an intriguing backstory: When the LCBO would release it through Vintages from time to time, it would sell for just shy of $20. To secure a regular listing, the winery agreed to drop the price. That’s a win for wine lovers. It starts with the rich, heady aromas of poached plum and blackberry. Then, velvet flavours of blackberry, dark chocolate and toasted tobacco flood in before tapering to a slow charcoal finish. A Malbec for those who think they don’t like Malbec. (14% alc., 4 g/L sugar)
