Full confession—I’ve been drinking a little more than normal lately.

I blame most of that on multiple Toronto Blue Jays playoff games—either at friends’ homes or at the local sports bar.

But it also coincides with the annual 40 Best Value Wines Under $25 list that I put out for TheLushLife.ca around this time every year (look for the 2025 edition next week).

Below are five near misses from Majestic Wine Cellars, including a new release at the LCBO. 

Di Majo Norante Contado Riserva Aglianico del Molise 2019 — Molise, Italy ($23.95)
Here’s a grape (aglianico) that hails from Greece but made in Italian style. This new release features bold black cherry and plum fruit, with equally bold dried herb, mint and balsamic notes, with accents of tobacco and dark chocolate. The palate is powerful, the tannins smooth and the alcohol a little hot. There’s a full orchestra of complexity and character here; they’re just not all playing in complete harmony. Decanting is recommended to air it out. An intriguing wine, to be sure, though. 4 g/L sugar. 14.5% alc. 89

Sensi Delcampo Chianti 2024 — Tuscany, Italy ($15.10)

This is the entry-point Chianti from the Sensi winery, which has been producing vino since 1890. There are classic Chianti notes of cherry and spice—edging into medicinal—on the nose. Medium-bodied, structured and smooth, it’s lively on the palate. While you can’t expect great depth or length at this price point, the overall value is rock solid.​ Perfect for pizza or spaghetti. 4 g/L sugar. 13.5% alc. 87

Valpantena Torre del Falasco Valpolicella Ripasso 2022 — Verona, Italy ($19.95)
Another near-miss to the Top 40 Best Value list, this is a more feminine, finessed ripasso than you’d typically encounter. Plush dark fruit struts in, spicy earth twirls behind, and the finish drops a deliciously bitter mic, holding on for good length despite its more medium-bodied weight. Pair it up with meatballs or charcuterie. 13% alc. 8 g/L sugar. 88

Morandé Pionero Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 — Maule Valley, Chile ($11.60)
Juicy dark berries, a sprinkle of mocha and a dash of tobacco strut their stuff with youthful energy—perfect for burgers or pizza parties. Medium-bodied and pure Cabernet character, it’s easy-drinking for any occasion, with a little chocolate on the finish. Not showy, but reliably fun. 4 g/L sugar.13.5% alc. 86

Morandé Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Maule Valley, Chile ($11.60)
Vibrant citrus, green apple and juicy peach leap up, chased by crisp acidity and a touch of fresh-cut grass. Refreshing and without pretension, this lively white would make for great a picnic partner—perfect for salads or sunny afternoons. But given the weather, tangy cheese, veggies like asparagus or zucchini, and appetizers such as bruschetta or artichoke dip will suffice.. 4 g/L sugar. 13% alc. 86