Chakana Yaguareté Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sauvignon Blanc is more of a Chilean specialty in the South American context, but this exceptional Argentine version from Chakana shows they can do it just as well. Classic grass, passion fruit and gooseberry aromas are all on display here. This dry and fresh wine is a good sipper, or even better with grilled shrimp or calamari. My note: refreshing, zesty with notes of grass, grapefruit and lime. Good mouth-watering acidity. 178111 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Camelback Galli Estate Pinot Grigio 2009, Sunbury, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This clean, crisp, fresh white features grapefruit, green apple and citrus flavours, and a long, refreshing finish. A great match for stronger-flavoured fish dishes such as pan-seared mackerel with fresh tomato and bay leaves. My note: Zippy, come-alive aromas of grapefruit, white peach and lime. Mouth-watering green apple notes make this a wonderful aperitif and food companion. 108134 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Grant Burge has earned a place among Australia’s top winemakers with his tireless pursuit of quality and innovation, and through a love of wine and winemaking that goes back five generations in his family. This distinctive Shiraz is always a reliable value. Packed with ripe raspberry and cherry aromas and flavours, this smooth and supple wine also shows hints of licorice and a dose of black pepper on the rich finish. Barbecued short ribs or lamb chops would both match up nicely to this ripe and round wine. My note: A terrific, vibrant red with full-bodied aromas of purple and black plums, blackberries and peppered black raspberries. Wonderful flavours! 738567 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Lenz Moser Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese 2007, Q.M.P., Burgenland, Austria: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 World Wine Championships. Gorgeous apricot jam and peach preserves. Wonderful after dinner dessert wine. 729657 11% S 375 mL  $20.95 Score: 95/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review

Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2008, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from the aromatic Chardonnay Musqué grape, this wine is a refreshing alternative to conventional Chardonnay. Unoaked, it retains pure and lively aromas and flavours of field flowers, pear drop, limeade, jasmine and sweet apples. Medium bodied and richly flavoured, it’s balanced by a gentle crispness and sports a lengthy finish. My note: Super refreshing and different: I really like it. Notes of melon, grapefruit, Granny Smith apples. Zesty and summery. Drink: 2009-2012. 246579 13% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Leyda Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Montes is one of the most exciting wineries in Chile right now, and they do an exceptional job with Sauvignon Blanc – especially this example from one of the country’s cooler climates. Look for grass, lime, gooseberry and passion fruit on the nose, with fine replays on the palate, plus racy, crisp acidity keeping things fresh. Chill it down and enjoy it with your favourite shellfish dish. My note: Very grassy and herbal: rev your lawnmowers! Clear, crisp and refreshing like the ocean on a July afternoon. 32060 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine Tied. Full Review

Emiliana Limited Selection Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic Chardonnay is balanced, full-bodied and tasty. Aromas of green apple, smoke, butterscotch and almond. Full-bodied and delicious. 4515 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Cave De Beblenheim Heimberger Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Opens with aromas of lychee, grapefruit, spice and fresh peach. These replay brilliantly on the palate, surrounded by a vibrant, crisp acidity. Medium bodied with a luxuriously long finish. My note: Dazzling white with rose petal, lychee and baking spices. Brilliant for Asian and medium to light curries. 169763 13% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Luc Pirlet Les Barriques Viognier 2008, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made famous in Condrieu in the Northern Rhône, Viognier has travelled to other parts of France (and the world) with great success. Medium straw in colour, the Barriques Viognier greets you with a wave of intense peach on the nose, followed by pear and hints of honey. The palate expands with creamy flavours of citrus, orange blossom, and hints of fennel. This is medium bodied, aromatic, and features a crisp, dry finish. Bound to please with a vegetarian stir-fry. My note: Pretty and aromatic with notes of white flowers and peach. A wonderful aperitif or companion to many dishes, from medium curries and seafood. Rockin’ price. Drink: 2010-2013. 177675 13% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Cairanne 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Spectacularly dense and flavourful without being heavy. Lovely balance in this full-bodied, juicy wonder. Packed with aromas black plums, berries and black cherry liqueur. Fantastic price! Drink: 2010-2016. 650960 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Michele Da Lisca Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Melon, floral, citrus and pear aromas and flavours. The finish is remarkably lengthy. This is a great summertime wine, and an extremely solid value. Will suit a wide range of summer salads or antipasto dishes. My note: A light, benign white with mild notes of grapefruit and white melon. 117267 12% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Santa Margherita Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Wonderful bubbly, packed with peach and pear notes! Want to service bubbly at your wedding or large reception but not break the bank? This is your go-to sparkler. Can’t beat the value/taste/price ratio. Yum! 687582 11.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Cantine Manimurci Impeto Greco Di Tufo 2009, D.O.C.G., Campania, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From the Campania region of Italy comes this refreshing white made from 100% Greco di Tufo. Intriguing aromas of ripe lemon, apple, pear and mineral. The palate showcases pretty flavours of yellow plum, lemon-lime and pear, enlivened by floral notes. A lovely, soft texture to this wine, with good balance and length. Ready for enjoyment tonight. My note: Grapefruit and acidic lime: refreshing and biting. 180752 12.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Caruso & Minini Terre Di Giumara Terre Di Giumara Inzolia 2009, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sicilian white is made entirely of the Inzolia (or Insolia) grape, and exhibits aromas of field flowers, gooseberry, and yellow plum. Light flavours of fresh apple, pear, and pleasing citrus brighten the palate, which culminates in a dry finish. A crisp, medium-bodied white with good length. Open this bottle up tonight. My note: Mesmerizing and addictive aromas of field flowers, lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Get out of your white wine rut today: try it! 180760 12.50% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine Tied. Full Review

Beringer Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Ultra-classic California Chardonnay: white peach, green apple, toasted almond, butterscotch a whiff of smoke. Lovely balance and full-bodied richness. Bring it on! 84988 14.10% D 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Chappellet Winery Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Unctuous in every sense of that wonderful word: full-bodied, rich, luxurious. Redolent of fleshy peach, pear, apple and baking spices. Pair with great conversation. Drink: 2010-2016. 186577 14.80% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 92/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Geyser Peak’s winemakers select grapes from the best cool vineyard sites throughout California and use only stainless steel tanks to preserve the youthful zip. The result is a racy wine bursting with concentrated ripe citrus flavours and zingy acidity. A fantastic wine. My note: Very pleasing, very balanced Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing notes of lemon, lime, chives and lemongrass. No heavy oak or smoke. Completely, utterly refreshing. 340208 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Tandem Porter Sangiacomo Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Toasted almond goodness and baking spices on the nose followed by green apple and white peach. Full-bodied, voluptuous and delicious. Oh yes! 173344 14.10% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Rich, buttery and full-bodied with delightful aromas of toasted almond, green apples and a lime-infused finish. Terrific value at this price. Yum! 421644 13.40% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loaded with flavour yet not heavy at all. Bursting with hazelnut, green apples, peach and Asian pear. I can’t think of a better wine for lobster dipped in butter or fresh corn on the cob with a pat of butter melting over it. 26682 14.70% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite White Wine (Tied). Full Review