Catena Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A 1983 visit to Robert Mondavi’s landmark winery in California inspired Nicolás Catena to start his own cutting-edge winery in Argentina. He set about researching the Mendoza region to find the very best locations for his winery and vineyards. It was in the Agrelo area where it all came together. The winery uses three Agrelo-area vineyards for the fruit: Uxmal, Adrianna and Domingo. This 2009 Chardonnay is filled with ripe fruit ably balanced by nicely integrated oak tones and fresh acidity. My note: Wonderfully balanced: generous fruit but good acidity and judicious use of oak. Love this style. Medium- to full-bodied. Lovely hazelnut-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 918805 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Australia: Gorgeously layered and flavoured yet absolutely refreshing! A petrol nose (a good thing) gives way to a profusion of white flowers, lime blossom and zesty energetic spring fruit. Mouth-watering and tasty. Superb! Drink: 2010-2015. 606269 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite White Wine Tied. Full Review

Robert Oatley Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Mudgee, Australia: Lovely pear and hazelnut aromas in this rich, round Chardonnay. Balanced and versatile with food. Drink: 2010-2012. 159798 12.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Thirty Bench Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wonderful balance and mouth-watering refreshing! Ripe peach and pear notes makes this wine very versatile with food. This wine garnered a Silver Medal at the 2010 Canadian Wine Awards. Drink: 2010-2014. 24133 11.10% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Nk'Mip Cellars Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Jerry D. Mead New World International Wine & Spirits Competition. This very approachable Chardonnay delivers toast, apple, pear and some tropical fruit on the nose. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied and buttery, with a touch of nectar added to the fruit replays. There’s a lovely crispness, minerality and some citrus here too. The finish on this very attractive Chardonnay is medium-long. My note: Green apples and all their zest edged with the warmth and richness of toasted almonds and hazelnuts. Rich but not heavy. Nice balance. Medium- to full-bodied. Great effort here! Drink: 2010-2015. 687699 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Anne Boecklin Réserve Cave Vinicole De Kientzheim-Kaysersberg Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gewurztraminer is an exceptional choice for any gathering; it’s great as a sipper, and it’s an expert match for a vast array of foods. This Gold Medal-winning version (Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009) is filled with classic aromas of lychee, grapefruit and spice, plus notions of pear and rose petals. The palate replays all these aromas beautifully, balanced by moderate acidity. Give this a whirl before a meal, or enjoy it with something exotic. My note: Classic gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal and baking spices with an exotic essence. So very perfect for Asian dishes and curries or as a wake-me-up aperitif. Drink: 2010-2018. 141226 12.80% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Domaine Martelet De Cherisey La Genelotte 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Meursault-Blagny, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous and generous with Old World classic styling of chardonnay an yet loaded with lots of flavour. Aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut, green apple and lime. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2010-2019. 206250 14% XD 750 mL  $74.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Remoissenet Père & Fils Morgeot, 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France: Wonderful concentration and depth with an ultra-long finish. Toasted almond, lime and green apple. Complexity and layering of subtle nuances. Impress someone with this wine and propose marriage or a merger (same thing, I guess). Drink: 2010-2012. 113589 13% XD 750 mL  $95.00 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite White Wine Tied. Full Review

Bougrier Signature Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Chenin Blanc at its best, as with this example, features aromas of peach, citrus, lanolin and pear. Chenin is known for its refreshing acidity, thereby making it a fine candidate for cellar maturation. Some Vouvray have been known to last for 50 years or more, but you can try them earlier than that – give this one a more conservative 2-4 years due to more approachable styling. You will, however, also get great pleasure with this highly versatile wine. My note: An absolutely delightful and pretty Vouvray! Lovely floral aromas with ripe peach and pear. Try this wine if you feel you’re in a white wine rut and want something different. Very versatile with food. No heavy oak or alcohol. Amazing price. Drink: 2010-2014. 106880 11.50% MD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

August Kesseler R Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Rheingau, Germany: Splendid! Ripe, focused and fleshy apricot and pear fruit with mouth-watering acidity for food and a lovely long finish. Stunningly made wine. Medium-bodied. It knows no end. 192641 10.50% MD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Eikendal Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Big oaky, buttery chardonnay with a lovely warm finish. Fleshy ripe peach and pear on the middle palate with a full-bodied, generous texture and weight. Drink: 2010-2015. 984773 14% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

St. Francis Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Superbly crafted, carefully walking the line between generous fruit and balance. Good acidity for food yet a voluptuous finish and richness. Drink: 2010-2015. 317131 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Kendall-Jackson Vinter's Reserve Summation 2009, California, United States: This pretty floral white wine reminds me of Irsontone’s Symphony (which I adore). Lovely blend of lime, peach and daisies. Perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. 210195 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Classically made with great balance and structure. Lovely aromas of green apple and peach wrapped in toasty oak. Full-bodied and generous but not heavy. Drink: 2010-2015. 232439 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review