2 Whites: Chile Sauvignon Blanc, Australia Chardonnay

SANTA RITA SAUVIGNON BLANC RESERVE 2004, Valle de Casablanca, Chile, 13.5% XD, #275677 $12.45

The LCBO says: "Straw yellow colour; Intense herbal, grassy, cooked asparagus and gooseberry aromas; Dry, medium bodied with gooseberry/citrus and mint flavours; pronounced acidity on finish. Seafood; Goat's cheese; Vegetarian dishes; Herbed dishes." Website notes: "A pale straw green colored wine; intense varietal aroma with dominant characters of grapefruit, citrus blooms, apricots and a black currant background of cassis tones. Good potency and concentration, a balanced wine with good acidity and a long lingering aftertaste." My notes: The nose is heavier on cooked asparagus than gooseberries and the colour is a pale yellow. Flavour is a light gooseberry with a balanced tang and a short light citrus finish. A low cost house sipper with mild cheeses, shrimp with cream dip or pair with chinese foods or mild seafood dishes. A 'drink now' white. This is a General listing.

WYNDHAM ESTATE BIN 222 CHARDONNAY 2004, South Eastern Australia, Australia, 12.5% XD, #093401 $11.95

The LCBO says: "Lemon yellow colour; fragrant aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, peach and vanilla oak; dry, medium-bodied with soft fruit flavours; citrus and spice on the finish. Grilled chicken, pork chops; shrimp dishes." Website notes: "Distinctive varietal fruit flavours with excellent structure and length. Fresh melon and peach fruit aromas with subtle yeast and oak complexity lead to a full, soft palate highlighted by attractive fruit flavours and a creamy, rich texture as a result of partial oak maturation." My notes: A pastel yellow. The nose is soft, might be appealing even to a non-chardonnay sipper but very light if you expect a medium-bodied chardonnay. Light-bodied with light butter, no -scotch though. The finish goes quickly leaving a bit of butter on the lips. A low cost house sipper with mild cheeses, shrimp with cream dips or pair with chinese foods or mild seafood dishes. A 'drink now' white. This is a General listing.