4 Whites: Malivoire Pinot Gris, Malivoire Chardonnay

MALIVOIRE PINOT GRIS 2002, Beamsville, Canada, 12.0% XD, #591305 $18.00

Vintages note: "Our panel's tasting note: Pale straw colour with aromas of pear, lemon/lime and mineral. Very dry, racy and lively in the mouth. An excellent palate refresher between courses or with steamed clams or mussels. Medium body and finish. (Feb. 2003)." My notes: Purchased from the winery and laid down November 2003. Now a clean and clear pale peach with a soft citrus toffee nose. Its original stalkiness has softened leaving a smooth pear and lemon medium-bodied blend that stays in the mouth and on the lips. An OK sipper but better with nibbles. Almost a crisp dry European but more velvety. Pair with any seafood: oysters, mussels, or salmon. Vintages release July 26, 2003.

MALIVOIRE PINOT GRIS 2000, Beamsville, Canada, 13.2% XD, #591305 $17.95

My notes: Purchased from the winery and cellared January, 2001. Colour is a now a soft amber and the nose is soft light peach and minerals. Flavours of pink grapefruit and tea with some warm honey in the mouthfeel. An OK grigio sipper with a smooth finish. Mild cheeses, seafood appetizers or white fish grilled without too much spice or seasonings with stir fry vegetables or light salads. Should drink this year.

MALIVOIRE CHARDONNAY 2001, Beamsville, Canada, 13.5% XD, #573154 (now $36.00)

Vintages notes: "This is both opulent and elegant chardonnay. Fine textures and concentration, with acidity deeply embedded. The flavours are showing some peach and deft oak spice, but also some yogurty buttery notes and a bit of green mintiness. Excellent length; and real panache. Score - 89. (www.wineaccess.ca, Nov. 2002). Vintages release July 12, 2003." The website says: ".... The significant alcohol provides an “oiliness” for a round, full mouth feel which is supported by the subtle richness of toasty vanilla. The tangy acidity leads to a dry, crisp, refreshing finish. Drinking optimally now, to 2005. ... Think of wild salmon in pastry, with fragrant herbs like rosemary, tarragon and dill etc, ..." My notes: Milder than the 2000 but the similar nose and nondescript flavours. Short length with unimpressive finish. Not recommended.

MALIVOIRE MOIRA VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2000, Beamsville, Canada, 14.5% XD, #542522 $24.95 (now $54.00)

The website says: "Elegant and complex, this wine opens with a leesy aroma of apple and citrus. Round mouth feel supported by the subtle richness of toasty vanilla. The tangy acidity leads to a crisp, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Rich enough to enjoy on its own or with a very broad variety of foods. Think of salmon in pastry, with fragrant herbs like rosemary, tarragon and dill. Try it with a mustard-glazed roasted pork tenderloin with apple, caper, red onion and sweet corn salsa. Or try trout on leeks and wilted greens in butter." My notes: Purchased from the winery and cellared November 2001. An initial nose of oak and very little discernible fruit... followed by a flavour dominated by stalky grass and alcohol. Not a sipper, you hope the food overcomes the flavours. Generally a disappointment.