6 Whites: Sauvignon Blanc NZ; Chardonnay Argentina; Riesling France; Italy Pnot Gris

COOPER'S CREEK CAT'S PEE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004, Auckland, NZ, 12.5% D, #606384 $12.95

LCBO says: "Pale straw yellow; fresh herb, grapey/apple, lime aromas with hints of gooseberry; dry, medium bodied, with flavours of green apple, pink grapefruit and herbs; lively acidity with a pleasant citrus finish. Grilled herbed chicken; fish dishes; pan seared sea bass served with cilantro salsa." My notes: A light golden colour with a light floral nose... some gooseberries (if you close your eyes). Flavours of soft citrus, grapefruit and stonefruit (peach?) in the background. An OK sipper and a short OK finish - have with salad greens, lightly pan-fried white fish or shrimp in a cream pasta. This is a General listing and has a screwtop.

STONELEIGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004, Marlborough, NZ, 13.5% D, #293043 $14.95

Winemaker's comments (on label): "full-bodied ... with a bouquet of tropical fruit aromas, a lively palate of passionfruit and stonefruit flavours, a touch of dry grass and a crisp, succulent finish." My notes: A light golden colour with a wonderful nose of gooseberry and citrus that fills the nostrils with each sip. Citrus and passionfruit flavours with a touch of dryness on the palate - and crispness on a long finish. A tangy flavourful sipper and should be great with seafood or chicken dishes. A screwtop and a General listing.

TRAPICHE CHARDONNAY 2003, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.0% D, #588004 $8.25

LCBO says: "Medium straw colour; melon, lemon-lime, pineapple, citrus, baked apple and tropical fruit aromas and flavours with some smoky oak; dry, full bodied, full flavoured and well balanced; good length on palate. Lobster, crab, white meats such as roast chicken, shellfish, grilled swordfish or halibut, gourmet sausage." Gord Stimmell rates this 88 describing it as "delivering pear, melon and spicy apple aromas. Flavours show golden apple with a spicy delivery.... hints of smoky oak and butter. " My notes: A light yellow colour with an almost imperceptible golden apple nose. Flavours are brighter with apple and spice and the 'smoky oak and butter' - all light. A short finish with some butter remaining on the palate. Have with delicate fish dishes and stir fry vegetables. This is a General listing.

MUEHLFORST HUNAWIHR RIESLING 1999, Alsace, France, 12.5% XD, CP135-1765 $16.50

Opimian says: "fabulous example of the steely, crystal-cut flavours of the noble Riesling.... the richness of the '99 fruit is intertwined with aromas of ripe pineapple and orange. .... best in the last decade. Cellar six mos. to two years." My notes: Cellared January, 2001 this is close to the last bottle and is past peak. Colour is a soft yellow with green notes, the nose is faint orange and minerals following with flavours of light pineapple, petrol and citrus. Light oily finish crisp and long. A dry white to sip with cheesey nibbles, smoked oysters, mussels, clam chowder, chicken strips on greens, etc. An Opimian wine.

TRENTINO VIVALLIS PINOT GRIGIO 2004, Alto Adige, Italy, 12.5% D, #637611 $6.95

The LCBO says: "Bright lemon yellow colour; delicate aromas of herb and melon with floral/almond notes; dry, balanced palate with moderate acidity and lemon curd and lightly spicy flavours. Salads, light shellfish dishes or past in a cream sauce." My notes: A pale yellow perhaps with a peach tinge and a fresh, grassy nose. Has a light-bodied creamy texture with a light spicy grass flavour and a short smooth finish with a slightly stalky edge. An uninteresting sipper better paired with mild appetizers, eg. foccacia and cream cheese or with creamy seafood dishes. This is a General listing.

PASQUA DELLE VENEZIE PINOT GRIGIO 2004, Veneto, Italy, 11.5% XD, #213496 $10.45

LCBO says: "Pale straw colour; light floral aroma; light body, light lemon flavour, short lively finish. Serve chilled with torrtellini in cream sauce. " My notes: A pale golden with a green tinge colour and a spicy apricot nose. The flavour is nicely balanced with a lemon twist. A medium length with a lively finish for sure. A pleasant dry sipper or with cheese or vegetable appetizers, eg. celery and cream cheese or mushroom tarts, or pair with seafood dishes. A General listing.