WINE: Winter Blah Beaters

J.P. Chenet 2011 Chardonnay Reserve
Great taste, bargain price, weirdly shaped bottle! Pineapple and yellow apple aromas lead into zesty lime and buttery apple flavours with a pineapple and lemony finish. A very worthy house white! Pairs wonderfully with chicken and rice dishes.
$9.95 (#255885 France, rating: 89+)

Inniskillin 2011 Riesling Pinot Grigio
This is a delicious white from Niagara with clean pear and lemon in the aromas and a slightly sweet pear and apple delivery on the palate. The finish shows lime, peach and fresh sliced pear. Delivers a perfect sweet/dry balance with floral licks. Marries well with pan-seared scallops.
$13.95 (#145458 Ontario, rating: 90)

Deakin Estate 2010 Shiraz
Plump plum, black cherry, violets and cedar aromas build to flavours of full sweet chocolate, black cherry and vanilla. The finish shifts into blueberry nuances. Overall, a very rich taste experience for a bottle under $10. Try with hearty beef bourguignon.
$9.95 (#560821 Australia, rating: 89+)

Smoking Loon Old Vine 2009 Zinfandel
A delicious red, with gorgeous cassis, black cherry, cola, vanilla and cedar aromas and smoky black cherry, blackberry and black currant flavours. On the finish, uplifting mocha and vanilla linger. Very silky texture too! Ideal match with minty lamb chops.
$14.95 (#272393, California, rating: 90)

Errazuriz Max Reserva 2010 Syrah
Our luxury red choice is a brooding syrah filled with big smoke, cacao powder and plum aromas. The flavours unfold with mellow black cherry, chocolate, cedar and a hint of mint and lavender on the posh finish. Cries out for grilled meat, like thick cut T-bone steaks.
$18.95 (#614750, Chile, rating: 91)