Paul Ippolito Talks NZ Wine

With Paul Ippolito

This week, Paul dips his metaphoric toe into the Tasman Sea and takes a big step across it to sample some delightful new releases from the New Zealand isles of some affordable, well made Kiwi wines from both the North and South Islands, which are available back here at home.

Gibbston Valley Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006

This is an excellent Pinot Gris made to style. Copper tinged straw, it is aromatic and rich and soothing on the nose. Pears, ripe apples, musk, light honeysuckle and a hint of citrus lemon ensue. A touch of minerality underpins the fruit, giving the wine balance, structure and drinkability. A lovely mouthfeel ensues making for delicious drinking. Smooth and silky on the finish. Try it with linguine with mushrooms and bacon.
Drink Now. About $23.

Matua Valley Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Lemony straw. Ripe fresh limes ensue with gooseberry hints and tropical nuances. A touch ripe with fruit sweetness. Lively acidity and a crisp finish follows. Lemons on the finish. Easy drinking. Try it with oysters natural.
Drink Now. About $12.

Matua Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Pale straw in colour. Alluring and aromatic, vibrant and intense. The fruit characters are persistent, distinct and varietal. Think fresh asparagus, gooseberry, tomato bush and green herbs. Soft lively acidity supports the fruit well. A lean bodied and yet full flavoured wine with a lingering length of finish. Try it with stir fried prawns.
Drink Now. About $20.

Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot 2006

Deep blackish purple. Upfront luscious fruit, ripe plummy fruit with deep red cherries. A touch of aniseed, liquorice and beetroot on the palate. Softness in mouthfeel with loads more plum flavours and subtle oak. Quite delicious. Try this with osso bucco.
Drink Now to 2009. About $15.

Secret Stone Marlborough Chardonnay 2006

Classic Chardonnay in its aromas - stone and tropical fruits. A touch of minerally character. Light bodied with good lively acidity. Quite balanced with citrussy fruits on the finish and no over the top characters. A nice quaffing Chardonnay.
Drink Now. About $20.

Secret Stone Pinot Noir Marlborough 2006

Gorgeous fresh strawberries and cherries emanate from the nose. Fragrant and floral and invigorating fruit. A touch of earthiness and hints of smoked bacon as well as allspice. Pure, silky fine and soft on the palate with loads of juicy fruit. Try this with beef and mushroom pie.
Drink Now. About $20.

Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Light greeny straw. Vibrant and fresh and intense. Quite a classy nose. Cut grass, green pea, asparagus and fresh green herbs flow. Alluring and upfront on the nose. Soft and quite smooth on the finish - verging on mellow. Nice easy quaffing. Try this will grilled lamb cutlets.
Drink Now. About $15.

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006

This is a soft well rounded easy drinking Pinot Gris that will just mellowly flow down your throat. Full of pears, musk and tropical fruits, it is both fragrant and fruit focussed. Accompanied by lively acidity, finish is creamy and provides a delightful subtle richness to the palate. Try it with mussels with a ripe tomato sauce.
Drink Now. About $18.

Paul Ippolito is a Sydney wine writer. Read more of his work at www.paulippolito.com.au

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