Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 10

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Diamond Valley White Label Reserve Shiraz 2005
This is an excellent cool climate Shiraz. In fact it reflects really good Yarra Valley winemaking resulting in seamless drinking. Stylish, fresh, vibrant as well as elegant in its presentation. Deep youthful crimson purple in colour. It just oozes ripe raspberries, spicy plums, rich blackberry along with hints of pepper and liquorice. Well structured with vanillin oak nuances and accompanied by very good lively fresh acidity, firm fine tannins and a lingering length of black fruits. Drink 2006-2020. Try it with grilled rump. Around $45. 93/100.

Discover Something New

Claymore Grenache Shiraz 2004
This took a while to open up, a trend that is being reflected quite often nowadays with the increasing use of screwcaps on our red wines. What eventuates is a lovely easy drinking European style red wine. Well blended with aromatic blackberry, spicy plums and slight notes of pepper. Leaner bodied, well structured with seamless oak and fine tannins, it drinks very well. Try it with steak and mushroom pie. Drink 2006-2010. Around $25. 87/100.

Put This Away In The Cellar

Richmond Grove Limited Release Barossa Vineyards Shiraz 2002
This is very typical Barossa Shiraz, albeit with a few years ageing. Rich opulently deep purple, it exudes exotic intoxicating pure blackberry fruit. Whilst fruit driven, upfront and bold, it also has good firm oak influence that marries to provide a rich lingering black fruit finish along with well rounded tannins. It lingers long and drinks well with marinated bbq steak. Around $19. Drink 2006 - 2017. 89/100.

Celebrate Spring With This

Yering Station Pinot Noir Rosè 2005
This Rosé from this respected Yarra Valley producer is different. No sweet ripe fruit here but rather a more subtle subdued but nice set of strawberry, raspberry and violet aromas. Yes it is quite floral and enticing on the nose but the palate is really where it happens with a savoury dimension, good acidity and a lingering tending to dry finish, all highlighting the fruit characters in a balanced manner. Perfect with an antipasto. About $17. 90/100.

Treat Yourself

Cookoothama Botrytis Semillon 2005
Cookoothama is part of the Nugan Estate stable of wines that can do no wrong at the moment, as evidenced by the many accolades being laid upon this wine. A good sized glass poured, goldenly yellow – all glistening before me. Luscious apricot, candied fruit, orange marmalade, honey and molasses all emanating from it. Well rounded with a velvety mouthfeel, not cloying but instead done in a medium to lighter style that makes it a very pleasurable drinking experience. Try it with baked egg custard. Drink 2005-2020. About $20. 93/100.

Value Drinking

Printhie Cabernet Merlot 2005
This comes from the Orange region of central NSW and I tell you, it is one cracker of a wine. A youthful crimson purple. Aromatic and quite floral. Loads of blackcurrants, ripe and rich plums, vanilla and a touch of caramel oak, Alluring, vibrant and intense. A balanced red blended very well with soft smooth fruit. Quite seamless and very nice to drink. It is also great value. Around $15. Drink 2006-2012. 93/100.

Wine Rating Scale - Out Of 100 Points

98-100 – Exceptional – A truly world class wine
95-97 – Superb – A memorable drinking experience
91-94 – Excellent – A wonderful mix of a top wine at a decent price
88-90 - Very Good – Really well made wine that should impress
85-87 – Good – Honest everyday drinking

Paul Ippolito is a Sydney wine writer who writes for publications across Australia, overseas and the Internet. He has spoken on ABC radio and writes a free monthly wine newsletter. Email him to subscribe..

About Paul Ippolito.