Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 13

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Cape Mentelle Wallcliffe Sauvignon Semillon 2004
This top shelf Margaret River white blend from this acclaimed Western Australian winery delivers on all fronts. Pale yellow, vibrant in its presentation. Complex herbaceous, tropical fruits, green pea, lantana and citrine influences abound from the nose. A medium dry white style of wine, with French oak and lees characters, make for a refreshing and invigorating finish on the palate. Try with grilled perch fillets. Drink 2006-2009. Around $37. 90/100.

Discover Something New

Hahndorf Hill Winery Pinot Grigio 2006
This one comes from a boutique Adelaide Hills winery. Light pale straw and vibrant in colour. It is still quite young, slatey and minerally in its aromas. Pears, green apple and citrus lemon abound, along with pronounced acidity and a lingering crisp finish. Classically varietal – lively and fresh – made to the Italian style. About $20. Try with pasta with broccoli. 87/100.   

Put This Away For A While

Cardinham Stradbrooke Shiraz 2003
This comes from the Smith family vineyards in Clare Valley, South Australia. It is a gorgeous dark brooding blackish purple. Rich opulent blackberry, ripe luscious plums, and a subtle earthy character. What follows is a velvety rich smooth mouthfeel of lingering blackfruits – blackberry and black cherries, with a hint of dark chocolate and a smooth slightly warm lingering finish. Really lovely drinking, the fine tannins and seamless oak leads to a seemingly endless finish. Drink 2006-2015. Around $20. 90/100.

Celebrate Summer With This

Fifth Leg Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006
This is funky wine drinking from Western Australia. All tropical fruits with pineapple, bananas, passionfruit and a touch of citrus. Fresh and lively, softly acidic with a smooth long finish. Fruit driven and delicious drinking. Try with bbq prawns. About $18 but found for less. 87/100.

Indulge Yourself

Watershed Sauvignon Semillon 2006
This Margaret River white blend is just beautiful drinking. Light yellow straw, the aromas are resplendent tropical fruits – passionfruit, pineapple and guava – lush, fruit driven and upfront yet well balanced with the support of soft well rounded acidity. This is a lively fresh white wine that will suit an array of cuisine and also drinks perfectly on its own. Try it with grilled barramundi fillets. An absolute bargain at around $17. 93/100.

Value Drinking

Lindemans Bin 65 Shiraz 2006
This is the first wine of the 2006 red vintage to hit my desk. And what a wine it is, already with accolades. A brilliantly youthful purple, the wine oozes dark berry fruits of blackberry and spicy plums with a touch of liquorice and good alcohol. Soft smooth and well rounded with black cherry flavours, long in mouthfeel with fine lingering tannins. Try it with beef and mushroom pie. Nice drinking at under $10. Drink 2006-2010. 87/100.

Stock Up For Christmas

Preece Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Mitchelton winery in Victoria makes this well known brand. This is a popular pleasing fresh and lively lightly aromatic drop. Resplendent with tropical fruits, a touch of citrus limes, green apples and a hint of ripe sweet fruit on the nose, this is easy drinking stuff. Soft acidity provides for a delightful well rounded finish. About $15. Try with grilled pork cutlet. 87/100. 

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.