Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 15

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Elderton "Ode To Lorraine" Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2002
This is a perfectly balanced seamlessly drinking red that is just so seductively  smooth. The ageing has seen the ripe fruit characters, the wine's acidity, oak treatment and its tannins meld beautifully together. You get a litany of rich black fruits delivered in quite an elegant style. It coats the inside of your mouth effortlessly and just lingers on and on. The tannin structure suggests long term cellaring. Try this with bbq rib eye steak. Drink 2006-2017. $40ish. 93/100.     

Discover Something New

Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc 2006
A vibrant greeny straw coloured Adelaide Hills Savvy Blanc. Essences of tropical fruit including passionfruit, with a citrine influence of lemons and apple. Soft well rounded lively acidity accompanies the fruit beautifully. This is easy Summer drinking with a litany of tropical fruit characters lingering long on the palate. Try this with linguine with smoked salmon. $22ish. 89/100. 

Put This Away For A While

Kay Brothers McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Deep dark purple. Rich earthy blackcurrants, sour red cherries and lashings of black liquorice as well as bitter dark chocolate. Quite pronounced oak, firm influence melding with the fruit but still in its relative infancy. Good acidity, marrying with the deep black fruits and fine grainy tannins auguring for a long future. Well structured but needs more further time to bring all its elements into sync. Try with bbq rump steak and mushrooms. Drink 2006-2014. About $27ish. 90/100.

Celebrate Summer With This

Dowie Doole Rose` 2006
Ripe strawberries and raspberries abound from the glass of this pure and fruit driven classic Summer drinking wine. Delicious and luscious fruit at that. Succulent fruit, mouthfillingly - soft and smooth with a savoury dry style of finish. Try this with antipasto. $16 ish. 88/100.

Treat Yourself

Petaluma Viognier 2005
Classically varietal in composition. A gorgeous nose full of apricots, spice, honey, lemon and green apple. Citrus lemon and spiced apple flows through onto the palate. Lively crisp acidity supports the fruit, resulting in balanced well crafted wine that lingers long with a lovely finish. Try this with smoked chicken salad. Drink 2006-2009. About $40 ish. 91/100.

Value Drinking

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2006
We make good Riesling in this country as evidenced by this glorious pale straw vibrant example. It reflects well the gorgeous aromas of lifted rose petals and lemon and limes. Quite floral and fragrant in aroma profile, this is a lovely balanced white wine with citrine flavours, lingering long with good lively acidity. Perfect with Asian food such as honey prawns. Drink 2006-2021. $16 ish. 90/100.

Stock Up For the Holidays

Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006
At around $25, this is premium quality value wine buying from this Western Australian winery. The grapes have been sourced from the Margaret River and have been blended very well to produce a delicious white wine. Glorious citrus lemon grass aromas with herbaceous notes. Crisp lively fresh acidity delivers tangy fruit essences, long and lingering. Drink now. 91/100.

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.