Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 17

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Tarrawarra Estate Pinot Noir 2004
Deep dark garnet red with crimson hints. Succulent red cherries and spicy plums abound. A wine with power and finesse. Vanillin oak nuances, sweet ripe fruit, fine tannins all meld to provide seamless drinking through a long finish. A smooth well developed and well rounded wine that just beckons to be drunk. Try this with rack of lamb. $50ish. Drink now to 2014. 90/100.

Good Value Drinking

Penley Estate Chardonnay 2004
Kym Tolley makes very good red wine out of his Coonawarra winery, as you expect him to. However he also makes a damn fine Chardonnay again out of this region. Real Chardonnay, fuller bodied and rich in style and presentation. Typically peach, melon and ripe figs in aroma and palate, along with good lively acidity. It lingers long with its fruit driven characters and judicious oak. A well made balanced wine that should please those who still enjoy oak and ripe fruit in their Chardonnay. Drink now to 2010. Try this with lasagna. $19ish. 90/100.

Treat Yourself

Witches Falls Granite Belt Viognier 2006
This limited release white wine comes from a Queensland winery that is turning heads with the high quality of its wines, matched equally by the commitment and passion of its winemaker Jon Heslop. A glorious rich and spicy wine with very good acidity. Honey, apricots and peach all emanate from the nose. A smooth velvety mouthfeel ensues backed up with very good acidity making it a well balanced and food friendly wine. Try this with marinated bbq chicken breast. $25ish. 90/100.

Something To Put In Your Cellar

Meerea Park Hell Hole Shiraz 2004
The Eather brothers are carving out a nice little name for themselves when it comes to producing high quality red wines out of the Hunter Valley that represent both good drinking and value.  This is a lovely young fresh vibrant purple crimson auguring for a long future. It has lovely blackberry fruit and dark red cherries in its aroma profile. Typical Hunter earthy notes ensue, as do lashings of black liquorice, hints of allspice as well as a dash of pepper. Still a baby with a good long future ahead of it but it is drinking seamlessly now. A softer more savoury style of wine with a long dry finish. About $50. Drink to 2016. 92/100.

Something Different

Punt Rd Botrytis Semillon 2005 (500ml)
A glorious light invigorating dessert wine from this quality Yarra Valley producer. Lovely apricots, orange blossom, light honey, raisiny fruit - not cloying, instead just emphasising the lovely fruit characters and flavours, along with a lively acidity. Luscious in mouthfeel, lightly coating the throat and seamlessly gliding down the throat with a beautiful finish. Try with toffee pudding. About $32ish. Drink Now to 2015. 91/100.

Holiday Drinking

Diamond Valley Blue Label Chardonnay 2005
James Lance from this high quality boutique Yarra Valley winery makes this. Mid lemon yellow. Citrine with classic peach and melon characters. Quite light and delicate, floral and lightly oaked. Smooth mouth filling fruit ensues resulting in a well rounded easy drinking wine with good length and acidity. Drink to 2010. $20ish. 89/100.

Good White Drinking

Adinfern Shepherds Rhapsody Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2005
This emanates from the Margaret River of Western Australia. Grassy lemon with herbaceous notes, hints of straw and tropical fruits. Fresh and vibrant with very good acidity. Full flavoured and lingering with a crisp finish. Good blending. Try it with chicken caesar salad. Drink now. 87/100. $18 ish.

Good Red Drinking

Daughters Of The Valley Shiraz 2005
This comes from the Stonewell vineyards in the Barossa Valley and is produced by the Pfeiffer family. Deep dark purple in colour, the wine has a broodingly intense liquery intoxicatingly seductive set of aromas. Think blackberry, spicy plums, black liquorice, rich red earth and a hint of game. All of this is delivered with a purity and intensity that promises much. Pure fruit melded with seamless oak and good alcohol along with silky tannins makes it a pleasure to drink. Drink to 2020. About $25ish. 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.