Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 18

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Howard Park Western Australian Chardonnay 2005
This is magic drinking and mandatory for all lovers of Chardonnay. Pure citrine yellow, it exudes a beautiful nose. Full of classic aromas. This is complex, powerful, alluring and classy. Seamlessly oaked with mineral hints, white peach and honey melon, almonds and figs and a touch of lees character. Well rounded, luscious and creamy in mouthfeel - balanced and superbly integrated. Drink now -2015. Try this with lobster tails. $38 ish. 95/100.

Value Drinking

WaterWheel Memsie Sauvignon Blanc Rousanne Chardonnay 2006
Classically tropical with hints of gooseberry, dried herbs and peach and melon reflect the litany of aromas emitting from this glorious white blend. Some really good blending is happening here. A touch dry, a touch of ripe fruit - this is neat fresh and lively. Try it with fish and chips. Value at $12ish. 90/100.

Indulge Yourself

Jim Barry "The Florita" Riesling 2005
The pinnacle white wine in the Jim Barry collection. Greeny straw youthfulness. Citrus lemons and limes. Potent vibrant and fresh. Loads of lively acidity and classically varietal in composition. Powerful yet with a degree of finesse. A well structured wine with a lovely finish. Try with roasted chicken breast wrapped in pancetta. Drink now to 2020. $45ish. 92//100.

Put This In Your Cellar

Majella "The Malleea" Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Blend 2003
Deep dark purple. Powerful complex and alluring. Vibrant and intense. A touch of oak - coffee and roasted character. Quite an elegant wine, seamlessly balanced, well blended - with loads of pure deep concentrated fruit. A smooth velvety mouthfeel of liquorice, black olives, blackberries and plums. Drink now to 2023. $65ish. 94/100.

Something Different

Tyrrells Reserve Stevens Shiraz 2003
A gorgeous crimson purple colour for this glorious Hunter Shiraz. Blueberries and spicy plums emit along with a touch of earth and leather character, a certain meatiness, black liquorice and a savoury dimension. Midweight in style, it is soft and well rounded in mouthfeel, silky fine tannins along with lingering black fruits. Power yet delivered with finesse. Drink Now to 2020. About $38ish. 92/100.

Holiday Drinking

Knappstein Clare Valley Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006
This wine has purity, vibrancy and succulent fruit characters emanating from it. Pears, minerally/slatey features, tropical fruits all flow. Good alcohol, acidity and structure. A long finish and a well balanced wine that has been well blended by winemaker Paul Smith. Drink now to 2009. Try with smoked trout and potato salad. $19ish 90/100.

Good White Drinking

Climbing Pinot Gris 2006
This emanates out of Orange in Western NSW. A light copper colour full of succulent pears, ripe and rich with minerally characters. Tight and elegant in structure. Almond meal, oranges and green apples abound. A luscious well rounded wine with a soft mouthfeel of delicious fruit that lingers on and on. Try this with roast pork. Drink Now to 2008. About $20.90/100.

Good Red Drinking

Saltram Of Barossa Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Rich bright purply crimson. Luscious, vibrant and evocative with seductive aromas. Stunning aromatics truly. Purely fruit driven in aroma profile. Think blackcurrants, plums. Blackberry and liquorice along with milk chocolate. Deep rich and intense. Smooth and well rounded, fine tightly knit tannins and seamless oak. Drink to 2024. $26ish. 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.