Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 19

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Joseph Sparkling Red (August 2006 Disgorgement)
Sparkling Red polarises the wine drinker into distinct corners - those who espouse about it in raptures and others who can't quite come to grips with the thought of fizz in their red. This one is an excellent example from Joe Grilli of Primo Estate in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia and one that may well just bring you onto the Sparkling Red team. A dark crimson blackish red colour, the nose is powerful, concentrated and alluring. Intense upfront persistent and distinct black fruits follow. Blueberry, blackberry and ripe plums ensue. Quite a robust wine with a medium dry finish. Lingers long and quite deliciously. Try it with a lamb curry.
Drink Now. About $50. 93/100.

Value Drinking

Jim Barry "Silly Mid On" Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006
This is a Clare Valley/ Adelaide Hills white blend, with a cricket themed label. A lightish greeny straw colour, it is youthful, fresh and vibrant. The nose resonates lemons and limes with a touch of tropical fruit. There is plenty of crisp acidity supporting the fruit that lingers long and provides a lively length of finish. Very easy Summer drinking it is with prawn cutlets. Relax, don't take life too seriously and be sure to watch the cricket whilst quaffing this one. Drink Now. Under $20. 88/100.

Indulge Yourself

Hungerford Hill Victoria Pinot Gris 2006
Winemaker Phillip John crafted this one from fruit sourced from a variety of Victorian regions. An interesting copper straw colour, the wine is wonderfully aromatic. Ripe pears, almonds, oranges, honey and spiced apple fill the senses. Luscious and succulent - quite smooth and soft and well rounded. A rich creamy finish follows making for easy drinking. A touch of acidity, making it lively yet not crisp on the back of the palate. Try it with chicken salad.  Drink Now. $23ish. 88/100.

Put This In Your Cellar

O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2006
These guys are in the "they can do no wrong" category for me as almost every sample I taste of each style of their wines comes up as spot on drinking. This light greeny straw Riesling is just lovely. You get vibrancy and freshness from aroma through to palate. Lemons, limes and grapefruit dominate - they resonate and pulsate through the senses. Yes the wine is a touch forward in its presentation, but this just adds to its drinkability. Coupled with a zesty crisp acidic backbone, it comes together with a mouth filling and "sherbet like" long finish. Try it with linguine with pancetta and mushrooms in a white wine sauce. Drink to 2016. $20ish. 92/100.

Something Different

Wolf Blass White Label Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2001
Wolf Blass have released this special aged Chardonnay which shows how the varietal develops with the benefit of time. Vibrant yellow, it has a typically varietal classic nose of peach, melon, cashews, citrine lemon and a hint of spicy oak and earthy minerality. I would describe it as a Chardonnay of substance which is smooth, well rounded and well developed in all senses of the word. A long soft finish makes for easy drinking. Try this with lobster medallions. Drink Now – 2009. $40 ish. 90/100.

Holiday Drinking

Annie’s Lane Coppertrail Riesling 2005
Pale yellow. Pleasant and developed on the nose. Citrine lemons and lime with a touch of grapefruit. Fresh lively soft acidity. Distinct fruit, with the start of a touch of advancement of age. Soft round in mouthfeel, a crisp finish of honey and herbal notes. Try with roast pork. Drink Now to 2009. $30ish. 89/100.

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.