Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 2

With Paul Ippolito

Discover Something Different

Brokenwood Beechworth Pinot Gris 2006
Every winemaker is seemingly making Pinot Gris. This is one of the better examples I have come across lately. A pale straw white youthful wine emanating from grapes from the Beechworth region in Northern Victoria. Aromatic and pure as well as being luscious. Vibrant fresh fruit abounds. Think pears, almonds, hints of musk spice, fresh oranges with hints of lemon and lime. Smooth, soft, well rounded and above all delicious. Really nice drinking. Try it with seafood risotto. Around $25. Drink 2006-2009. 92/100.

Step Into Spring

Dominique Portet Fontaine Rose` 2006
A gorgeous light salmon coloured wine from the Yarra Valley produced by respected winemaker Dominique Portet. Young, fresh and vibrant reflecting all the good things about a Rose`. Lively fruit driven aromas of raspberry, strawberry, violets and blackcurrants. An elegant style of wine with a lingering soft dry finish. Light and invigorating, just perfect for Spring drinking. Try it with oysters natural. Around $16.50. 90/100.   

Bargain Buy

D'Arenberg "The Stump Jump" Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2005
Wow what a mouthful, and the wine as well! A bright cherry purple coloured red blend that is youthful and vibrant. Simple, medium bodied and easy drinking with quite intense black fruit aromas. Think blackberry, spicy plum, raspberry and boysenberry. Savoury in style as well as palate delivery. Drink 2006-2009. Try it with steak and mushroom pie. A good buy at around $10. 88/100.

Good Value Drinking

Cape Mentelle Marmaduke 2004
This Shiraz Grenache Mataro red blend from this quality West Australian wine producer is very nice easy drinking. A youthful crimson purple, it is vibrant and fresh in its aroma projection. Uplifting black fruits, hints of pepper and spice and lashings of raspberry, mulberry and spicy plums. It is distinctive and deep in structure with a concentrated intensity. Smooth silky tannins provide a well rounded finish. This is well blended and produced in a savoury style. Drink 2006-2011. Value at $17.99. 92/100.

Cellar This One

Rosemount Estate Show Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
One very good Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep crimson purple - striking aromatics. Varietal and classic. Think blackcurrant, spicy plums, and blackberries along with pencil box oak. Quite a well rounded fruit driven style with fruit ripeness, seamless oak, fine tannins and along finish of dark berry fruits. Drink 2006-2013. Try it with bbq marinated steak. Around $28. 92/100.

Top Shelf Drop

Port Phillip Estate Shiraz 2004
Emanating from the Mornington Peninsula region in Southern Victoria, ripeness and balance are always the keys to successful Shiraz from this region. This one has both. Deep dark brooding purple in colour, the wine reflects its relative youthfulness and vibrancy very well. Aromatically deep spicy black fruit abound in a fragrant manner - think blackberry, blueberry, plums and cherries. Delicious and luscious to drink, the fruit flavours are persistent, obvious and concentrated. Soft acidity, a smooth mouthfeel and superfine tannins follow suit in sync with seamlessly integrated oak. A lingering fresh finish with hints of liquorice and a touch of soy and mocha. A delightful wine to drink now through to 2014. One very nice Shiraz. Around $30. 93/100.

Rating Scale - Points Out Of 100.

98-100 - Exceptional
95-97 - Superb
91-94 - Excellent
88-90 - Very Good 
85-87 - Good

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.