Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Volume 20

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Tarrawarra Estate Pinot Noir 2004
Tarrawarra have been a long time Yarra Valley favourite producer of mine. Their absolute commitment to premium quality is undisputed and it reflects especially in this Pinot Noir. 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.

Value For Money Drinking

Nepenthe “The Rogue” Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2003
Crafted from Adelaide Hills grape stock, this is another example of why Cabernet blends are such good drinking and value in this country, especially when they have a few years of aging on them. The vibrancy of earth characters just ooze out of this deep dark purple crimson wine. Blackcurrants, spicy plums, black olives, truffles and dried herbs emanate from its aroma base. Deep concentrated black fruit yet delivered in a dry savoury finish with well integrated oak and fine lingering tannins. Try this with chicken and chorizo tomato hotpot. Drink Now to 2010. About $19. 92/100.

Spoil Yourself Rotten

Majella "The Malleea" Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Blend 2003
The Malleea is widely regarded as one of Australia's top end red wines and certainly one of the best Cab/Shiraz blends made. You drink this and ask yourself why don't we make more of these types of blends which were popular in the 80's but less trendy nowadays. Deep dark youthful purple. Powerful, complex and alluring - you can tell this wine has a long future ahead of it from the nose. Vibrant and intense in its aroma profile, it is all entertwined black fruits melded together to project a wine of gravitas. A touch of oak is discernable - coffee and roasted characters ensue, albeit the oak is in the background. Quite an elegant wine overall, seamlessly balanced, well blended - with loads of pure deep concentrated fruit and drinking very well now. A smooth velvety mouthfeel of liquorice, black olives, blackberries and plums flows from the palate and lingers long. A very moreish wine. Try this with slow cooked lamb shanks or a nice piece of aged cheddar. Drink now to 2023. $65ish. 94/100.

Let's Try Something Different

Pettavel "Evening Star" Late Harvest Riesling 2006
Pettavel makes this dessert style wine from Riesling grapes out of the Geelong region in Southern Victoria.  Light, fresh and invigorating come to mind when you smell the gorgeous aromas of this wine. A very pale yellow, still exhibiting its youthfulness well. Alluring and attractive in profile with passionfruit, lychees, perfumed apple and a touch of lemon ensuing. Quite complex and aromatic. Light, delicate and soft in acidity with a gentle mouthfeel. Well balanced and not cloying or overly sweet at all. Try with Summer berry fruits and ice cream. $18ish (500ml). Drink Now to 2012. 90/100.

Made For Holiday Drinking

Frog Rock Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006
This one comes from a family owned Mudgee winery which is named after a well known historic squatting frog rock formation in Central Western NSW. Made from 37 year old vines, this is an interesting white blend. Pale lemon, it is light and breezing in its approach. A touch of passionfruit, then green herbs, straw, lemon zest and a hint of minerality. Soft mellow acidity, lively lemon taste on the palate and a tangy zesty finish make this a very pleasant easy drinking wine. Try it with pan fried snapper fillets.  $18 ish. Drink Now. 87/100.

Good White Wine Drinking

Climbing Pinot Gris 2006
This is estate grown from high altitude cool climate vineyards in the lovely central NSW region of Orange. Light copper in colour, quite brilliant in fact. A pleasant alluring nose follows with a range of aromas from orange blossom, ripe pears, perfumed musk, cinnamon and a touch of apricots. Real rich Gris here. Having said that, quite a balanced wine with luscious mouth filling fruit characters, lively acidity and a lovely long smooth finish. Pinot Gris lovers will enjoy this and its not bad value just quietly (as are most of Climbing wines). Try this with pan-fried blue eyed cod fillets. Drink Now. $15ish. 89/100.

Good Red Drinking

Parri Estate Cabernet Shiraz 2004
The Phillips family produces an extensive range of estate grown wines at Parri Estate which is located south of Adelaide, on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Linda Domas is the winemaker. Deep purple crimson. Blackcurrant, red earth, meatiness and herbal nuances from a complex nose. Smooth soft and well rounded on the palate with a medium finish. Try this with home made meat pie. Drink Now to 2010. $20ish. 87/100.

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

Read more from Paul  or contact him at www.paulippolito.com.au for all your wine needs.

About Paul Ippolito.