Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Winter Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Something Different

Innocent Bystander Moscato 2007 (375ml)

Moscato is a pretty young thing that is hip and happening, bright and bubbly and not too serious. Enjoyment is the name of the game here with gorgeously delicate classic gordo and black Muscat characters resulting in a vibrant pink wine delivered in a very classy bottle that just screams out "pick me, pick me".  An invigorating and delightful aperitif to try with an Italian antipasto.

Drink Now. About $13.

Value Drinking

Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Evocative, vibrant and fresh. A really lovely fruit driven wine emitting lashings of ripe and rich blackberries and plums - luscious and succulent ones at that. The aromas are glorious, the wine is well structured, elegant and well rounded. Hints of Coonawarra cigar box influence and a long finish make this delicious drinking. Try it with meatloaf.
 
Drink Now to 2012. About $20. 93/100 - Excellent.

Fruit Driven In Style

Tim Adams Pinot Gris 2007

Classically varietal – vital, fresh and uplifting fruit. Fragrant citrus, lychees, pears and tropical fruit nuances ensue. Soft and lively acidity melds with the fruit. Long and well rounded and lightly creamy on the finish. Lightly rich, deliciously so. A very drinkable Pinot Gris. Try this with Pad Thai noodles.

Drink Now. About $20. 91/100 – Excellent.

Top Quality Red

Seppelt Silverband Grampians Shiraz 2005

An impressive wine that opens tight but soon evolves with aromatic delight. Spice filled, black pepper, raspberry, blackberry and charred plums abound. Along with aniseed and liquorice. Pure dark fruits, deep in concentration. A serious wine, impressive in stature with a stylish body. Integrated oak, silky tannins and a soft finish makes for an interesting wine. Try this with baked lamb.
 
Drink Now to 2017. About $35. 92/100 - Excellent.

Boutique White

Mount Majura Riesling 2006
 
Classic lime and lemon aromas ensue - literally an orchard full. Aromatic, fresh and lively fruits. A touch advanced and developing well, complete with minerally undertones and with crisp acidity. A tangy lingering finish makes this a lovely easy drinking well rounded Riesling from this well respected Canberra winery. The winemaker is Frank van de Loo. Try this with grilled whiting fillets.

Drink Now to 2014. About $16. 90/100 - Very Good.

Elegant Red Drinking

Madfish Carnelian 2004

Carnelian is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon / Carignan and Grenache and a varietal that has its origins in California. This one is an ink staining glorious purple and very deep, dark and alluring. Blackcurrants, spicy plums, blackberries, mocha chocolate and cedary oak all abound from the aromas. Soft and smooth on the palate with a glossy finish and fine assertive tannins. Quite an elegant yet powerful red that drinks well, very well actually. Try this with beef and mushroom pie.

Drink Now to 2014. About $24. 91/100 – Excellent.

Finesse

Squitchy Lane Vineyard Chardonnay 2006

From this boutique Yarra Valley winery comes this very good Chardonnay. Full of classic peach melon varietal fruit, it emits tight knit restrained characters that slowly unwind into a more fulsome wine. Judiciously oaked, there but not overbearing with a tanginess that adds to the stone fruit flavours on the palate along with fresh and lively acidity. A good length to a wine that makes for easy drinking. Try it with gnocchi with four cheeses.

Drink Now to 2012. About $30. 90/100- Very Good.

Boutique Red Drinking

O'Leary Walker McLaren Vale Clare Valley Shiraz 2005

Intense red fruits abound - raspberries, red cherries along with aniseed, liquorice, a subtle earthiness, black olives and roasted meats. Vibrancy and freshness ensue with an invigorating character. Good oak, good alcohol, ripe tannins, savoury nuances and a delicious long moreish finish. Try with gourmet pizza.
 
Drink Now to 2015. About $22. 91/100 - Excellent.

Something To Impress

Mistletoe Reserve Chardonnay 2006

An impressive and vibrant Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley. Polished fruit with purity whilst also retaining its varietal characters. Soft fresh acidity supports the lovely stone fruits. A mouth watering delicious palate with a good lean taut structure. Well balanced with integrated oak makes for very easy drinking on the finish.

Drink to 2012. About $24. 90/100.

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, the internet and overseas. Read more of his work at www.paulippolito.com.au

About Paul Ippolito.