Paul Ippolito Talks Wine: Winter Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Something Different

Seppelt Silverband Sparkling Shiraz

This 2007 release is an intense deep dark reddish purple. Full of blackberries and aromatic plums, it is soothing and smooth. Tight bubbles, unravelling beautifully resulting in well rounded delicious refined flavours on the palate. Drinking perfectly now, it is still youthful and fresh and has a good cellaring future. I would certainly save some for Xmas dinner to have with the roast turkey. Seriously if you aren't on the bandwagon yet, try this one as it may well bring you onto the team, in a big way.
 
Drink Now to 2018. About $35. 93/100 - Excellent.

Value Drinking

Water Wheel Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Ripe blackcurrants, upfront and rich. Fresh spicy plums ensue along with a hint of black pepper and dried mixed herbs. Cedary oak supports the fruit. Liquorice and aniseed on the finish and a good length of finish make this a very good wine of substance and character. Try it with grilled rump with mushroom sauce.
 
Drink Now to 2015. About $18. 90/100 - Very Good.

Top Quality Red

Bidgeebong The Icon Series Shiraz 2004

Deep dark blackish purple. Dark fruits abound in a gloriously aromatic fashion. Think ripe blackberries, deep rich plums, black liquorice, allspice and mocha oak. Fullsome and generous on the palate. Delicious and smooth, the ripeness evolving well out of the cool climate Tumbarumba (Southern NSW) grapes to produce an excellent well rounded wine with ripe tannins and a very good drinking future. Try this with oven roasted beef.

Drink Now to 2014. About $35. 93/100 - Excellent.

Quality White Blend

Primo Estate La Biondina Colombard Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Vibrant, fresh and invigorating tropical fruit direct from the Adelaide Hills region. Passionfruit abounds, as does pineapple and banana. Luscious and succulent fruit in mouthfeel underpinned by crisp acidity. A hip happening and funky wine to enjoy whilst it is young. Perfect drinking with Asian cuisine.
 
Drink Now. About $16. 92/100- Excellent.

Elegant Red Drinking

Tim Adams Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.

A classic Cabernet - full of blackcurrants, spicy plums, cigar box nuances, lashings of blueberry violets and mulberry hints. Liquorice and mocha oak as well from the bouquet. A smooth medium bodied, well structured, quite elegant Cabernet with fine tannins and a dry finish auguring for a good cellaring future. Try this with roast lamb.
 
Drink Now to 2014. About $22. 92/100 - Excellent.

Something To Impress

Centennial Finale Late Harvest Semillon

This is not a dessert wine for the faint hearted – nor for those seeking something fragrant and light. This is full on and spot on dessert wine drinking – intense, succulent, luscious and full of passion and flavour. Marmalade, apricots, honey and citrus rinds all come off the aromas. Sweet yes, but not cloyingly so. Lively and fresh with a clean finish – quite well balanced at that and seamless on the finish. Try with fruit and custard tarts.

Drink to 2013. About $23 (375ml). 92/100 – Excellent.

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.