Paul Ippolito Talks Springtime Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Something Different

Angoves McLaren Vale Vineyard Select Shiraz 2005

Ripe blackberries, pure fresh red cherries, dark liquorice, red earth, allspice all delivered in an aromatic and upfront manner. Fresh and lively acidity supports the fruit along with good oak, coffee mocha nuances and fine assertive tannins auguring for a good future. A red of substance and one that has good cellaring prospects. Try it with roasted lamb shanks.
 
Drink to 2015. About $18. 90/100 - Very Good. 
 
Tyrrells Reserve Single Vineyard HVD Semillon 2001

This is classic Hunter aged Semillon, showing the way it should with the benefit of time. Straw, lemon citrus, limes and ripe apples along with a certain nuttiness and slight toastiness. Well developed and well melded together, it is a delicious wine with slightly honeyed and citrus flavours on the finish. A glorious Semillon indeed with a long future yet. Try it with grilled Tassie scallops.
 
Drink to 2015. About $45 - 93/100 - Excellent. 
 
Bremerton Reserve Cabernet 2003

Deep and intense red and black fruits emanate. Stewed plums and boiled fruit cake, all distinctive and pronounced. Well rounded in mouthfeel, with a velvety finish of blackberry, currants and plums, along with sweet oak nuances. Good oak and good alcohol as well and with puckering fine tannins. Should be interesting to see how this develops into the future. Try it with marinated bbq steak fillets.
 
Drink Now to 2015. About $40. 90/100 - Very Good. 

Nepenthe Tryst Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Pinot Gris 2006

Fresh and vibrant. Plenty of ripe luscious tropical fruit - a litany of aromas. Tropical and stone fruits abound luxuriantly yet with subtle soft acidity and hints of cinnamon spice making for a well blended well presented very drinkable white wine. Easy drinking with salt and pepper prawns.
 
Drink Now. About $16. 90/100 - Very Good.
 
Juniper Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2003

A brooding dark aromatic black fruit set of aromas ensue - think blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, spicy plums along with a certain gameyness to add a savoury dimension as well. Overall a complex, well made and intricate wine put together by respected West Australian winemaker, Mark Messenger. Inviting and seductive it delivers a velvety mouthfeel with silky tannins and a good dose of coffee mocha oak. Try it with roast beef.

Drink to 2013. About $31. 92/100 - Excellent.
 
Centennial Vineyards Reserve Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Centennial Vineyards is the one of the more highly regarded wineries in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Made by talented winemaker Tony Cosgriff, this Savvy Blanc is fresh, tight and a touch steely. An elegant young wine resplendent with lemons, limes, straw and some lightly tropical fruit nuances. A well structured cool climate wine with a lingering soft mouthfeel providing a long finish. Perfect with Asian cuisine such as Thai.
 
Drink Now to 2009. About $25. 89/100 - Very Good.
 
Grant Burge Moscato 2007

Gorgeously fragrant uplifting Frontignac fruit emanates from the nose. Musk and apricot aromas subsume the senses. Delicate and fresh, light tight bubbles make this effortless drinking and moreish. Seriously, Moscato is one of the next big things in wine - so get on the bandwagon now folks especially with quality stuff like this around. Try this with tomato and goat cheese tart.
 
Drink Now. About $15.  
 
Coolangatta Estate Semillon 2006

Greeny lemon straw. Lemons and limes abound. Intense and vibrant, fresh and lively. The accompanying minerality just adds to the fruit providing elegance and structure. An ever so light tinge of passionfruit just adds to its drinkability. Soft and well rounded, slightly tangy on the finish, a delicious well made Semillon from this well regarded South Coast NSW wine producer. Try this with marinated chicken.

Drink Now to 2012. About $18. 90/100 - Very Good.
 
Chain Of Ponds The Ledge Shiraz 2003

Blended from Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale Shiraz, this is a very user friendly red wine. Liqueury blackberry oozing richly from the aromas – all pure, succulent and quite distinct. Red cherries, a hint of earthiness – all fresh, vibrant and upfront. Some sweet oak as well. A delightful easy drinking red full of luscious black fruits and imparting a velvety and seamless mouthfeel with fine tannins on the finish. Try this with lamb roast.

Drink to 2015. About $33. 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.