Paul Ippolito Talks Springtime Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Something To Impress

Mount Langi Ghiran "Langi" Shiraz 2004
 
An aromatic nose full of dark berry fruits - think blackberries, blackcurrants and mulberries along with spicy plums. Black liquorice, allspice, a hint of aniseed and dried herbs. Good oak, there but well integrated with the black fruits. Ripe tannins, making for a smooth well roundedness on the palate yet providing an elegant structured finish. One excellent very well structured Shiraz that has a very long future ahead of it still, despite its drinkability now. Try it with pot slow roasted beef with Thai herbs.
 
Drink to 2024. About $50. 94/100 - Excellent.

Good White Blend 

Jeanneret Clare Valley Stumbling Block Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006
 
Ben Jeanneret is the Clare Valley winemaker for this white blend and he has done a very good job putting it together. Citrus influences, wet stones, a touch steely and a hint of straw all emit from the aromas at first. Then the lovely lemon and lime characters take over melding with crisp acidity to provide a dry white with good structure. A touch of stone fruits come out on the finish as well. Try this with salt and pepper calamari.

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

Good Red Blend

Cookoothama Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005

A really good red blend. Dark spicy berry fruits abound - full of blackcurrants, spicy plums, blueberries and milk chocolate. The aromatics are just right. A touch of game, soy, roasted meats and coffee mocha just add to it. Silky tannins, melded oak and a satin finish makes for a versatile red that will suit a variety of palates as well as pleasing the hip pocket. Try this with roasted chicken stuffed with pancetta and avocado.

Drink to 2010. About $15. 90/100 - Very Good.

Boutique Red

Rookery Kangaroo Island Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Rookery Wines is a boutique family owned winery on Kangaroo Island in South Australia operated by Garry and Gael Lovering. Deep dark blackish purple in colour. A wine of substance from the first pour. Dark black fruits, blackcurrants, blackberries, currants, mulberries and a hint of menthol. Elegance and class through its structure and presentation. Glossy coffee oak, smooth succulent fruit, ripe tannins and long seamlessness on the finish. Very well put together by winemaker Garry Lovering and just right with Moroccan lamb rump fillet.

Drink to 2014. About $30. 93/100- Excellent.

Something Different

Kabminye Wines Barossa Valley White Frontignac 2006
 
Fragrant grapey musk, glorious lychees, a touch of pure honey, wildflowers, succulent passionfruit all flow from a tremendous nose. Fresh and vibrant fruit follows with a touch of sweet ripe tropical fruits as well. A delicate and lively finish on the palate with good acidity makes for delicious balanced drinking. Try this with lamb korma, the fruit characters meld beautifully. One very nice Fronty!
 
Drink Now. About $18. 88/100 - Very Good.

Bargain White

Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Unwooded Chardonnay 2006

I've grown quite fond of the unwooded Chardonnay of late especially when all that pure gushy fruit oozes from the aromas then slowly and seamlessly gliding down the throat. The stonefruit, cashews, green olives along with a touch of minerality make for quite a refined unwoody Chardie here. The tropical fruits are where it is all happening though transporting the mind to somewhere warm and luxuriant. A good food wine as well to have with a Seafood platter.
 
Drink Now. About $15. 88/100- Very Good.

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.