Paul Ippolito Talks Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Something To Impress

Lillypilly Estate Noble Blend 2006

Robert Fiumara from Lillypilly Estate in Leeton near Griffith in South Western NSW puts this together. It is one stunningly aromatic dessert wine. Tropical fruits abound - glorious fresh and vital passionfruit, lychees, pineapple and a feast of others. Just beautifully put together. A lighter style with lively acidity well supporting the fruit characters. No cloyingness, sweet yes but balanced and seamless in delivery. And ever so moreish. Try this with a fruit and custard tart.

Drink Now to 2012. About $22.50 - 375ml. 95/100 - Superb. 

Good White Blend 

Annies Lane Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006

A glorious lemony yellow colour. A litany of aromas follows - think asparagus, straw, nashi pears and loads of citrus lemons and limes. All supported by soft mellow acidity that makes it smooth drinking. A well blended lean bodied wine with lovely tropical fruits that linger on the finish. Try it with poached salmon fillets with shallots and ginger.
 
Drink Now. About $17. 88/100-Very Good

Good Red Blend

PepperJack Shiraz Viognier 2005

This Barossa red blend is consistently good quality and value drinking. Fulsome blackberries flood the senses along with spicy plums, soy, aniseed and also some roasted meats. Lively fragrant fruit, silky fine tannins, a satiny finish of red and dark fruits, good oak and nice blending all leave a delicious aftertaste. Try this with penne bolognese.

Drink to 2015. About $23. 91/100 - Excellent.

Bargain Red

Sirromet 820 Above Cabernet Merlot 2005

This is a seriously good value highly drinkable red from Sirromet, Queensland's largest wine producer. Deep dark and brooding, it is gloriously fruit focussed. Blackcurrants, spicy plums, blackberries and lots of red cherries. Good blending, seamless oak and fresh acidity all add to the wine's appeal. Try it with penne with roasted tomato and Italian sausage sauce.

Drink Now to 2010. About $16. 91/100 - Excellent.

Something To Cellar 

Barwick Estates The Collectables Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

This is a limited release estate grown West Australian red from the Blackwood Valley. Nigel Ludlow is the winemaker and he has done a pretty good job putting this one together. Black fruits abound - think blackcurrants, blackberries and spicy plums. Pure and quite intense distinctive fruit. Well oaked yet with seamless integration. Ripe tannins, well roundedness with a delicious mouthfeel with liquorice and coffee mocha nuances on the finish. This should develop nicely over the next few years. Try this with marinated beef ribs.

Drink to 2014. About $25. 92/100 - Excellent.

Affordable White

Smithbrook Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc 2006
 
From this Western Australian producer comes this herbaceous Savvy blanc, full of gooseberries and citrussy lemons, all emitting from the nose. Slatey and minerally notes along with hints of asparagus. Lively fresh acidity plays a supporting role. A lovely long good citrus finish ensues. Try this with Chicken Caesar Salad.
 
Drink Now. About $19. 87/100 - 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.