Paul Ippolito Talks Wines

With Paul Ippolito

Coonawarra Red

Koonara Wines Angel’s Peak Coonawarra Shiraz 2004

Dru Reschke has put this excellent red together from the family owned Coonawarra establishment. Youthful vibrant purple, ink staining in the glass. Great aromatics – black fruits with ripe plums, and the ever so light characteristic menthol tinge. Quite an elegant well structured wine with a lovely soft smooth palate and integrated mocha oak and fine tannins. Try it with bbq lamb.

Drink to 2014. About $22. 91/100 – Excellent.

Springtime White Wine Blend

Rosemount Semillon Show Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007
 
Fragrant citrus abounds. Uplifted oranges, lemons and lime resonate. Crisp acidity follows, lingering long with a touch of sweet tropical fruit on the finish. Nice blending and very easy drinking. Try it with bbq octopus.

Drink Now. About $21. 88/100 – Very Good.

West Australian White Blend

Capel Vale Regional Series Pemberton Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Fragrant and fresh, just in time for the warm Spring. Delicate citrussy lemons, straw, green herbs follow – quite floral in presentation as I said but not over the top. Long lingering in palate with good clean citrus fruits flowing. A classy white blend, well put together and just right with grilled barramundi fillets.

Drink Now. About $18. 87/100 – Good.

Boutique Red

Philip Shaw No 17 Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet 2005

This took a while to unwind. Pure spicy fragrant plums abound, violets, blueberries as well. A truly delightful nose that reminds me of Provence in France. Fresh, invigorating and well structured with well melded integrated oak. Raspberries and plums abound on the finish along with fine tannins. Enjoy this with seasoned roast chicken.

Drink to 2009. About $25. 89/100 – Very Good.

Quality White Drinking

Howard Park Western Australia Sauvignon Blanc 2007
 
Gooseberry, green herbs, hints of passionfruit and wild flowers and grassy notes along with mineral hints all from a complex nose. Soft yet pronounced and lively and lifted aromas. Fresh acidity supports and complements the fruit characters well along with crispness on the finish. Delicate in one dimension, elegant in another, very drinkable stuff either way. Try it with smoked salmon.
 
Drink Now. About $25. 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.