Paul Ippolito Talks Wine "Christmas Special"

With Paul Ippolito

Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Deep dark brooding inky purplish crimson. Spicy blackberries ensue as due succulent rich plums, blackcurrant follow as does integrated perfumed cedary oak. A robust red wine of substance and gravitas. The fruit does the talking here with loads of black and red fruit emanating in mouthfeel but also along with a savoury dimension along with fine lingering tannins. Perfect drinking now and with a good future. Try this with Greek lamb.

Drink to 2020. Around $40. 95/100 – Superb.

Good White Blend

Sandalford Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007

West Australian from the Margaret River in origin. Light and fragrant. Green herbs, grassy and citrine in primary aromas. Delicate and fresh in one dimension and pronounced and lively in another. Delicious ripe fruit with citrus lemon and limes as well as tropical fruit flavours on the palate ending with crispness. Try it with grilled marinated bbq octopus.

Drink Now. About $22. 89/100- Very Good.

Something To Impress

Seppelt St Peters Grampian Shiraz 2005

Intense black fruits, hints of spice, luscious plums and deep dark cherries fill the aromas. A succulent mouth feel along with a light earthiness and savoury character. Deep and robust, effortless smooth long red wine drinking – seamless fine tannins and well rounded integrated oak characters ensue. A well crafted balanced soft smooth drinking Shiraz with a mid to long term drinking future. Really top shelf stuff. Try it with Wagyu beef.

Drink to 2018. About $60. 95/100 – Superb.

Quality Pinot Noir

Giant Steps Yarra Valley Sexton Vineyard 2005 Pinot Noir

Deep and intense in aromas. Gaminess adding to the fruits of ripe cherry and luscious strawberries with red raspberries along with black truffles, all abounding and intermixed. A medium bodied quite stylish Pinot Noir, smooth, ripe with fine tannins, a touch of earthy character and a long fulsome cherry laden finish. Try this with roast pork fillets.

Drink to 2012. About $30. 94/100 – Excellent.

Good Red Blend

Nugan Estate Alfred Frasca’s Lane Vineyard Sangiovese Merlot 2005

Sangiovese Merlot blends seem to go really well together – they just seem to complement each other just beautifully. This red blend has a lovely savoury dimension but also has loads of ripe cherries and plums. Hints of allspice and a nice earthiness with hints of game and smoky edges complete what is quite a complex nose. Try it with bbq pork ribs.

Drink to 2013. About $23. 91/100 – Excellent.

Quality Riesling

Elderton Friends Vineyard Series Riesling 2007

This Riesling won the vox populi award in our household recently as evidenced by me only getting a taste as opposed to everyone else getting a drink (or two). Anyway the people have spoken (with their mouths, in this case). Abundant rose petals, frangipani and musk flood the senses. Citrus lemons, ripe limes follow with fragrance and florality. Inviting and invigorating it is soft and creamy on the palate with a well rounded and supple acidity with limes long on the finish. Try this with salt and pepper prawns.

Drink to 2010. About $19. 92/100 – Excellent.

One For The Cellar

Lindemans Limestone Ridge Vineyard Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet 2004

Powerful, complex and intense. Good cedary oak, with smoky nuances. Spicy plums, juicy blackcurrants, blackberries and mulberries. Quite a potent nose. Liveliness in the body, a red blend with style and grace with a delicious mouth feel. Ultra fine smooth tannins - balanced with integrated oak and well structured and blended overall. Try this with grilled lamb fillets.

Drink to 2020. About $55. 94/100- Excellent.

Quality Chardonnay

Tulloch Eileen Mary Chardonnay 2006

Complex, luscious and impressive. Polished delicious stone fruits with a persistent distinctiveness. Serious, ample and muscular, with an extended length and good vanilla, cashew nut oak. Melon and tropical fruits with hints of butterscotch on the finish make for a delightful drinking experience.  Try it with a seafood platter.

Drink to 2012. About $28. 94/100 – Excellent.

One To Go With Seafood

Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2007

Aromatic fresh limes and lemons. Intense limes in fact – ripe and upfront. Delightful fragrant orchard fruit abounds. Quite luscious and well rounded, soft smooth acidity, well structured with fruit doing the talking and a long well developed palate with a lovely supple mouth feel. Try this with salt and pepper squid.

Drink to 2012. About $22. 91/100 – Excellent. 

Value Drinking

Rosemount Show Reserve Chardonnay 2006

Upfront peach characters then tropical fruits followed by citrus nuances and then melded with good cashew oak from the nose this Show Reserve label. Quite tight at first in unwinding aromas announcing a very well put together wine. Lashing of peach nectar freshness with vibrancy on the finish. Try this with Thai green curry.

Drink to 2011. About $21. 91/100 – 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.