Paul Ippolito Talks Wine

With Paul Ippolito

Value Drinking

Windowrie The Mill Central Ranges Chardonnay 2006

Gloriously upfront but in a balanced way. Classically varietal as well. Typical peach melon flavours, well melded oak, a touch of butterscotch, cashews  and other grilled nuts. Long and luscious in mouthfeel, luxuriant in palate delivery. One damn fine Chardonnay folks. Try it with fish and chips.

Drink Now to 2009. About $18. 93/100 – Excellent.

Summer Rose`

Shelmerdine Yarra Valley Rose 2007

When it hot and muggy in the city folks, there is something to be said about a restorative glass or two of chilled Rose’ to rebalance the senses after a long days work. Strawberries, cranberries and raspberries ensue as does watermelon and cherries, a veritable feast of fruit. All of this however is augmented by a dry style of wine, indeed a hint of savouryness but integrated with a depth of long red fruits. Delicious drinking.

Drink Now. About $18. 91/100 – Excellent.

Top Shelf Riesling

Helm Classic Dry Riesling 2007

Made by respected winemaker Ken Helm from free run juice of Canberra district Riesling vines. Brilliant greeny straw in colour. Limes, lemons, more lemons and lime cordial abounds. Juicy and fresh fruit – aromatic, vibrant and impressive in stature and composition. Delicious pure polished fruit oozes down the throat effortlessly. Smooth and a tad creamy on the finish with lively balanced acidity. Seamless drinking indeed. Try this with bbq octopus.

Drink to 2020. About $25. 95/100 – Superb.   

Boutique Drinking

Hahndorf Hill Winery Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Vibrant and refreshingly lifted Savvy Blanc fruit. Not over the top but quite balanced in aroma profile. Tropical fruits abound along with ripe apple and other citric undertones such as lemons. Crisp and lively acidity supports the good fruit characters along with a slight tangy aftertaste. Lingers long and with a very pleasant finish. Would go well with seafood.

Drink Now. About $21. 89/100 – Very Good.

Quality Plus

De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Pinot Noir Rose 2007

A sweet and sour type nose – savoury and ripe in the same breath. Think raspberries, strawberries and ripe watermelons for the primary fruit characters. Rose petals and frangipani as well emanate. On the drier side of the equation generally yet with its fair share of succulent, uplifting and fragrant fruit along with soft lively acidity. Watermelons and strawberries abound on the finish. Try this with grilled prawns.

Drink Now. About $25. 92/100- Excellent.

Yarra Valley Magic

Little Rebel Chardonnay 2006
 
Made out of the Yarra Hill winery in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, this is one very quaffable Chardonnay. Classically varietal and with loads of aromatic nectarine melon along with light cashew oak. A lusciousness ensues that invites fast drinking. Tangy acidity supports the fruit, bringing a crisp finish and a lovely mouth feel. Delicious and affordable drinking. Try it with grilled chicken caesar salad.

Drink Now. About $15. 90/100- Very Good.

Impress The Boss

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. Seamless and long and smooth in finish. 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.

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.