Paul Ippolito Talks Wine

With Paul Ippolito

Premium Chardonnay 

Tarrawarra Estate Yarra Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2006

Tight and elegant in composition. Refined and well structured. A touch of citrus followed by stonefruits, grilled nuts, cashew oak and a leesy character. Lovely and creamy smoothness in mouthfeel along with a glorious length. The oak and the fruit are in sync and there is a lovely complementing acidity that brings it all together very well indeed. A well balanced premium quality Chardonnay with good cellaring potential. Try it with prawn risotto.

Drink to 2012. About $60. 93/100 – Excellent.

Yarra Valley Chardonnay

De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown Chardonnay 2006

Classically varietal – typically classy elegant Yarra Valley in style, modern Yarra Valley Chardonnay in composition. Typical peach melon aromas to start with, then the complexity ensues with citrus lemons and subtle limes, tight fresh nectarines, melded with cashew oak. Touch of leesy character along with some toastiness and biscuity texture in mouthfeel. Well structured, balanced with lively acidity and a seamless length and delicious mouthfeel, long, lingering and rememberable. Try this with Spaghetti Carbonara.

Drink to 2013. About $35. 92/100 – Excellent.

Premium White Blend

Cullen Mangan Vineyard Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

This Margaret River white blend has been crafted by talented winemaker Vanya Cullen. Whilst it has had some French oak treatment, it remains dry and light. It presents with an array of characters such as green apple, gooseberry, citrus lemons and limes, lemongrass as well as some savoury nuances of asparagus. Toasty and a touch flinty, this is a complex wine that delivers a soft yet vibrant mouthfeel. Try it with grilled marinated chicken.

Drink to 2010. About $37. 93/100 – Excellent.

Summertime Drinking

Juniper Crossing Rose` 2007

A Rose` from this quality Margaret River establishment with the respected Mark Messenger being the winemaker. Strawberries, raspberries and watermelon just gush out, all fresh and vibrant. Delicate rose petals follow. Lively acidity supports the ripe fruit well resulting in good balance and a nice easy finish. Try it with char grilled fish.

Drink Now. About $18. 88/100 – Good.

Boutique Wine

Mount Majura Chardonnay 2006

This is an excellent Chardonnay sourced from Canberra District fruit made by respected wine maker Frank Van De Loo. Classically varietal it is quite forward and upfront stylistically. Stonefruits, citrus lemon, green olives along with a slatey minerality ensues as well as good crisp acidity. A well structured white with seamless luscious fruit in mouthfeel, judiciously oaked and with a lingering tanginess on the finish. Try it with salt and pepper prawns.

Drink to 2010. 92/100 – Excellent. About $20.

Boutique Red

Mulyan Block 9 Shiraz Viognier 2005

A really enjoyable drinking experience ensued from this red blend from this boutique winery from the Cowra area of Central Western NSW. Complexity abounds from the aromas emanating from gaminess, dark sour cherries, forest floor and blueberries. Hints of mushroom and red earth as well. Seamless in mouthfeel, balance and integration, the Viognier is indiscernible but present. Fine tannins, melded oak all augur for a glorious long lingering finish of lifted red and black fruits.

Drink to 2010. About $25. 91/100 – Excellent.

Something To Impress

Saltram Winemaker Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Deep concentrated intense red berry fruits. Liquorice, red earth and spicy fruit cake characters ensues. Powdery fine tannins with a touch of mocha oak as well. The palate rewards with roasted chestnuts, black olives and mulberries provide a savoury dimension to the fruit. A long finish ensues with a delicious moreish seamless balanced mouthfeel, calling for more. Try this with oven baked macaroni.

Drink to 2024. About $60. 93/100-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.