Paul Ippolito Talks Wine

With Paul Ippolito

For The Cold Weather

Gartelmann VP Liqueur Shiraz 2005
 
With a good dash of brandy spirit, this Hunter Valley fortified Shiraz is different. Indeed it has intense blueberries, blackberries and spicy plums, but the judicious addition of alcohol has turned it into a wine of substance and big structure. Uplifting floral yet with a warm earthiness to it, it has smoothness in mouth feel and a long lingering finish full of dark berry fruits.
 
Drink to 2015 plus. About $25. 88/100 – Good.

Barossa Red

Richmond Grove Barossa Vineyards Limited Release Shiraz 2003
 
Intense and vibrant red and black fruits abound, flooding the olfactory senses. Cedary oak, liquorice and dark chocolate all play a very well regarded supporting role. Indeed cherries, plums and spicy blackberries fill the mouth with a classy elegant structure. Cigar box oak – well integrated in nature result in a lingering smooth medium bodied wine of value and quality. Try this with grilled chicken breast and mango sauce.
 
Drink to 2013. About $20, but found on special for less. 92/100 – Excellent.

Something Special

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet 2006

Smooth as silk, very fine silk at that. Soft cherry flood the mouth, seamlessly so coating it with a sweetish ripe mouth feel, along with subtle black liquorice, hints of aniseed and good spicy plums. Integrated oak, imparted well supports the good fruit that is there. Smooth fine tannins ensue resulting overall in a delicious well rounded, judiciously blended and very easy drinking red wine, Try this with gourmet bbq sausages.
 
Drink to 2016. About $35. 94/100 – Excellent. 

Boutique White

Kay Brothers Amery Viognier 2007
 
This highly respected McLaren Vale winery is renowned for its reds. So this Viognier has come pretty much from left field to me. Nonetheless, it is delivered with deep and luscious character. Aromatically spicy and soothing through its aromas, hints of melon, citrus lemon and musk intermingle gloriously through the senses. Smooth, long and well rounded, there is a mouth filling deliciousness that ensues, delighting the palate. Medium to ample bodied in style, try this with salt and pepper squid.
 
Drink Now. About $20. 88/100 – Good. 

Value Drinking

Saltram Mamre Brook Barossa Shiraz 2005

Spicy deep blackberry filled aromas put you on notice. Blueberries, blackcurrants, ripe plums all follow. Fulsome upfront fruit, inky glass staining purple – youthful and vibrant in their presentation and character. A touch of rawness and liquorice, all indicating a promising future. The oak is present, good, integrated yet also married to the fruit in a manner that delivers delicious seamless smooth drinking with fine long tannins at the end. Try this with bbq pork ribs.
 
Drink to 2015 plus. About $27, but regularly discounted. 91/100 – Excellent.

Celebratory Drinking

Chandon Z.D Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2004
 
ZD has that sleekness, exoticness and a sense of class to it all rolled into one. Unsurprisingly Chandon produce it. Crown sealed. Tight, elegant and full of restraint and promise, citrine influences project, followed by a toastiness and dry character, with a hint of chalkiness as well. Quite an intense set of aromas once opened up. Light nectarine and lemons emit themselves onto the palate with delicacy yet also a certain presence, followed by a long lingering crisp finish. Try this with your Valentine.
 
Drink to 2012. About $40. 93/100 – Excellent.

Warm Weather Rose`

Green Point Pinot Noir Rose` 2007
 
Gloriously light. Oozing of watermelon, strawberries, cherries and raspberries. Well rounded, lively acidity with a good finish. Deliciously easy drinking gliding down the throat effortlessly. Long, taut and elegant, a stylish Rose` and pretty top class stuff indeed. Try it with a plate of tapas.
 
Drink Now. About $22. 90/100 – Very Good.

Terra Felix La Vie En Rose` 2007
 
Deep dark raspberry fruits – cherries, strawberries and raspberries – lashings of them. Lusciously delivered, upfront and succulent. Ripe, intense and well developed, smooth and long on the finish. Try this with chicken and glass noodle salad.
 
Drink Now. About $15. 87/100 - Good.

For The Cellar 

The Olssen Six 2005
 
This is a classic red blend from this boutique winery. Consisting predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, the remaining of the “six” are Carmenere, Malbec and Petit Verdot. What ensues is a powerful, robust and complex red. It is also quite restrained at first and takes some time to unwind, such is the stature of this red. The red and black fruits are well melded and blended together, forming good alliances. Deep dark blackberries, spicy pure plums, blueberries, cherries all ensue along with liquorice and dark chocolate as well as spicy fruit cake. Quite thick and viscous in mouth feel, good but not overwhelming alcohol, this red is not for the faint hearted. Yes the oak is there quite firmly but it has the fruit to support it as well and quite good acidity along with assertive lingering tannins, all auguring for a long future. Try this with roast beef.
 
Drink to 2020. About $65. 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.