Paul Ippolito Talks Wine

With Paul Ippolito

Majella Coonawarra The Malleea 2004

A classic Australian blend of Cabernet Shiraz, this is the most intense deep dark and dense of aromas. Powerful blue and black fruits tightly knit unwind ever so majestically. Coonawarra menthol characters abound, in what transpires to be a solid muscular red blend, still in its youth with a long future ahead of it. Glossy oak, spicy fruit with a hint of nutmeg, a touch of smoky character, tobacco and mulberry all give the wine its distinguishedness. Try it with a rack of pork ribs.

Drink to 2024 plus. About $75. 93/100 – Excellent.

Kay Brothers Amery Merlot 2005

Rich ripe luxuriant pure plums, luscious and succulent in nature. Brooding, ever so slowly revealing layer upon layer of aromas. Blackcurrants, aniseed and liquorice also flow on from this. Coffee mocha oak, judiciously applied, supporting the fruit well. A balanced wine of substance and refinement. An elegant Merlot yet of character and personality, revealing itself with time. Soft well rounded and fruit flavour focused in mouthfeel. A good food wine to try with baked lamb.

Drink to 2010. About $30. 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.