Paul Ippolito's Wines of the Week

With Paul Ippolito

Howard Park WA Chardonnay 2006.
 
Tight stone fruits from this excellent WA Chardonnay from one of Australia’s finest wine producers. Hints of lees add to the dimension and complexity of the wine, along with citrus overtones etc, touches of oatmeal, wet stones and a certain minerality that only adds to the classiness and elegance of it. Soft smooth peaches and melon provide a delicious mouth feel. An elegant and classy wine that is flavoursome, long and rounded in the finish.
 
Drink to 2016. About $38. 93/100- Excellent.

Climbing Shiraz 2006
 
A stack of medals on the front of the bottle captures your attention at first. This Mediterranean style Shiraz from the Orange region in Central NSW certainly is a respectable red. Its aromatics are very neat with luscious vibrant and yet distinctively spicy fruits emanating. A distinctive fruit driven wine yet with a savoury element- think black olives and an earthiness. Stylish with loads of blackberry and plum on the finish, long and lingering. Try this with rabbit pie.
 
Drink to 2012. About $20. 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.