Paul Ippolito Talks NZ Wine

With Paul Ippolito

Something Special To Impress

Clos Henri Pinot Noir Marlborough 2005
Cherry red. Vibrant and yet intense. Spicy and a touch smoky. This is a complex wine with a polished pure and distinctive fruit set. Seriously fruit driven – vibrant cherry, luscious plums and ripe cranberries along with a touch of game and forest floor. Good alcohol, soft acidity all leading to a seamless well rounded finish. Try this with roast duck. Drink 2006-2012. $35ish. 92/100.  

Indulge Yourself

Kathy Lynskey Wines Pinot Gris Marlborough 2006
Classically light straw. Aromatic and luscious. Typically gris. Vibrant perfumed musk, hints of lychee, resplendent pears and green apples with spicy essences. Soft smooth and well rounded on the palate. A velvety mouthfeel ensues which finishes with good acidity. Try this with fettuccine carbonara. Drink 2006-2009. $30ish. 91/100.

Value Drinking

Muddy Water Chardonnay Waipara 2004.
Yes this is value drinking for the quality you get here. Light lemon yellow. French Burgundian in style. Classic with earthy, minerally, citrus and tropical hints. A complex set of aromas exude purity, elegance and polished refinement. Soft acidity, judiciously oaked and a balanced well integrated Chardonnay follows. Beautiful drinking. Try it with lobster tails. Drink 2006-2012. $35ish. 93/100.

Discover Something Different

Pegasus Bay Riesling Waipara 06
Made in the Spaetlese slight sweet style. Gorgeously aromatic with oozing fragances of spice, pears, tropical fruits and citrus. Light, succulent and resplendent with a burst of tropical flavours on the palate and a lingering touch spritz finish. Try with mango crème brulee’ Drink 2006-2009. $32ish. 92/100.

A Drink For Everyday

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006
A watery white to pale straw colour. A classy wine with classic varietal gooseberry and herbaceous notes. Citrine and lovely lemongrass infuses the nose. Good crisp acidity supports the fruit leading to a well balanced lingering finish. Moreish. Value and easy drinking. A good Summer wine. $19ish. Try with crab cakes. 89/100.  

Put This In The Cellar

Jackson Estate Pinot Noir Marlborough 2005
Bright crimson plum in colour. Young vibrant and fresh. Deep and intense fruit – think plums and sour cherries with strawberries to boot. Earthy characters, a touch of game and truffles all add to the complexity of this stylish drop. Lingers long with good soft acidity, the tight fruit flavours auguring for a long future. Drink 2006 – 2015. $40ish. 91/100.

Holiday Drinking

Sentinel Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006
Water white straw. Aromatic with lots of pure tropical aromas along with a touch of gooseberry and green herbs. Vibrant and polished, fresh, crisp and a touch of tang. Gooseberry, citrus and a hint of herbeousness on the palate. Soft well rounded acidity supports the fruit making it very delicious drinking. $35ish. Try this with brandy pate` on toasted croutons. Drink Between 2006-2009. 90/100.

A Very Bubbly Drop

Pelorus Vintage Sparkling Marlborough 2002
This is hot hot hot! Gloriously vibrant pale lemon yellow, it evokes fine tightly knit citrine lemon characters. Very restrained at first then opens up like a flower. Very polished with a firm solid acidity giving the wine structure. A soft creamy mouthfeel follows with a smooth lingering finish. Really delicious stuff. Try this with fresh oysters. Drink 2006 -2012. $43ish. 91/100.

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, overseas and the Internet. He has spoken on ABC radio and writes a free monthly wine newsletter. Email him to subscribe..

About Paul Ippolito.