Outram Estate Wines
With Paul Ippolito
Pikes This
boutique Clare Valley winery in South Australia is receiving many
accolades for their wines and rightly so. Traditionally its Riesling
was its benchmark varietal for receiving such praise and "The Merle",
their premier wine is no exception, especially this vintage but one of
their other whites, this Viognier requires some attention as well. “Gill’s Farm” Viognier 2004 In
a time where every man and his dog seem to be making Viognier, this is
a standout example of how to do it properly. Just beautiful summer
drinking with its translucent lemon yellow colour and its array of
gorgeous aromas. Think honeysuckle, ripe lemon and smooth apricots
which carry over with a lovely mouth feel of flavoursome luscious fruit
characters. All of this is supported by a lively but not over top fruit
acidity. Top notch stuff and really good with Asian cuisine such as
salt and pepper calamari. At about $18, there is no excuse not to try
some. “The Merle” Riesling 2005 This is the
pinnacle Riesling in the Pike portfolio. It is named in honour after
the Pike Matriarch, Merle Pike. An exquisite wine emanates with purity
of fruit dominating. Pale straw in colour, it is aromatic and at the
same time, elegant. It delivers pure lime juice with citrus characters
and tropical fruit hints. Some pear and almond also interact with the
above. Soft, smooth and well rounded on the palate with just right
acidity. A rush of citrus lemon and lime that lingers flows through on
the finish. Have with Thai style prawn and calamari salad. Well priced
at around $30. An excellent wine. General features of Merlot:
 The taste/aroma is predominantly fruity and peppery - berries
such as blackberry, blackcurrant, raspberry and also plum
- with a delightful, silky feel.
The beauty of Merlot is that it's a lovely wine to drink now
- but does not require lengthy periods of storage to come
of age.
Perfect to enjoy with red meat, such as steak, roast lamb,
kangaroo, and other game -- but no one will look away in disgust
if you care to savour it with a good white meat or platter
of fish.
Paul can be contacted by email at Paul_Ippolito@hotmail.com
where you can also request to be placed on his mailing list
for his wine newsletter.
About Paul Ippolito.
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