Wolf Blass Eaglehawk Range

With Paul Ippolito

'Tis the season to pay credit card off - tralla lalala lala la la. Yep, it doesn't have the same kind of festive ring, does it?

But by now, any festive spirit is starting to wane well and truly in the face of a paltry bank balance which is looking a tad worse for wear, post Xmas excess and New Year sales.

This means back to work for most of us to earn some more dollars, but does not necessarily mean the end of partaking in some more vinous cheer.

Indeed, the Wolf Blass Eaglehawk range has long espoused itself as a brand synonymous with good quality wine, ones that you can depend on year in, year out.

And, I tell you, you can afford to have a daily drop of these at the under $10 per bottle mark without upsetting your bank manager any further!

Here is my take on the latest releases for the Eaglehawk range:

Riesling 2005 - lemon yellow - tropical and citrine nose - limes and lemons abound - quite aromatic and fresh - crisp clean fruit driven on the palate - soft and lingers long. Best sampled alongside a Thai beef salad.

Semillon Chardonnay 2005 - lemon - straw, citrus lemon and limes, lanolin, lightly spiced, well blended, citrus on the palate, lingers long. A good food match is with smoked salmon carpaccio.

Chardonnay 2005 - mid yellow - classic tight peach and melon, quite luscious - smooth creamy oak, well rounded, full flavoured - long finish. Try drinking this one with a simple spaghetti carbonara meal.

Rosè 2005 - fire engine cherry red - strawberry and raspberry galore - fruity and upfront - lovely well rounded balanced fruit with good lively acidity and a drinkability that just implores for fresh oysters and prawns.

Merlot 2004 - mid crimson brick red - spicy raspberry and plums, good alcohol, warm and soothing, a touch of smokiness. Soft and smooth on the palate with a long finish, fruit driven and a very good food match for a lasagna dish.

Shiraz Merlot Cabernet 2004 - mid crimson purple - ripe rich blackberries and plum, a touch of blackcurrant, well blended, good spicy oak, good firm tannins - quite a strong flavoured robust wine. This one is good with beef kebabs.

Shiraz 2004 - deep crimson purple - brooding dark spicy berry fruit with predominant blackberry characters. Soft, smooth and mellow on the palate. Quite elegant, not over the top nor overripe. Just right with grilled chorizo sausages.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - youthful purple - pure blackcurrant juice - well integrated oak, well balanced, gorgeously fruit driven and drinkable in its youth. Quite soft and smooth with lingering berry fruit finish. Drink with a tasty BBQ rump.

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.