Wine Talk, March 2007

Something Special To Impress

Bidgeebong The Icon Series Chardonnay 2005

This one is an ultra-premium Chardonnay that emanates from this Southern NSW winery with the wine's fruit grown in a single vineyard of the Tumbarumba region and exhibits the qualities that the high standard of grapes grown in that area is renown. A typically cool climate Chardonnay ensues, one with fulsome flavour yet with refinement and finesse and most importantly with eminent drinkability. Lemon yellow, aromatic yet classy in the same sentence, the aromas are all luscious peach and melon, with pineapple and other tropical fruit salad nuances. Opulent in mouthfeel, the wine is forward yet balanced with melded French oak and a soft creaminess ensuing. Beautifully presented and delicious to savour. Drink Now to 2009. About $32.





Value For Money Drinking

Water Wheel Vineyards "Memsie" Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2005

This quality Bendigo producer keeps coming up with the goods in terms of very good wine at very good prices. This Shiraz dominant red blend is no exception. Deep dark blackish purple. Brooding and intoxicating in its aromas with dark black fruits abounding - blackberry, dark currants, liquorice, dark chocolate and a hint of dried herbs making for a savoury ample bodied style of red. Seamless oak, well crafted and blended delivering a smooth silky fine tannin laden finish.
Drink 2006-2012. Great value at $15ish.





Spoil Yourself

Schild Estate Merlot 2005

I have been raving on about Schild Estate wines for quite a few years now. And every time I open a bottle of their stuff I understand why I get so chuffed about their wines. The Schilds', Ed and Michael, are Barossa wine artisans, who work their 55 year old vineyard well, make highly drinkable and more importantly consistently good quality wines, year in year out - at affordable prices. This Merlot is testimony to the Schild way of doing things. Purple with garnet red hues, it is a savoury style, medium bodied with a litany of aromas - think sour red cherries, spicy plums, hints of red earth, fruit spice, black liquorice and cedary oak. A touch of warm alcohol on the nose as well. Smooth, long and seamless on the palate making it a well rounded wine with good acidity, integrated oak and well balanced. Try it with Shepherds Pie.
Drink Now to 2010. About $20.





Cellar This One

Jeanneret Clare Valley Riesling 2006

Ben Jeanneret knows how to make highly drinkable good quality and affordable wines from this Clare Valley boutique winery. Quite elegant at first with restrained tight minerally and chalky citrine characters of lime and green apple. Opens up in the glass with a range of alluring vibrant and toasty nuances, well structured with soft low acidity making it delicious drinking and indulging one with a long mouthfeel. Lingers with a fresh spritz on the finish. Starting to develop and has a long future. Try it with grilled whiting fillets.
Drink now to 2018. $18ish.





Let's Try Something Different

Stringy Brae Riesling 2006

This comes from a Clare Valley boutique winery situated at Seven Hill. An impressive Riesling ensues, bright lemon yellow in colour. Limes and lemons - alluring and fresh abound from it. Floral aromas resonate. Lively, fresh and uplifted with a touch of ripe slightly developed character. This is delightful drinking - soft and approachable on the palate, full of juicy citrine fruit along with soft acidity making it balanced and drinking very well now. Has the capacity to age but as I said very good drinking now.Drink Now to 2013-2015. $20ish.

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Paul Ippolito writes about wine for publications across Australia, overseas and the Internet. He speaks on radio and writes a free monthly wine newsletter for consumers. 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 newsletter. or visit his website at: www.paulippolito.com.au

2007 Reviews

Wine Talk - January 2007
Wine Talk - February 2007
Wine Talk - March 2007
Wine Talk - April 2007

2006 Reviews

Wine Talk - January 06
Wine Talk - February 06
Wine Talk - March 06
Wine Talk - April 06
Wine Talk - May 06
Wine Talk - June 06
Wine Talk - July 06
Wine Talk - August 06
Wine Talk - September 06
Wine Talk - October 06
Wine Talk - November 06
Wine Talk - December 06

2005 Reviews

Wine Talk - March 05
Wine Talk - April 05
Wine Talk - May 05
Wine Talk - June 05
Wine Talk - July 05
Wine Talk - August 05
Wine Talk - September 05
Wine Talk - October 05
Wine Talk - November 05
Wine Talk - December 05

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