Wine Talk, May 2007

Fox Creek McLaren Vale Sauvignon Blanc 2006.

Fox Creek is a McLaren Vale South Australian producer more renown for their reds than whites. This Savvy Blanc is a youthful fresh light lemon colour. Minerally overtones as well as citrus lemons and crisp green apples abound with a hint of gooseberry. Fragrant with soft acidity makes for a well rounded white wine that drinks nice and easily. Try this with herb crusted barramundi fillets.

Drink Now. About $16.

Hope Estate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005

Michael Hope has established this Hunter Valley based winery from the former Rothbury Estate infrastructure. This white blend is sourced from grapes grown in his Western Australian Margaret River vineyard and is pale straw in colour and light, fresh and breezy in nature. Made in a dry style with soft lively acidity, you get classic savoury aromas such as asparagus, green peas, tomato bush, as well as citrus lemon and limes along with tropical fruit undertones. Well blended and nice easy drinking. Try this with a Chicken Caesar salad.

Drink Now. About $20.

Adinfern Merlot 2004

This one also comes from the Margaret River region in Western Australia. It is a pleasant easy drinking velvety smooth red that is food friendly as well. Plums, blackberry and a hint of rhubarb on the nose, with smooth soft fruit flavours on the palate. The oak is well integrated and fine tannins indicate it should hold for a while yet. Try this with lasagna.

Drink Now to 2010. About $25.

Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2005

Deep dark reddish crimson. Alluring and concentrated aromas - think cherry, raspberry, earthy mushrooms, aniseed - all quite distinct. Smooth and delicious in mouthfeel - the red fruits dominate, with noticeable alcohol, silky fine tannins and integrated oak. Some gameyness and crush black pepper nuances as well. A lovely medium bodied wine that should cellar well and gain further complexity. Try this with spaghetti with gourmet meatballs (I did!).

Drink Now to 2017. About $23.

Lillydale Estate Cabernet Merlot 2002

Dark reddish in colour. Well blended with good age development. Classically varietal Cabernet with full upfront blackcurrant characters, cedary oak, spiciness, black pepper and ripe plums from the Merlot. Intense and complex aromas with good alcohol. Medium bodied and soft in style, with a good structure, fine tannins and a lovely long finish. A very nice easy drinking well developed red from a quality Yarra Valley producer under the McWilliams stable of wines, and a wine that shows why these two red varietals are so perfectly matched together. Try it with gourmet beef pie.

Drink Now to 2012. About $22.

Rutherglen Estates Viognier 2006

From a winery based in Rutherglen, Victoria as you would rightly expect from the name. Greeny straw and youthfully vibrant. Citrussy lemon, honeysuckle, apricots along with minerally and slatey characters off the aroma. Lively acidity with a crisp finish that lingers long and with a medium dry finish. A pleasant dry white wine. Try it with grilled baby calamari.

Drink Now to 2009. About $20.

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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 available at: www.paulippolito.com.au

2007 Reviews

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