With no preface whatever (this post is going to be long enough as is), following are my tasting notes from recent visits to the wineries of Amphorae, Margalit, Alexander, Vitkin and Zemora.
Best,
Rogov
AMPHORAE
Amphorae, Chardonnay, 2003 (Barrel Tasting):Deep gold in color with orange reflections, this medium- to full-bodied white reflects its 12 months in barriques with complex, rich and concentrated aromas and flavors of figs, tangerines, nectarines and hazelnuts. Light buttery-oak shadings on the finish add a sense of understated elegance. Best white to date from Amphorae. Drink from release-2008, perhaps longer. Tentative Score 91-93. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae, Cabernet Franc, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Deep garnet, with bright raspberry and plum flavors, this dark, rich and plush wine shows thick, earthy tannins and gamy currant and cedar wood aromas and flavors. With generous firm tannins this is not destined to be so much an elegant wine as it is to be powerful and complex. Needs time. Best from 2007-2012. Tentative Score 90-92. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae, Shiraz, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Firm and well structrued, with chunky tannins and a solid core of leather, earth, currants, blackberries, anise and violet aromas and flavors that yield on the long finish to mocha and toffee. Needs time to show its elegance. Best 2007-2012. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae, Merlot, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): True to its varietal characteristics, this outstanding Merlot offers cherry, currant, anise and cedar aromas and flavors, those coming together nicely with still firm tannins and the judicious use of oak. Concentrated, elegant, graceful and long, the wine needs time to come into its own. Best from 2006–2010. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Blended with a small percentage of Petite Sirah, this full-bodied, harmonious wine shows excellent balance between still firm tannins, wood, and juicy currant and cherry fruits and spices. With intriguing raspberry, chocolate and mocha flavors on the finish, this is a complex and delicious wine. Best 2006–2011. Tentative Score 91-93. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae,Rhyton, 2003 (Advance Tasting): A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 4% of Shiraz and Merlot, reflecting nearly 24 months in used oak with a gently felt oak influence, well integrating tannins and medium-body. On the nose andpalate black fruits, white chocolate and a welcome hint of spiciness. Drink now-2008. Score 89. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Amphorae, Med.Red 2003: Deep garnet red in color, medium-bodied, with spicy oak balanced and soft tannins backed up nicely by blackcurrant and black cherry fruits. An oak aged blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, with appealing wild berries and spices on the moderately-long finish. Drink now-2008. Score 89. (Tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Also three re-tastings, the first of which showing somewhat more aromatic than earlier, the second two that follow holding firmly from earlier experiences.
Amphorae, Merlot, 2001: Medium to full-bodied, with its firm tannins now integrating nicely and with tempting berries, plums, herbs and light spices and more aromatic now than during earlier tastings, this is a wine that clearly reflects its Mediterranean terroir. Good balance and structure and a long ripe finish. Drink now–2008. Score 90. (Re-tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Rhyton, 2002: Medium-bodied, with overall good balance between soft tannins, a gentle hand with the wood and almost sweet currant and berry aromas and flavors. Soft and flavorful. Drink now– 2007. Score 88. (Re-tasted 16 Feb 2005)
Rhyton, 2001: This medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah from 25-30-year-old vines has soft, well-integrated tannins and abundant currant and berry aromas and flavors, all leading to an almost sweet fruity finish. Soft and comfortable on the palate. Drink now–2006. Score 89. (Re-tasted 16 Feb 2005)
ALEXANDER
Alexander the Great, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Youthful deep royal purple,full-bodied and with firm tannins well-balanced, by complex currant, herb, mineral and herbal aromas and flavors. Generous and long. Best 2007-2010. Tentative Score 88-90. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander the Great, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Medium- to full-bodied, with chunky tannins and a touch of herbaceousness that add an appealing rustic earthiness. Mocha, currant, plum, spice and cedar aromas and flavors lead to a rich, concentrated and firm wine with ample tannins for bottle aging. Best 2007-2011. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander the Great, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 (Advance Tasting): A full-bodied, well bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% of Merlot. Generous tannins and wood here, the tannins now integrating to reveal the promised blackcurrant, berry and sweet cedar aromas and flavors, all leading to a comfortably long finish. Best now-2008. Score 90. (Re-tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Medium- to full-bodied, with gripping tannins and wood needing time to settle down but inherent good balance that bodes well for the future. A fruity, mouthfilling wine that will drink well from release-2009. Tentative Score 87-89. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Not as aromatic as earlier editions of the wine but opening to a tempting array of flavors, those including black fruits, Mediterranean herbs and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a moderately long vanilla and mint finish. Best 2006-2008. Tentative Score 87-89. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 (Advance Tasting): Deep royal purple in color, with tannins now integrating nicely, and showing good black currant, berry and earthy-herbal aromas and flavors, but lacking somewhat in depth and length. Drink now. Score 86. (Re-tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Merlot, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Deep cherry red, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and promising to be round and fruity. On the nose and palate plums, black cherries and hints of pepper and nutmeg. Best from release-2008. Tentative Score 86-88. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Merlot, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Well-balanced with ripe plum, black cherry currant, sweet cedar and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Smooth, supple, with soft tannins and a hint of mocha on the finish. A wine more on the palate than for the nose. Best from release-2008. Tentative Score 87-89. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Merlot, 2002 (Advance Tasting): Medium- to full-bodied, with anise and menthol aromas and flavors backing up cherry, plum and currant fruits. As the wine opens on the palate look as well for
Layers of green olives, herbs and tobacco. Elegant and supple but not meant for long-term cellaring. Drink now-2007. Score 89. (Re-tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Alexander, Chardonnay, Lisa, 2003: Deep golden in color, this oak aged, medium- to full-bodied white shows a tempting array of melon, pear and summer fruits, those backed up by moderate oak and a gentle creme brule finish. Drink now-2008. Score 89. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
Sandro, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Medium bodied, dark garnet in color, with soft tannins and reflecting a gentle hand with the wood, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offers up currant, cranberry and red plum fruits. Soft, round and easy to drink. Best now-2007. Score 87. (Tasted 21 Feb 2005)
MARGALIT
Margalit, Cabernet Franc, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Almost impenetrable deep purple in color, full-bodied, with excellent balance between soft, almost luxurious tannins and a tempting array of dark plum, wild berry and herbal aromas and flavors. Oak-aged, with the addition of 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is mouthfilling and long, showing a tantalizing hint of mint on the finish. Best from 2006-2011. Score 91. (Tasted 7 Feb 2005)
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Full-bodied and intense, but rich and well balanced, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, both from the Kadita vineyard is loaded with complex earthy currant, black cherry, anise and mocha aromas and flavors, those well set off by generous but smooth tannins. Look for an appealing leathery sensation on the long finish. Best 2006-2012. Score 91. (Tasted 7 Feb 2005)
Margalit, Enigma, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Most definitely not a second wine of which Margalit says "some do second wines to make money but we don't need the money" but contaiing 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 12% of CabernetFranc, the first true blend from the winery and a rousing success, destined to become an "in" wine. Rich, ripe and polished, remarkably round and approachable considering its youth, already showing complex currant, plum and wild berry aromas and flavors, those well focused and long. A beautifully crafted wine. Best from release-2009, perhaps longer. Score 91. (Tasted 7 Feb 2005)
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Needs time to develop but when it does, oh boy! Rich,ripe and concntrated, with layer after layer of dark plum, currant, anise, mocha, black cherrries and sage. An oak aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (87% and 13% respectively), this distinctly Old World wine has excellent balance between wood, lively acidity and well-integrated tannins. Complex and long, best starting only in 2008 and then cellaring well at least until 2013. Score 93. (Tasted 7 Feb 2005)
While at the winery, I also did re-tastings of the 2002, 2001 and 2000 Margalit's Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: This full-bodied, well-balanced blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc is concentrated, its once firm tannins softening now and showing tempting aromas and flavors of black currants, berries and game meat, together with a long finish. A complex and sophisticated wine. Best 2006–2012 or longer. Score 92. (Re-tasted 7 Feb 2005)
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001: A distinctly Old World wine, this dark, dense and richly flavored oak-aged blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot has generous currant, blackberry, sage and mineral aromas and flavors. Still firm tannins but those integrating nicely now showing structure and balance that bodes well for future development. The long finish yields tempting coffee, dark chocolate and hints of licorice and mint. Drink now–2012. Score 93. (Re-tasted 7 Feb 2005)
Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000: This full-bodied, still tannic blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot still has some rough edges but is finally beginning to come into its own. Look for an abundance of raspberry, black cherry, sage, and spicy aromas and flavors, all with delicious leathery, cedar wood overtones. Drink now–2008. Score 91.(Re-tasted 7 Feb 2005)
VITKIN
Vitkin, Blanc, 2003: Light- to medium-bodied, this lively unoaked blend of 60% Viognier and 40% French Colombard offers pleasant notes of lime and orange peel. Clean and refreshing, a good quaffer. Drink now. Score 85. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Riesling, 2003: Made from Johannisberg Riesling grapes, this deep golden straw colored, medium-bodied wine shows aromas and lightly spicy flavors of citrus, green gage plums and spring flowers. Drink now. Score 86. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Gewurztrmainer, 2003: Made entirely from Gewurztraminer grapes and developed on its lees in stainless steel, this medium-bodied dry white is generous with its traditional Gewurztraminer flavors and aromas of litchis, and spicy summer fruits. Drink now-2007. Score 86. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Late Harvest Riesling, 2003: Medium-bodied, thick in texture and unabashedly sweet, this dessert wine offers aromas and flavors of dried peaches, orange peel and wild flowers. Good balancing acidity adds liveliness. Drink now-2007. Score 85. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Rose, 2004: A blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Carignan (50%, 30% and 20% respectively), not so much pink but bright cherry red, a light, dry and lively quaffing wine, with aromas andflvors of strawberry, cassis and orange peel. A fun wine. Drink now. Score 85. (Tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Pinot Noir, 2003: Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes from the Jerusalem Mountains and aged in used oak for about 12 months, this deep cherry towards garnet, medium-bodied, very softly tannic wine offers up appealing berry-cherry fruits on a background of vanilla and mocha. A not overly complex wine but a very pleasant one. Drink now-2007. Score 87. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Classic, 2003: An unlikely blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and25% Carignan each vinified separately and aged in oak for six months before blending and another six months in oak. Medium-bodied, with soft, perhaps flabby tannins, and with berry-cherry and currant flavors but somehow the wine fails to pull together. Perhaps better with bottle age. Meant for drinking in its youth. Score 85. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Carignan, 2003: An oak aged red, with 10% of Petit Verdot added. Dark garnet red, reflecting its year in French oak barrels with generous smoke and vanilla, those matched nicely by soft tannins and generous plum and wild berry fruits. Drink now-2007. Score 87. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Cabernet Franc, 2003: A medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (90%, 6% and4% respectively) and aged in used oak for about 12 months, this deep cherry towards garnet, medium-bodied, very softly tannic wine offers up appealing berry, cherry and currant fruits on a background of vanilla and mocha. Drink now-2008. Score 87. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
Vitkin, Petite Sirah, 2003: Dark ruby towards garnet, this medium-to full-bodied, and moderately tannic blend of 90% Petite Sirah and 10% Cabernet Franc developed for 14months in oak. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and purple plums and a long spicy finish. Drink now-2007. Score 86. (Re-tasted 2 Feb 2005)
ZEMORA
Zemora, Chardonnay, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Dark golden-straw in color, medium- to full-bodied, with pineapple, guava and citrus fruits on a generously oaked but creamy background. Drink from release-2007. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Red, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): A blend of Cabneret Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz (70%, 24% and 6% respectively), the grapes blended before oak aging. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins, generous spicy-smoky oak and appealing plum, berry and cassis fruits. Round and mouthfilling but lacking length. Tentative Score 84-86. K (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Blended with 15% of Merlot, this oak aged wine alreadys shows overall good balance, medium- to full-body and soft tannins that promise to integrate nicely. Look for an array of plum, blackcurrant, orange peel and light herbal aromas and flavors. Best 2006-2009. Tentative Score 86-88. (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Cabernet Franc, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Made from grapes from the Meron vineyards, this medium-bodied red shows chunky, country-style tannins, a generous hand with the oak reflecting a good deal of smoke and vanilla, those making the plum and berry flavors somewhat difficult to find. Perhaps better with time. Tentative Score 84-86. (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Sangiovese, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Blended with 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon but still on lacking backbone and with rather flabby tannins. Light- to medium-bodied, perhaps even a bit dilute on the palate with skimpy berry-black cherry fruits. One dimensional and short. Score 84. (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Medium bodied, with chunky, country-style tannins but showing nicely on the nose and palate with currant, wild berry and spicy aromas and flavors. A good entry-level wine. Score 85. (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Merlot, 2002: My earlier tasting notes hold firmly: Medium-bodied, with gentle tannins and appealing berry, black cherry, anise and black pepper aromas and flavors, together with very generous wood that will not be to everyone’s taste. Drink now–2007. Score 86. (Re-tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Red, 2001: A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot that reflects its 24 months in barriques with a rather heavy hand of smoky oak. Low in tannins, round and with uncomplicated black fruits, an acceptable enough entry-level wine. Drink up. Score 84. (Tasted 3 Feb 2005)
Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 (Advance Tasting): My earlier tasting note hold firmly: Garnet toward deep purple in color, this medium to full-bodied, softly tannic wine shows appealing currants, wild berries and spices, along with a generous hint of sweet cedar on the finish. Has a somewhat heavy hand with the oak. Best 2005–2007. Score 86.
RAMIM
Ramim, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is best described as wood-driven, the smoky oak and tannins so dominant that they all but surpress whatever black fruits that struggle, not successfully to make themselves felt. Drink up. TentativeScore 81-83. (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Aged for 15 months in 400 liter Hungarian oak barrels, this deep cherry-red toward garnet wine shows solid tannins, those well balanced by vanilla and spiciness from the wood and a generous array of black currant and blackberry fruits. Just enough spiciness here to gain your attention. Drink now–2007. Score 86. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Deep garnet in color, medium-bodied, and when first poured showing somewhat coarse tannins that tend to dominate. Reflecting 15 months in oak with firm tannins and vanilla but given considerable time in the glass these recede and allow the currant, berry and black cherry flavors to show through. Time may help a bit. Drink now–2007. Score 85. 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001: Blended with 14% of Merlot and aged in oak for 18 months, this medium to full-bodied country-style wine shows generous chunky tannins, those melding nicely with plum, blackberry and cassis flavors. Some spices coming in from mid-palate and leading to a medium-long finish. Drink now. Score 85.(Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Merlot, Reserve, 2003 (BarrelTasting): Dark garnet red, medium- to full-bodied, with sweet, soft tannins and gentle wood all serving nicely to allow tempting plum, currant and herbal flavors to make themselves felt nicely. On the long,mouthfilling finish hints of eucalyptus and chocolate. Perhaps the best wine to date from Ramim. Tentative Score 87-89. K. (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Merlot, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Aged in small oak casks, with just firm enough tannins balanced nicely by vanilla and spices from the wood, the wine shows good spicy plum and black cherry fruits as well as hints of tobacco and cocoa on the long finish. Best 2005–2008. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim Special Reserve, Merlot, 2002: Dark, almost impenetrable garnet towards black, aged in barrels for a lengthy 29 months, now so dominated by wood that it is difficult to find either the tannins or the fruits here. Drink up. Score 82. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Merlot, 2001: With the addition of 14% Cabernet Sauvignon to add backbone, this medium-bodied, moderately tannic wine shows a modest band of currant and plum fruits, those on a background of spices and Mediterranean herbs. An unwelcome note of earthiness that comes in on the finish. Drink up. Score 82. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Merlot, 2000: A pleasant little country-style wine, deep purple in color, with somewhat coarse tannins but those set off nicely by generous berry, cherry and currant flavors and an appealing herbaceousness that comes in from mid-palate. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5%Cabernet Sauvignon, that was oak aged for 18 months, the wine is not meant for further cellaring. Drink up. Score 82. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): A deep garnet, medium-bodied blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, aged in oak for about six months. Soft tannins and good balance allow tempting aromas and flavors of ripe berries and plums as well as hints of sweet cedar and vanilla that make themselves nicely felt. Best from release-2008. Tentative Score 86-88. K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2003: Aged in small oak barrels for six months, a pot-pourri of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah (54%, 31%, 8% and 7% respectively). Dark purple, medium-bodied with soft tannins and berry, currant and plum fruits on a lightly earthy-vanilla background. Somewhat short on the finish but a good quaffer. .Score 85. K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2002: Garnet toward purple in color, this medium to full-bodied oak-aged blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot shows generous and well integrating tannins and an appealing array of blackberry, currant and plum fruits, those coming together nicely with lightly spicy and herbal overtones. Drink now–2007. Score 86. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Sangiovese-Merlot, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Dark royal purple in color, medium-bodied,with chunky country style tannins integrating nicely to reveal blackberry, cassis and plum fruits. Best from release-2007.Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Cabneret Franc, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Deep ruby towards garnet, with gripping tannins that need time to settle down but intrinsic good balance that promises that the plum, wild berry and wood-inspired spices and vanilla will show through nicely. Best from release-2007. Tentative Score 86-88.K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Rose de Cabernet Franc,2003 (Advance Tasting): Orange-pink in color, with unabashed sweetness and some grapefruit, strawberry aromas and flavors but without the balancing acidity that would have kept it lively. Drink up. Score 82. (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Ramim, Desert Ice, 2003: Not one but five separate wines, one each based on Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay and Muscat Grapes and the fifth an unlikely blend all of those grapes,all frozen at the winery to produce something said to be in the style of ice wine and developed in oak casks for eight months and all similar enough to deserve a single review. Extremely flowery, with honeyed flavors dominating and holding back the apricot fruits that never quite make themselves felt. Lacking adequate acidty to balance the forward sweetness and not destined for aging. Drink now. Score 81. K
Yuval, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Medium-bodied, with gripping tannins and generous wood but those yielding nicely to reveal currant,berry and herbal aromas and flavors. A rather standard wine but pleasant enough. Drink now-2006. Score 85. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Yuval, Merlot 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Deep cherry towards garnet red, medium-bodied,m with soft tannins,a smooth, well-balanced wine showing lightly spicy berry, cherry and plum flavors and aromas. Somewhat internationalized in style but an appealing wine. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Yuval, 2002: This medium-dark garnet-red, medium-bodied blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot was aged in small oak barrels for 15months. With tannins integrating nicely and good balance between tannins, wood and black fruits, this is a soft and smooth if not overly complex wine. Drink now. Score 86. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
Yuval, 2001: Dark cherry towards garnet, medium-bodied, with soft tannins, this blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot shows light but appealing aromas and flvors of black cherries and currants. Drink up. Score 85. (Re-tasted 9 Feb 2005)
