I attended a tasting of several of the wines of Galil Mountain Winery, the tasting held before a very pleasant dinner at Catit in its new incarnation in Tel Aviv.

Rogov

Galil Mountain, Syrah, Yiron, 2003: Full-bodied, with soft tannins with just enough grip to catch the attention those yielding nicely to light spicy wood. Dark garnet in color, aromatic, with blackberries, purple plums and hints of white pepper and chocolate as well as a light meaty-earthy sensation that comes in on the round and comfortably medium-long finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2007-2012. Score 90. K (Tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Galil Mountain Syrah, Kerem Meron, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Not so much a baby as an embryo, at this stage full-bodied, acidic and tannic but already showing the potential for roundness and gentility. On the nose and palate rose peals, blackberries and purple plums, those coming together rich, round and generously. Great promise here but too early to score. K (Tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Galil Mountain, Syrah, Kerem Yiron, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Another embryonic wine, reflecting the difference between vineyards and terroir (see the above tasting note) by medium- to full-body, soft well integrating tannins, moderate levels of acidity a\dnd delicious berry, currant and chocolate aromas and flavors. It will be fascinating to see how the winemaker uses/blends this and the above wine, both of which have their own unique promise. Too early to score. K (Tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Galil Mountain, Syrah, Kerem Merom, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with gentle spicy wood influences and generous but soft tannins integrating nicely. Smooth, round and gentle but makes its point quite nicely with berry, red plum and cassis fruits, those supported nicely by light hints of meatiness that come in from mid-palate and then linger nicely. Tentative Score 89-91.K (Tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Galil Mountain, Syrah, Kerem Yiron, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Full-bodied, at this stage with still firm tannins but those showing fine balance and structure when taken together with spicy wood, plum, and black and red berries. Firm, dark and concentrated but promising to soften nicely with time. Best starting only in 2008-2009. Tentative Score 90-92. K (Tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Before and with Dinner:

Galil Mountain, Rose, 2005: Drinking now as nicely as at previous tastings and my earlier tasting note holds firmly: A blend of 65% Sangiovese, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Syrah. On the nose and palate, strawberries, wild berries, spices and a hint of mint that comes in on the finish. Medium-bodied and crisp with a 13.5% alcohol content. Perhaps the best rosé ever from Israel. Drink now. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 26 Oct 2006

Galil Mountain, Chardonnay, 2005: Golden straw in color, with orange reflections, medium-bodied with fine balance and an appealing array of citrus, apple and melon aromas and flavors. Crisp and refreshing. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 26 Oct 2006)

Galil Mountain, Yiron, 2002: Once again, my earlier tasting note holds firmly: A medium to full-bodied oak-aged blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot. Deeply aromatic, dark purple toward black in color, with still muscular tannins integrating well, the wine shows abundant blackcurrant, plum, black cherry and berry fruits as well as sweet cedar wood. A generous and mouth-filling finish with an appealing light herbal-earthy overtone. Drinknow–2009. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 26 Oct 2006) Best