This week was my time to encounter the wines of the new Tzuba winery. Several comments and my tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Founded by Moti Zamir on Kibbutz Tzuba, in the Jerusa-lem Hills, with vineyards planted in 1997 the winery's first releases, from the 2005 vintage were of 30,000 bottles. The winery currently releases wines in three series, the top-of-the-line Hametzuda that will be produced only in selected years; Tel Tzuba that currently consists of varietal and blended wines and the popularly priced Hama'ayan. The winery also produces a red dessert wine and is currently relying on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Chardonay, Viognier, Sauignon Blanc and Semillon grapes

Tzuba, Tel Tzuba, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot, aged in French oak for 14 months. Ruby to purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and gentle wood and showing clean red fruits on a lightly spicy, moderately-long finish. Drink now-2009. Score 86. K

Tzuba, Tel Tzuba, Merlot, 2005: An oak-aged Merlot with the addition of 6% Pinot Noir. Ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with gripping tannins and generous wood yielding slowly to reveal blackberry, currant and plum aromas and flavors. Drink now-2009. Score 87. K

Tzuba, Tel Tzuba, Shiraz, 2005: Dark ruby towards purple, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing appealing plum and berry fruits, those supported by hints of spices and saddle leather. Drink now-2009. Score 87. K

Tzuba, Tel Tzuba, Chardonnay, 2006: Light golden in color, medium-bodied, with grapefruit and green apple aromas and flavors and good balancing acidity to keep it lively. Drink now. Score 86. K

Tzuba, Tel Tzuba, Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc, 2006: A light straw to golden colored blend of 63% Viognier and 37% Sauvignon Blanc. Developed in French oak for 4 months, showing generous acidity and appealing grapefruit, citrus peel and green apple aromas and flavors. Not complex but lively and refreshing. Score 85. K

Tzuba, Hama'ayan, Sangiovese, 2005: Made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, oak-aged for 14 months, showing soft, well integrating tannins, a moderate overlay of spicy wood and appealing berry, cherry and plum fruits. A good quaffer. Drink now. Score 85. K

Tzuba, Hama'ayan, Semillon, 2006: An unoaked blend of 88% Semillon and 12% Sauvignon Blanc, dominated by grapefruit aromas and flavors. Drink up. Score 79. K

June 2007