Several days ago Ya'akov Oryah of Asif winery did me the courtesy of coming to Tel Aviv to bring with him eight of the winery's first wines for me to taste. Some of those wines have been bottled and released, others are barrel samples.

Asif serves as a negotiant-winery. That is to say, as in Burgundy, the winery purchases some of its wines in barrels from other producers, then develops those wines in their own barrels, deciding on and making the various blends. Others of the wines are produced fully by the winery which is also currently in the process of planting its own vineyards. In the future the winery also hopes to serve as a "service winery", a winery whose facilities will be open to other small wineries for making kosher wines there. All of the wines of Asif are kosher. Further information can be obtained by sending an email to oryah@zahav.net.il

I might have chosen to wait another week or so for my tastings but the deadline for my 2009 book is staring me in the face, thus calling for just a wee bit of haste. My tasting notes for the wines sampled follow.

Best
Rogov

Asif, Rose, 2007: Dark rose petal pink, a light- to medium-bodied, lively blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon showing raspberry, strawberry and cassis aromas and flavors. Lively and refreshing. Drink now. Score 85. K (Tasted 18 Apr 2008)

Asif, Chardonnay Blend, 2007: Not so much a true blend as this white was made from 100% Cardonnay grapes, some aged in oak, some not. Whatever, flat on the nose and palate, with a far too herbaceous note that hides whatever fruits may be lurking here. Drink now. Score 78. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2009)

Asif, White Blend, 2007: A light golden, medium-bodied blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon. Lacking acidity and with a non-descript nose, and overripe peach, pear and banana aromas the wine does not succeed. Drink up. Score 75. K (Tasted 18 Apr 2008)

Asif, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Tasted from components. Dark garnet, medium-bodied, with gentle wood influences, soft tannins integrating nicely and good balancing acidity. On the nose and palate red currants, raspberries and blueberries, all lingering nicely. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2008)

Asif, Grenache-Syrah, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): An initial blend showing dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied and with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. A blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah opens with a burst of blackberry and purple plum fruits, those going on to show notes of tobacco and dark chocolate that linger nicely on a lightly peppery finish. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2008)

Asif, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2006 (Barrel Tasting0: Dark garnet, full-bodied, showing generous but not overpowering wood and firmly tannic at this stage (still an initial blend). Good balance shows well for the future, the wine promising generous black fruits on a background of cinnamon, black pepper and green olives, all lingering nicely on the palate. Tentative Score 86-88. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2008)

Asif, Merlot, 2005: Dark garnet, blended with 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon, medium- to full-bodied, showing good concentration and balance. Silky tannins and generous wild berry, black cherry notes here along with notes of vanilla and spices, all lingering nicely. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 86. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2008)

Asif, Red Blend, 2005: A blend of equal parts of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Medium-bodied, with somewhat chunky tannins that give the wine a sharp edge, but opening in the glass to reveal generous blackberry and currant fruits backed up by a low-keyed but appealing earthy-herbaceousness. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 85. K (Tasted 19 Apr 2008)

Asif, Red Dessert Wine, 2005: Reinforced with alcohol to 18%. Best described as red, thick, syrupy and coarse. Not a success. Score 70. K (Tasted 18 Apr 2008)