On Monday, 31 March 2008, I visited the Carmei Yosef winery (known to many by the name of their wines as "Bravdo") to do several re-tastings as well as new tastings and barrel tastings.

Founded in 2001 by Ben-Ami Bravdo and Oded Shosheyov, both professors of oenology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the winery sits in the heart of the vineyards at Karmei Yosef in which their families have been vintners for many years. The vineyards are located on the western slopes of the Judean Mountains. The winery released 2,800 bottles of its first wine in 2001. Production from the 2007 vintages was of 24,000 bottles and anticipated production for 2008 is for 40,000 bottles. Among the varieties under cultivation in the winery-owned vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Carignan, French Colombard, Emerald Riesling and Muscat of Alexandria grapes. Starting with the 2007 vintage, the wines will be kosher.

My thanks to Professors Bravdo and Shosheyov and the others of the winery for an interesting tasting and for their courtesies during my visit. My tasting notes follow. Those wines noted with prices are now on or will shortly be making their way to market.

Best
Rogov

Karmei Yosef, Chardonnay, Bravdo, 2007: Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, developed in oak for only three months to guard the aromas and freshness of the variety, this medium-bodied white shows forward pineapple, citrus and pear fruits those with good acidity and a light mineral note keeping the wine lively. Lacks complexity but refreshing and easy to drink. NIS 85. Score 88 K (Tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Merlot, Bravdo, 2005: After developing for 12 months in French and American oak, this dark-ruby-towards garnet wine is showing medium to full-bodied, with soft, near-sweet tannins and dusty wood highlighting intense currant, blackberry, black cherry and mocha aromas and flavors. Tannins and a hint of sweetness rise on the long finish. Drink now-2010. Score 89. (Re-tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Merlot, Bravdo, 2006: Blended with 15% of Cabernet Sauignon, aged in barriques for 12 months, deep garnet towards royal purple in color, with once gripping tannins now integrating nicely with spicy wood. Full-bodied, the wine opens to reveal a core of plums, blackberries and blueberries, those on a background of exotic spices and hints of chocolate and mocha that linger nicely on the palate. Drink now-2012. NIS 120. Score 90. (Re-tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Berlot Bravdo, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft, near-sweet tannins and showing a generous array of blackberry, blueberry, spicy and earthy aromas and flavors. Drink from release-2012. Tentative Score 88-90. K (Tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2005: Opens with a light medicinal aroma but that blows off quickly. Dark garnet towards royal-purple, medium to full-bodied, with soft tannins and gentle dusty cedar notes integrating nicely and showing forward ripe blackberries, currants, lead pencil and sweet herbal aromas and flavors. Intense, with tannins and near-swet fruit rising on the finish. Drink now–2010. Score 89. (Re-tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2006 (Advance Tasting): Showing more tannic and with a somewhat heavier wood influence than at barrel tastings. Dark royal purple in color, medium- to full-bodied and with overall good balance between still firm tannins and spicy wood that allows the fruits to sow nicely. On the nose and palate currants, wlld berries and mint notes, those lingering nicely. Best 2009-2012. NIS 120. Score 90. (Re-tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Still in embryonic form but already showing firm, deep tannins and spicy wood, those parting to reveal a core of currant, raspberry, toasted white bread and licorice notes. Drink from release-2012. Tentative Score 87-89. K (Tasted 31 Mar 2008)

Karmei Yosef, Shiraz, Bravdo, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): The winery's first Shiraz, as always made with grapes from their own vineyards. Garnet towards purple, medium- to full-bodied, with still brooding tannins waiting to settle down but showing good balance and structure. Opens to show juicy plum and red berry notes on a background of spices and licorice. Has the potential to be soft, round and elegant. Drink from release. Tentative Score 88-90. K (Tasted 31 Mar 2007)