If someone had told me even three years ago that Carmel would be releasing wines that would be earning scores of 90 or higher I would have probably tried hard to remain polite and done nothing more than smile politely. Happily, I no longer have to struggle to remain polite and the recent release of these four single vineyard wines in their "Kerem" series shows that the quality revolution that started at Carmel somewhat over two years ago is alive and well and continuing apace.

Following are my tasting notes. Let it be noted loud and clear that I consider each of these wines (a) good enough to stock up on and (b) very good value for money. To CEO David Ziv and even more, to the winemakers involved, my warmest congratulations.

Best,
Rogov

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ramat Arad, Single Vineyard, 2002: Don't be surprised if you are tempted to applaud on tasting this wine as it is surely one of Carmel's best efforts ever. Dark garnet red, full-bodied, with abundant but soft, almost sweet and already well integrating tannins. Levels of aromas and flavors that open with black fruits and sweet cedar wood, those yielding to currants, berries and vanilla and finally to a tempting herbal-earthy sensation. Long and complex, the wine is approachable now but will show its real elegance starting in only another year or so. Cellar until 2009. NIS 99. Score 92.

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kerem Ben Zimra, Single Vineyard, 2002: Deep garnet-purple towards black, full-bodied, reflecting its 14 months in new and used French oak with generous tannins and spicy oak but those in excellent balance with berry, plum and currant fruits, those set off nicely by hints of vanilla and eucalyptus. On the long finish of this round and complex wine look for finish tobacco and green olives. Approachable now but best 2005 – 2009. NIS 85. Score 91.

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kerem Zarit, Emek Kadesh, Single Vineyard, 2002: Showing even better now than at earlier tastings. Dark cherry-red, this medium- to full-bodied wine shows soft tannins and generous vanilla and smoky overtones from the oak barrels in which it aged. First impressions are of sweet berries and eucalyptus, those yielding to currants and blackfruits, vanilla, black tea and a light spiciness that lingers nicely on the moderately long finish. Warm, round and well balanced the wine is drinking nicely now and should cellar comfortably until 2008. NIS 85. Score 90.

Carmel, Merlot, Har Bracha, Single Vineyard, 2002: Full-bodied, complex and notably tannic, a Merlot with true personality. Dark purple towards black, with the tannins still rather firm at this stage but with the balance and structure that bode well for the future. As the wine comes into its own look for black cherry, currant and plum fruits, those on a spicy cedar-wood background. Give this one time! Best from 2006-2009, perhaps longer. NIS 85. Score 92.

September 2004