The morning was devoted largely to visiting the Flam winery for barrel and advance tastings, the 2005 reds for the first time, others for re-tastings. Nothing to make me take back any of the good things I've said earlier about this winery! My plan for my next visit, sometime early next Spring – a vertical tasting of every wine made by the winery, ideally since their inception in 1998 but at least since 2000.

My thanks to Golan, Gilad and Israel Flam for their courtesies and a lovely tasting.

Best
Rogov

Flam, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Full-bodied, with chewy tannins balanced nicely by generous wood and already showing blackcurrant, mint and chocolate. On the long, elegant finish hints of eucalyptus and Mediterranean herbs. Drink from release-2012. Tentative Score 91-93. (Tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2004 (Advance Tasting): Deep garnet towards black in color, full-bodied, with still firm tannins but even now giving hints of the toasty and smoky plum, blackcurrant and lead-pencil aromas and flavors that will make this a long, elegant and generous wine. Best 2008–2012. Score 92. (Re-tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Merlot, Reserve,2005 (Barrel Tasting): Deep garnet in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely with wood and generous black fruits. Long and elegant.Drink from release-2010. Tentative Score 91-93. (Tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Reserve, Merlot, 2004 (Advance Tasting): Medium to full-bodied, with silky smooth, near-sweet tannins, and with overlays of dusty cedar wood and spices highlighting currant and blackberry fruits. On the long finish, generous spices and a hint of white chocolate. Drink from release-2010. Score 90. (Re-tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Syrah, Reserve, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Dark garnet in color, with hints of dusty wood on first attack, those yielding to appealing plum, wild berry and mint. Full-bodied and chewy but soft and elegant. Drink from release-2010. Tentative Score 90-92. (Tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Supereure, 2004 (Advance Tasting): A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon showing toasty oak, smoke and soft tannins, those matched nicely by spicy plum and cassis fruits. Look for a round and elegant finish. Best 2008-2012. Score 90. (Tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Classico, 2005 (Advance Tasting): Gently oaked, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot shows a dark ruby towards garnet color, near-sweet tannins and appealing blackberry and currant fruits. Soft and round. Drink now-2008. Score 89. (Tasted 2 May 2006)

Flam, Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve, 2005: Lively and refreshing but with generous complexity. Unoaked, with crisp clean aromas and flavors of melon, citrus, peaches and a tantalizing hint of wild flowers on the long finish. Drink now-2008. Score 90. (Re-tasted 2 May 2006)