On Monday, 4 Sep 2006, I attended the unveiling of five new releases from the Flam winery. I had tasted each of these wines earlier, some as advance tastings, and several as barrel tastings. The good news is that each of these wines shows as well if not even better now than at earlier tastings. I will not bore anyone with statistics about production, from where grapes come, etc., but I will repeat what I have said before, perhaps as my best compliment: "These Flams, fils et pere, know how to make damned good wine".

Best
Rogov

Flam, Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc, 2005: Unoaked, with no malolactic fermentation, this crisply clear golden straw colored wine shows a fascinating combination of freshness, crisp fruitiness and easy quaffability but along with that a good deal of sophistication and complexity. On the nose and palate tropical fruits, melon, citrus and freshly cut spring flowers, those matched on the long finish by hints of guava and minerals. Drink now-2008, perhaps even a bit longer. About NIS 65. Score 90. (Retasted 4 Sep 2006)

Flam, Classico, 2005: A dark ruby towards royal purple, medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts. Aged in barriques for six months and showing a tantalizing hint of spicy oak and near-sweet tannins, those yielding to blackberry and currant fruits. A surprisingly high 14.5% alcohol here but that in no way interferes with the soft, round pleasures of the wine. Drink now-2009. NIS 75. Score 90. (Retasted 4 Sep 2006)

Flam, Superieure, 2004: A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon showing toasty oak, smoke and generous but soft tannins, those matched nicely by spicy plum, black cherry and cassis fruits. Look for a long, round and elegantly near-sweet finish. Best 2007–2012. NIS 95. Score 90. (Retasted 4 Sep 2006)

Flam, Merlot, Reserve, 2004: Perhaps somewhat of an oxymoron, but this is indeed an "elegant blockbuster". Made entirely from Merlot grapes, showing fuller bodied and more tannic now than at barrel tastings, but don't let that hold you back because this one needs time for its elements to come fully together. On first attack spicy wood reflecting 16 months in oak, that opening slowly to reveal firm, mouth coating tannins and finally that giving way to show a tempting array of currant, berry and black cherry fruits, those backed up nicely by spices and on the long finish a hint of crème Anglaise. Approachable now but best from 2008-2012. NIS 145. Score 92. (Retasted 4 Sep 2006)

Flam, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2004: Deep garnet towards black in color, full-bodied, with once almost searing tannins now integrating nicely. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% of Merlot, reflecting its 18 months in barriques with generous spicy wood but that and the tannins in fine balance with natural acidity and generous currant, plum, blackberry fruits. On the long finish hints of mint and spices. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2007-2011. NIS 145. Score 91. (Retasted 4 Sep 2006)