Be there no question but that Motti Greenberg is doing something right. In fact, he seems to be doing quite a few things right.

Greenberg, whose micro-winery is located in Herziliya, released its first wines in 2003. The winery draws on grapes from the Karmei Yosef vineyards at the foothills of the Jerusalem Mountains. The winery releases three varietals wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz – and two blends, Anin and Apolonia. In all cases it is the winery's wont to develop the varieties separately in oak for 12 months, racking each wine to a different kind of oak every 4 months and only then making blends..

I have followed the Greenberg wines since their first release and despite his small production (750 bottles from the 2003 vintage and 1,000 bottles from the 2005 and 2006 vintages), the quality and personality of the wines have earned their place as the smallest but one of the more interesting wineries in my little book about Israeli wines.

The following wines made their way to my door yesterday and to my tasting room today. Should anyone care to explore these wines further, phone Motti Greenberg at 052 3237689 or by email to elegant@netvision.net.il

Best
Rogov

Greenberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Dark garnet towards royal purple, lithe and open-textured with soft tannins and spicy wood integrating nicely to show currant and blackberry fruits, those showing hints of espresso coffee and eucalyptus on the long finish. Best from 2010. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: Aged in oak for 12 months and racked four times before blending 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% of Merlot and 5% Shiraz. Dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with generous soft tannins and light spicy wood opening to show blackcurrant, blackberry and spicy notes. On the finish a hint of eucalyptus. Drink now-2009. Score 88 (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Merlot, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Dark, almost impenetrable garnet, a plush wine showing layers of raspberry, blackberry and fig aromas and flavors, those complemented by spices, minerals and a hint of lead pencil. Potential elegance here. Best from 2010. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Merlot, 2005: Garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full bodied, a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Shiraz. Opens with generous, near-sweet tannins and spicy wood, those coming together nicely to show blackberry, black cherry and spicy aromas and flavors. Drink now-2009. Score 87. (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Shiraz, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Complex and supple, with layers of spices, wild berries, anise and leather, all coming together beautifully. A firm tannic grip here that carries through to the long finish. Best from 20010. Tentative Score 91-93.

Greenberg, Shiraz, 2005: Deep purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and light spicy wood influences, a blend of 85% Shiraz, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose and palate black fruits matched nicely by hints of saddle leather and earthiness. Generous and moderately-long Drink now-2009. Score 89. (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Anin, 2005: A blend of about 33% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, aged in oak for 12 months before blending.. Medium- to full-bodied, dark garnet, with firm tannins needing time to integrate but already showing berry, black cherry and cassis fruits, those on a lightly earth and mineral background. Best 2009-2012.Score 88. (Tasted 5 May 2007)

Greenberg, Appolonia, 2005: A blend of 60% Shiraz and 20% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium- to full-bodied, opens with floral and tarry notes on the nose, those yielding in the glass to generous black fruits, spices and hints of cigar tobacco. Complex, generous and long. Best 2009-2012. Score 89. (Tasted 5 May 2007)