On Sunday, 3 Jun 2006, I attended an unusual tasting hosted at the Saslove winery on Kibbutz Eyal, the tasting unusual because it offered the opportunity to sample the wines not only of Saslove but of Tulip. The pleasure of the tasting was added to enormously by seeing the friendly cooperation between the wineries. How nice it is to realize that an increasing number of wineries and winemakers are willing to share knowledge, facilities and ideas.

My tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Tulip

Tulip, Merlot, Just, 2004: Medium-dark ruby in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and black fruits complemented by hints of chocolate and espresso coffee. Well balanced and moderately long. Drink now–2008. Score 86. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Tulip, Cabernet Sauvignon, Just, 2005: Dark garnet in color, with soft tannins integrating nicely with hints of the oak in which this medium-bodied wine aged for 6 months. On the nose and palate purple plums, cassis and berries along with hints of vanilla and tobacco on the moderately-long finish. Drink now-2009. Score 88. (Tasted 3 Sep 2006)

Tulip, Syrah, Reserve, 2004: Full-bodied, with generous dusty, smoky oak and now soft tannins well balanced with black fruits, chocolate and earthy-herbal aromas and flavors. Generous and moderately-long. Drink now–2010. Score 88. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Tulip, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2004: My earlier tasting note holds firmly: Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: Dense royal-purple towards black, full-bodied, deeply tannic and with generous wood influence but with balance and structure that bodes well for the future. As the wine develops look for spicy blackcurrant, cassis, chocolate and a light overlay of cigar tobacco. Drink now–2009. Score 89. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Tulip, Cabernet Franc, Mostly, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Blended with 20% Merlot, dark garnet towards royal purple, with generous spices, plums, currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Generous wood here but that nicely balanced by acidity and firm, near chewy tannins, all leading to a long black cherry and chocolate finish. Best from release-2009. Tentative Score 87-89. (Tasted 3 Sep 2006)

Saslove

Saslove, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2005: Not one of the Israeli Saslove wines but a wine made in New Zealand for Barry Saslove during a recent extended visit to the home of the Kiwis. Call the wine "zippy" if you like, but there is sophistication in this lively and tangy wine. On the nose and palate fresh and clean lime and passion fruit, those matched nicely by hints of herbaceous and a light spiciness that runs through. Lovely, and for my money best with raw oysters. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 89. (Tasted twice with consistent notes 3 Sep 2006)

Barry Saslove discussed precisely the kind of wine he perceived, visited quite a few vineyards and selected grapes from three of those for his blend, one that he hopes reflects both local terroir and a specific style of wine. The wine was then made for him by the winemaker of "Marlborough Grape Producers".

Saslove, Merlot, Aviv, 2004: My earlier tasting note hold firmly: Medium to full-bodied, with well-integrating tannins, spicy oak and appealing berry, black cherry and cassis aromas and flavors, those with hints of red licorice, chocolate and Mediterranean herbs. Drink now–2008. Score 88. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Saslove, Marriage, Aviv, 2004: A blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Syrah, all from the Upper Galilee, developed on oak chips for 6 months. Dark garnet in color, with soft tannins integrating nicely with vanilla and white pepper, those on a background of blackberries, currants and Mediterranean herbs. Smooth and soft. Drink now–2008. Score 87. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Saslove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Aviv, 2005: Dark garnet in color, medium to full-bodied with still firm tannins needing a bit of time to integrate but already with a generous array of blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, those with an appealing spicy overlay. Drink now–2009.Score 89. (Retasted 3 Sep 2006)

Saslove, Marriage, Adom, 2003: My previous tasting note holds firmly: Aged in a variety of oak barrels, fermented with different yeasts, this full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (60%, 37% and 3% respectively) is one of Saslove's best efforts to date. Full-bodied and tannic but simultaneously soft, round and elegant, on the nose and palate a basic blackcurrant personality but that matched by a generous array of berry, black cherry, and spices, all lingering nicely on the finish. Drink now-2011. Score 92.

Saslove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserved, 2002: Taking on an appealing nose of sweet herbs, this dark garnet, full-bodied wine is maturing nicely, continuing to show currant, vanilla and herbal aromas and flavors that come together nicely and lead to a long, rich finish. Drink now-2008. Score 89. (Retasted 3 Jun 2006)