I attended a vertical tasting of the Carignan wines of Vitkin. Present at the tasting were winemaker Assaf Paz and owners Sharona and Doron Belogolovsky.

Most interesting to note was that each of the Carignan wines I re-tasted (2002, 2003 and 2004) is showing better today than at earlier tastings. A very good sign for a young winery definitely on the way up. My tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Vitkin, Carignan, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Not yet a final blend but already reflecting spicy elegance. Generous oak and still gripping tannins at this stage, but those showing fine balance and structure that bode well for the future. Concentrated and elegant, with aromas and flavors of black fruits and earthy minerality, potentially the best from Vitkin to date. Tentative Score 89-91. (Tasted 28 Jul 2006)

Vitkin, Carignan 2004: Deep purple in color, medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins and are now integrating nicely to reveal spicy wood, earthy minerals and blackberry and plum fruits, those overlayed nicely with a pleasing gamey sweetness that lingers on the long finish. Drinking nicely now but best 2007-2010. Score 90. (Re-tasted 28 Jul 2006)

Vitkin, Carignan, 2003: Deep garnet in color, oak-aged with 10% of Petit Verdot added. Full-bodied, with generous tannins and acidity well balanced by smoky oak and hints of vanilla, all coming together well with plum, wild berry and light hints of tobacco. Long and generous. Score 89. (Re-tasted 28 Jul 2006)

Vitkin, Carignan, 2002: Medium-dark royal purple in color, medium-bodied, with its chunky, somewhat country-style tannins finally receding and showing better than at past tastings. On the nose and palate generous blackberry and black currant fruits, those matched nicely by spices and hints of chocolate and smoked meat that comes in on the finish. Drink now-2008. Score 87. (Re-tasted 28 Jul 2006)

Also retasted today were the 2005 Vitkin Pink and Vitkin Blanc. My earlier tasting notes on both of those hold firmly.

Vitkin, Pink, 2005: A crisply dry blend of Syrah, Carignan, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc somewhere in color between strawberry-red and shocking pink. Light to medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries, those with light peppery overtones, all of which linger nicely on the palate. Drink now. Score 87. (Re-tasted 28 Jul 2006)

Vitkin, Blanc, 2005: A medium-bodied, partly oak-aged blend of Viognier, French Colombard and Gewurztraminer (45%, 40% and 15% respectively. On the nose generous flowers and on the palate orange, orange blossoms and tropical fruits, those matched by hints of litchis, rose petals and tapioca. Drink now. Score 87. (Re-tasted 28 Jul 2006)