On Monday, 26 February, my morning was devoted to barrel and advance tastings at Zemora winery. Set in a facility in Moshav Beit Zayit in the Jerusalem Mountains, winemaker Baruch Yosef released his first wines from the 2000 vintage. Grapes are drawn largely from the Jerusalem Mountain area and include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Viognier and Chardonnay, some of which are being raised and produced organically. The several wines said to be organic come from organically treated vineyards and are produced without the use of chemical additives but the vineyards wait to be certified as fully organic.

Starting with the 2004 harvest the winery introduced a new series, Castra, those of Bordeaux blends. .Current production is about 50,000 bottles annually. Starting with the 2004 vintage, the wines have been kosher. My thanks to Baruch and the winery staff for their courtesies during my visit. My tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Zemora, Castra, Red, 2004 (Advance Tasting): Deep, almost inky garnet in color, this full-bodied blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Petit Verdot (65%, 20%, 10%, 3% and 2% respectively) spent 24 months in new French oak. Quite generous spicy and toasty wood here but that balanced by firm tannins that are integrating nicely. On the nose and palate purple plums, blackberries and cherries, those leading to a long and spicy finish. The best release from the winery to date but primarily for those who like their wines with a generous overlay of oak. Best 2008-2011. Score 89. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Castra, Black, 2004 (Advance Tasting): Think of this as the mirror image of the Castro "Red" in that the amounts of Merlot and Cabernet have been reversed, this one containing 65% Cabernet and 20% Merlot. Again, full-bodied, with generous wood and firm tannins complemented by blackberries, black cherries, currants and dark chocolate and, on the moderately-long finish a hint of smoked meat. Needs some time. Best 2008-2011. Score 88. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Royal purple in color, medium- to full-bodied, showing still firm tannins and spicy oak, those waiting to integrate and to show the currant and berry fruits and light minty overlay that need time to develop. Best 2008-2010. Tentative Score 84-86. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Deep royal purple in color, with soft tannins integrating nicely and reflecting its 14 months in medium and heavy-toasted French oak with a generous toasted cedar overlay. On the nose and palate opens to reveal blackberries, blueberries, cassis and vanilla. Soft, round and moderately-long. Drink from release-2010. Tentative Score 86-88. K (Re-tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Cabernet Sauvignon, Organic, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Garnet towards purple, medium-bodied, with light tannins and showing berry, black cherry and currant fruits. Not at all complex but a good quaffer. Drink from release. Tentative Score 84-86. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Merlot, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Ruby towards garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with gently mouthcoating tannins. On the nose and palate a basic berry, black cherry personality, the fruits overlayed with hints of sweet herbs. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Shiraz, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Youthful royal-purple in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating well with spicy oak and berry-cherry aromas and flavors. Round and soft. Drink from release-2009. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Shiraz, Organic, 2005: Dark royal purple, medium to full-bodied, with intense ripe currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors, and an appealing light beefy overlay. Somewhat on the acidic side. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85–87. K (Re-tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Cabernet Franc. 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Deep garnet in color, full-bodied, with chewy tannins and smoky oak opening to reveal plum and black cherry notes, those supported by leather and cedar and leading to vanilla and spices on a moderately long finish. Best 2008–2011. Tentative Score 86–88. K (Re-tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Petit Verdot, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Dark purple in color, medium-bodied, opening with a floral nose and showing spicy oak and soft tannins in fine balance with a core of plum, blueberry and currant fruits. Makes up for its lack of complexity with a long and harmonious finish. Drink from release–2009. Tentative Score 87–89. K (Re-tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Petit Verdot, Organic, 2005 (Barrel Tasting): Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and toasty oak. Shows berry and currant fruits, those with a light spicy overtone. Not complex but a good quaffer. Drink from release. Tentative Score 83-85. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Viognier, 2006 (Advance Tasting): Golden straw in color, unoaked, floral and sweet on the nose but crisply dry on the palate. Look for aromas and flavors of peaches and golden apples. Picks up a hint of lightly bitter lemon peel on the finish. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 86. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)

Zemora, Chardonnay, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Developed in new medium-toasted French barriques and thus reflecting a toasty wood personality, that complemented by grapefruit, tropical fruits and citrus peel. Medium-bodied and moderately long. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 85. K (Tasted 26 Feb 2007)