Pelter Winery: Three New Releases Tasted 
 18.09.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Whatever winemaker Tal Pelter is doing, he seems to be doing it just fine! Established in 2002 on the Golan Heights Pelter, who studied oenology and worked at several wineries in Australia draws on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay grapes from the Golan, the Upper Galilee and the Jerusalem Mountains, the winery, one of only four in the country to produce a sparkling wine, releases wines in two series: T-Selection and Pelter. Production from the 2002 vintage was about 4,000 bottles. Growth has been well planned, and current production is about 80,000 bottles annually and Pelter most definitely earns its place as one of the ten best wineries in Israel.

Pelter has recently released three wines from the 2007 vintage. Following are my tasting notes.

Best
Rogov

Peleter, Cabernet Sauvignon, T-Selection, 2007: Still a baby but oh lord, what a baby. Youthful garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with silky smooth tannins integrating beautifully even at this early stage of its development. Not at all a "blockbuster" but a concentrated wine that opens with blackcurrant and berry fruits, those yielding to notes of ripe plums and, from first sip to the long finish notes of raisins, earthy minerals and anise. Ripe and supple even now but to find this one at its best hold until 2011 and then cellar comfortably until 2017. Score 92. (Re-tasted 15 Sep 2009)

Pelter, Cabernet Franc, T-Selection, 2007: Medium- to full-bodied, aged for 14 months in French oak, showing generous but not overpowering oak and firm chewy tannins that need time to settle in. On the nose and palate blueberries, raspberries and fresh herbs, and, in the background an appealing floral note. Long and generous. Best 2011–2014. Score 92. (Re-tasted 16 Sep 2009)

Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, 2007: Dark garnet in color, with generous spicy wood in fine balance with soft tannins and fruits. Full-bodied, opening with notes of spicy wood and black fruits, those yielding in the glass to wild berries, red currants and earthy minerals, all on background that hints gently of cigar tobacco and licorice. Long and mouth-filling. Best 2010-2014, perhaps longer. Score 91. (Re-tasted 15 Sep 2009)