A Very Nice Surprise from Carmel (K) 
 28.11.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

In recent weeks I have tasted a dozen or so wines from Carmel, some new releases, some advance tastings. Of the wines I tasted one stood out notably. I hinted at this the several days ago and today I received permission from the winery to post my tasting note.

This new release, called Mediterranean, is meant to fit into the scheme of things parallel to their Limited Edition release, the Limited Edition from Rishon Le Tzion and the new wine from Zichron Ya'akov. In other words, a step above the wines in the Single Vineyard Series. My guess (and that is only a guess) is that the wine will be released in 4 - 6 months. And please don't ask....I have no idea of what the price will be.

Best
Rogov

Carmel, Mediterranean, 2007 (Advance Tasting): Youthful dark garnet towards royal purple, casting orange reflections, a full-bodied blend of Carignan, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah with a dab of Viognier blended in. Seemingly an odds-and-ends potpourri but comes together beautifully. Deeply aromatic, on first attack so full of jammy black fruits that it is a bit off-putting, but that is merely a reflection of the wine's youth and that sensation passes within a few moments letting the wine open to show an appealing array of blackberry, raspberry and cassis notes on the nose and palate, those supported nicely by not-at-all imposing notes of smoky oak, black pepper and juniper berries. The wine reflects its 15 months in oak with gentle wood influences and abundant but soft and gently caressing tannins. Give this one the time it deserves. Best from 2011-2016, perhaps longer. Score 93. K (Tasted 23 Nov 2009)