Tura Winery: Tasting Notes 
 29.05.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

An event was scheduled on Monday, 25 May to unveil the 2005 vintage wines of the Tura winery. Because I could not attend that event, winemaker Erez Ben Sadon of the winery came to meet me at the offices of the public relations firm that represents him a day earlier. For that courtesy, I think him very much.

Formerly known as the Erez winery, and relying primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes, the winery has relocated to the settlement on the summit of Har Bracha (Mount Bracha), overlooking the Arab city of Sh'chem. The wines are currently selling for NIS 130 each.

For those interested, I am currently checking on precisely how to purchase these wines and whether they are kosher or not. I shall post as soon as I have that information.

Best
Rogov

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes selected from a vineyard at 850 meters of altitude, with 21 months in oak. A medium-dark garnet wine, with a clean black-fruit nose and tannins that have lost their chunkiness since a last tasting and are not showing smooth and gently gripping. On the nose and palate black currants, blackberry and chocolate notes. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 86. (Re-tasted 25 May 2009)

Tura, Merlot, 2005: A bit confusing for if this is the same wine tasted under the Erez label, showing remarkably better than at an earlier tasting. Aged in new oak for 21 months, a deeply extracted wine, full-bodied with gripping tannins and spicy wood in good balance with blackcurrant, wild berry and licorice notes. Just enough complexity here to grab the attention. Drink now-2010. Score 85. (Re-tasted 25 May 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2005: Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. Generous spicy oak here but that in fine balance with tannins, acidity and fruits. On the nose and palate blackberries, currants and wild berries along with a generous hint of bitter-sweet chocolate. Drink now-2011. Score 86. (Tasted 25 May 2009)