Shiloh Winery: Tasting Notes (K) 

 21.03.2009 

 By: Daniel Rogov

On Wednesday, 18 March, I attended a late afternoon tasting of the wines of the Shiloh winery, that held in Tel Aviv. Established in Shiloh in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria, the winery released its first wines from the 2005 vintage. Winemaker Amichai Lourie relies on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay grapes, those largely from the winery's own vineyards. Production in 2005 was of 20,000 bottles, in 2006 of 40,000 bottles and in 2007 of 70,000 bottles.

Shiloh, Chardonnay, 2007: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Shiloh, Chardonnay, 2007: Light golden-straw, medium-bodied, with citrus and summer fruits on a background of spicy oak. A good quaffer. Drink now. Score 86. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Shor, 2006: A dark ruby towards garnet, medium-bodied blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvigjnon, 47% Merlot and 3% of Petite Sirah with soft tannins. Reflecting oak-aging for 12 months with notes of vanilla and crème caramel, opens in the glass to show currant, blackberry and purple plum fruits, those matched by notes of roasted herbs and freshly roasted coffee beans. Drink now-2011. NIS 75. Score 87. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Merlot-Shiraz, Shor, 2006: Showing generous vanilla and smoky notes from its 14 months in American oak, but that balanced by good fruits and lively acidity. Medium- to full-bodied, opens slowly in the glass to reveal gently gripping tannins, generous black fruits and notes of chocolate. Round and generous. Drink now-2011. NIS 75. Score 86. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shor, 2006: Dark garnet toward royal-purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and a gentle hand with spicy wood. On the nose and palate lightly spicy blackcurrant, black cherry and blackberry fruits, those on a background of mint-tinged vanilla. Drink now. NIS 75. Score 87. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Sod, 2006: Developed for 16 months in new and older French barriques, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and notes of sweet cedar wood. An aromatic wine, opening to reveal blackcurrants and black cherries, those matched by niotes of citrus peel, chocolate and freshly roasted herbs. Fine balance and a long and generous finish on which the tannins and fruits rise nicely. Drink now-2012. NIS 105. Score 89. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Also tasted....

Shiloh, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Sod, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Aging in 400 liter barrels and tasted as a component, showing deeply tannic and with generous wood, waiting to find its balance if that balance is there. Tentative Score 83-85. K (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Merlot, Reserve, Sod, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): A somewhat confused medium- to full-bodied blend containing 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the balance of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah, so far the wine reflecting the somewhat schizophrenic 2007 harvest with its elements failing to come fully together. Needs to be re-evaluated before scoring. (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)

Shiloh, Dessert Wine, 2007: A more than odd blend of late-harvested Riesling, Chardonnay and Sangiovese, that with a dark, almost bronzed golden color, showing deeply sweet apricots and raisins along with roasted peanut and pecan flavors and aromas. I'll give this one another year before I even make a guess at evaluating it. (Tasted 18 Mar 2009)