Chillag Winery: Tasting Notes and Open House Announcement 
 21.03.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

As announced earlier, on Friday, 27 March, the Chillag Winery will be holding an open house for the tasting of five new releases. The tasting will take place at the winery - Rehov Shabazi 12 in Yahud from 10:00-17:00. To assure a place phone the winery at 03: 5369996. Since that earlier announcement I have tasted the new wines (actually re-tastings in most cases as I had tasted these originally in barrels).

Before the tasting notes, interesting to note that Chillag has changed the labels and names of her series, now releasing wines in the Primo, Solo and Vivo series. The wines can be obtained either at the winery or in better wine stores.

Chillag, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primo, Upper Galilee, 2004: Dark royal purple, oak-aged for 18 months, a full-bodied blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Generous smoky cedar wood notes here but those in fine balance with soft tannins and fruits. Opens with blackcurrants and blackberries, goes on to reveal raspberries, strawberries and notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Long and elegant. Drink now-2012. NIS 170. Score 91. (Re-tasted 20 Mar 2009)

Chillag, Cabernet Sauvignon, Solo, Upper Galilee, 2005: Medium- to full-bodied (leaning towards the full), a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Aged in new and 1 year old French barriques for 18 months, shows a distinct Tuscan flair. Dark garnet, with soft tannins and an appealing array of wild berries and currants on a spicy background. Lingers nicely on the palate. Drink now-2011. NIS 110. Score 90. (Re-tasted 20 Mar 2009)

Chillag, Merlot, Solo, Judean Mountains, 2005: Deep garnet towards royal purple, a full-bodied blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Developed in French oak for 18 months, showing generously spicy wood, that in fine balance with mouth-coating tannins and fruits. On the nose and palate ripe plums, wild berries, a hint of cherry liqueur and, on the long finish a generous touch of bittersweet chocolate. Drink now-2011. Score 90. (Re-tasted 20 Mar 2009)

Chillag, Merlot, Vivo, Judean Mountains, 2006: Medium-bodied, reflecting its 12 months in new and one year old French barriques with gently spicy cedar notes and opening to reveal purple plums, wild berries and notes of spices on the moderately-long finish. Not complex but fills the mouth nicely and a good match to food. Drink now. NIS 80. Score 87. (Tasted 20 Mar 2009)

Chillag, Blend, Vivo, Judean Mountains, 2006: Garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins and notes of spicy wood. Opens to reveal appealing plum and raspberry fruits, those supported nicely by notes of milk chocolate and café au lait. Drink now or in the next year or two. Score 88. (Tasted 20 Mar 2009)