Natuf Winery - Tastings
 05.03.2011 
 By: Daniel Rogov

This evening I made my way to Jaffa to a tasting of the wines of the Natuf Winery. Founded in 1997 by Meir Akel and Ze’ev Cinnamon on Moshav Kfar Truman in the Central Plains, not far from Ben Gurion Airport, this winery draws on grapes from the Ayalon Valley, and its releases have been primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon. Current production is about 4,500 bottles annually.

Because I knew that this was to be more of a party for the winery's friends and clients, I arrived early in order to taste wines before the crowd had massed. Strolling back after my tastings I could not resist stopping at one of Jaffa's better shwarma joints, there to have a mutton shwarma on a baguette, the sandwich spread with humouos, tchina, white cabbage and a generous dollop of hot sauce.

My tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Founded in 1997 by Meir Akel and Ze’ev Cinnamon on Moshav Kfar Truman in the Central Plains, not far from Ben Gurion Airport, this winery draws on grapes from the Ayalon Valley, and its releases have been primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon. Current production is about 4,500 bottles annually.

Natuf, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Dark garnet, full-bodied, with still-tight tannins needing time to settle down but showing good balance and structure. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Shiraz, developed in American oak for 15 months. Opens slowly, at first revealing primarily blackcurrants and blackberries and then blossoming to show notes of blueberries, chocolate and freshly ground coffee. Drink now–2013. Score 88.

Natuf, Merlot, 2006: Blended with 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Shiraz, with the soft Merlot dominating. Deep garnet toward royal purple, medium- to full-bodied with once-chunky tannins now showing far softer. On the nose and palate wild berries, cherries, raspberries and a hint of black licorice. A good dose of acidity makes this a refreshing quaffer. Drink now. Score 85

Natuf, Shiraz, 2006: A blend of 85% Shiraz, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot. Medium- to full-bodied, with once firm tannins and generous spicy wood now integrated nicely and parting to reveal plum, blackberry, licorice and meaty aromas and flavors. On the moderately long finish a hint of bittersweet chocolate. Drink now. Score 85.

Natuf, Merlot-Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Dark garnet, medium- to ful-bodied with soft tannins and gentle notes of spicy wood. Round and smooth opening to reveal red berries, cassis and notes of white pepper and red licorice. Drink now-2013. Score 88.

Natuf, Merlot-Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Dark garnet, medium- to ful-bodied with soft tannins and gentle notes of spicy wood. Round and smooth opening to reveal red berries, cassis and notes of white pepper and red licorice. Drink now-2013. Score 88.