Binyamina - Tasting the Reserve Series (K) 
 08.03.2011 
 By: Daniel Rogov

This late afternoon I found myself at Andromeda (a catering facility in Old Jaffa), there to attend a press tasting of the reserve wines of the Binyamina winery. I had tasted each of these wines during my recent visit to the winery on 19 January, this being a good opportunity to do re-tastings. In each case my earlier tasting notes holds firmly.

My thanks to winemakers Sasson Ben-Aharon and Assaf Paz as well as to CEO Ilan Hassan for their courtesies during the tasting.

Best
Rogov

Binyamina, Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve, 2010: Light golden straw, medium-bodied, with fine acidity to highlight notesof citrus, pineapple and tropical fruits all with a hint of a freshly mown lawn. Drink now. NIS 65 Score 88. K

Binyamina, Chardonnay, Unoaked, Reserve, 2010: Fresh, fruity and aromatic, medium-bodied, with good balancing acidity to highlight aromas and flavors of white peaches, pineapple and citrus. Not a lively wine but one that will match very nicely with grilled fish, seafood or veal schnitzels. Drink now. NIS 83. Score 87. K

Binyamina, Shiraz, Reserve, 2007: Garnet toward royal purple, medium-bodied but with good concentration. With soft tannins and a gentle wood influence, a smooth, round wine loaded with blackberry and plum fruits, those highlighted by notes of tar and licorice. Drink now–2015. NIS 91.Score 90. K

Binyamina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2008: There are muscles to this deep garnet, medium- to full-bodied winebut they restrain themselves nicely, with gently gripping tannins in fine balance with spicy oak, fruits and acidity. On the nose and palate blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruits, those on a background of fresh herbs and exotic spices. On the finish a hints of espresso and licorice. Drink now-2014. NIS 91. Score 91. K

Binyamina, Zinfandel, Reserve, 2009: Medium-dark ruby in color, medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins that caress comfortably. Thankfully, not one of those California blockbusters but an easygoing wine, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and opening to reveal blackberries, purple plums, licorice and black olive aromas and flavors. From mid-palate on shows appealing notes of huckleberries and black pepper. As good a match to fine steaks or chops as to stews (what comes to mind are French cassoulet and Spanish cocido). Very nice indeed. Drink now-2014. NIS 91. Score 89. K

Binyamina, Carignan, Reserve, 2009: The first varietal Carignan released in the winery's Reserve series and a fine effort indeed. Full-bodied, showing dark garnet in color, with soft tannins and gentle influences of smoky wood giving the wine a persona that is simultaneously outgoing and subdued. On the nose and palate plums, blueberries and spices yielding in the glass to berry-cherry flavors and, on the generous finish a touch of espresso coffee. Needs a fine entrecote. Drink now-2015. NIS 91. Score 90. K

Binyamina, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Cluster Select, Reserve, 2009: My second tasting of this wine. With 20% of the grapes impacted on by botrytis, full-bodied and nearly thick in texture, with an appealing light note of botrytis funk to highlight aromas and flavors of honeyed dried apricots. Low in alcohol (9%) and with fine balancing acidity to keep the wine lively, a tempting dessert wine. Drink now-2016, perhaps longer. NIS 85. Score 92. K