Tzora - (K) 
 20.06.2009
 By: Daniel Rogov

Life is weird! My afternoon tasting today (20 Jun) was to be primarily of Californian, Italian and Israeli red blends from the 2006 vintage. One of the wines not on the list my assistant receivefd yesterday was Tzora's 2006 Misty Hills. She, wise young woman that she is, decided to be sneaky. Knowing that I had tasted this wine earlier at the winery, and knowing that it fit into the category of the tastings, she simply snuck it in as one of my tastings.

Truth be told I did not recognize the wine. I did guess a blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon but I not think that it was Israeli, thinking more in the direction of Tuscany. I was glad however to see that my tasting note was almost identical to that I had posted earlier.

Whatever, winemaker Eran Pick is doing good things at Tzora.

Best
Rogov

Tzora Vineyards, Misty Hills, 2006: A blend of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, those aged for 18 months in barriques. Deep and youthful royal purple in color, full-bodied, concentrated and intense, showing generous mouth-coating tannins and a judicious hand with the oak, all in fine balance with fruits. On first attack strawberries and red currants, those going to black fruits on a background of earthy minerals and Oriental spices. As this one continues to develop look as well for notes of saddle leather and tobacco. Drinking nicely now but best 2010–2015. Score 92. K

Tzora Vineyards, Blanc, Neve Ilan, 2008: Showing even better than at barrel tastings. Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, developed partly in French oak, 40% of which were new, and partly in stainless steel vats, drinking very nicely indeed. Showing medium-bodied, with fine acidity and minerality. On first attack tropical and summer fruits, those followed by notes of citrus, all on a lightly spicy background. Fresh, lively and complex, lingering nicely on the palate, an intriguing Chardonnay wine . Drink now-2011. Score 91. K.