Gush Etzion Winery: Tasting Notes (K) 
 31.07.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Located in the community of Efrat, the Gush Etzion Winery is owned largely by vintner Shraga Rozenberg and partly by the Tishbi family, and has its own vineyards in the Jerusalem Mountains providing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay, Viognier and Johannisberg Riesling grapes. First releases were in 1998 of 3,000 and the winery currently produces about 30,000 bottles annually. The winery recently moved into a new facility with the potential for future production of up to 100,000 bottles.

My thanks to Shraga Rozenberg who recently met with me (albeit briefly) in Tel Aviv to give me bottles to sample. Those were tasted blind over a several day period in order to match the various wines with their peers.

Best
Rogov

The Red Wines

Gush Etzion, Nachal HaPirim, 2005: A medium- to full-bodied Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (60%, 25%, 10% and 5% respectively. Aged in new oak barriques for 12 months, showing soft tannins and gentle spicy and smoky wood influences, opens to reveal a generous array of currant, black- and blueberry and purple plum fruits, those supported by hints of forest floor and dark chocolate that run through. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 22 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Shiraz, 2007: Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, a ripe and intense wine with wild berry, black cherry and notes of green peppers and freshly turned earth all leading to a long and generous finish. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K (Tasted 24 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Shiraz, 2006: A vibrant and lively wine, dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with tight tannins and spicy wood that part in the glass to reveal ripe berries, black cherries and citrus peel notes. In the background appealing hints of roasted herbs and earthy minerals. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K (Tasted 24 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Cabernet Franc, 2005: Showing even better than at an earlier tasting. Medium- to full-bodied, reflecting its 14 months in oak with generous soft tannins and notes of spicy oak. On first attack plums, tar and minerals, those yielding comfortably to notes of dried cherries, blackcurrants, minerals and a hint of mint. Drink now-2011 Score 90. K (Re-tasted 25 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2006: Aged in oak for 14 months. Full-bodied and with soft tannins that make the wine simultaneously sleek, complex and bold. Opens with dried berries, currants and earthy minerals, goes on to reveal notes of spices and tobacco that linger long and comfortably. Drink now-2012. Score 90. K (Tasted 22 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Emek Bracha, 2006: A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 22 months in French oak. Dark garnet and full-bodied, opens with a blow of spicy wood and firm tannins, those happily receding in the glass to reveal blackberry, raspberry and licorice notes with tannins and wood rising on the finish. Drink now-2011. Score 87 K (Tasted 22 Jul 2009)

The White Wines

Gush Etzion, Har Etzion (Mount Etzion), White, 2008: An unoaked potpourri of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay showing apples, mangos, pineapple and citrus peel on the nose and palate. Not complex but a pleasant little dry white. Drink now. Score 85. K (Tasted 30 Jul 2009).

Gush Etzion, Gewurztraminer, 2008: Light golden in color, opens with a light petrol note that calls to mind Riesling more than Gewurztraminer. On the nose and palate apricots, pears and spices. Lacks the acidity that might have given it more liveliness and with a not fully wanted hint of sweetness that rises on the finish. Drink now. Score 84. K (Tasted 30 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008: Golden straw in color, with not much of a nose but opens in the glass to reveal an appealing array of pears, peaches and grapefruits, those on a lightly grassy background. Drink now. Score 85. K (Tasted 30 Jul 2009)

Gush Etzion, White Riesling, 2008: Blended with 10% Gewruztraminer, opens with a floral and citrus nose, goes on to reveal white peaches and tropical fruits all with a tempting lightly oily texture. Drink now-2011. Score 87. K (Tasted 30 Jul 2009)