Zion Winery - New Releases Tasted (K) 
 05.09.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

On Wednesday (2 September), I attended a tasting of several of the 2007 releases from the Zion Winery. Founded in the old city of Jerusalem in 1848 by the Shor family, until recently this winery produced primarily wines for sacramental purposes. Managed by the ninth generation of the family, starting four years ago the winery began to release dry, more upscale wines aimed at a more sophisticated market. Now located in Mishor Adumim, not far from Jerusalem, the winery produces about 2,200,000 bottles annually of which 100,000–150,000 are dry, those in three series, Armon, Tidhar and Erez. The winery’s better wines rely on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan, Petite Sirah and Emerald Riesling grapes from the Galilee, the Judean Hills and the Central Plain. Vineyards with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are under development.

My thanks to those from the winery who made a special trip to Ramat HaChayal to meet with me for this tasting.

Best
Rogov

Zion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tidhar, 2007: An unoaked blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% petite Sirah. Light- to medium-bodied, ruby towards garnet in color, opens with a distinct note of acidity but that settles down nicely in the glass to yield a smooth wine with generous currant and wild berry fruits. Not complex but a good quaffer. Drink now. NIS 35. Score 84. K

Zion, Petite Sirah-Merlot, Erez, 2007: Reflecting its 10 months in oak with gently gripping tannins and a moderate spicy wood influence, a medium- to full-bodied blend of 60% Petite Sirah and 40% Merlot. Dark royal purple in color, with appealing blackberry and currant fruits, those supported nicely by notes of Oriental spices and chocolate. Drink now-2011. NIS 49. Score 86.K

Zion, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Erez, 2007: A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah. Garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely with hints of smoky wood. Aromatic and flavorful, showing appealing wild berry, cassis and orange peel notes. Drink now-2011. NIS 49. Score 86. K

Zion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Erez, 2007: Dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with gently gripping tannins and notes of vanilla from the wood in which it aged. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, opening in the glass to show aromas and flavors of black and red berries and cassis, those on a background that hints nicely of minted chocolate. Good balance and moderately long. Drink now-2011, perhaps longer. NIS 49. Score 87. K

Zion, Merlot, Erez, 2007: Medium- to full-bodied, dark garnet in color and with soft tannins and spicy wood. Opens with a lightly off aroma but that passes in the glass and the wine shows a basic berry and plum personality. Some may not appreciate the generous acidity here. Drink now. NIS 49. Score 83. K