Domaine Herzberg - Tasting Notes (K)
 14.11.2009
 By: Daniel Rogov

It seems that I am discovering at least one new Israeli boutique winery weekly. Well, in some cases they may be discovering me.

Today was my first encounter of the wines of Domaine Herzberg. Founded by Max Herzberg on Moshav Sitria (the winery uses the French spelling of Sitrya), not far from the city of Rehovot and in the foothills of the Judean Mountains, the winery released its first wines from the 2007 vintage. Now cultivating their own vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Sirah, the winery relies largely on organic techniques and uses a minimum of pesticides. Plans are to release a varietal Malbec from the 2009 vintage. Production for 2007 was 2000 bottles, for 2008, 3,500 and projected production for 2009 is for 6,000 bottles.

it is my understanding that the current releases are going for about NIS 105 each. The winery can be contacted by email at max@herzbergwine.com

Best
Rogov

Domaine Herzberg, Merlot, Coteaux de Sitrya, 2007: Dark ruby towards garnet, lightly oak-aged, a supple, fruit forward wine with appealing black cherry and wild berry fruits supported by notes of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and an appealing hint of licorice that lingers on the finish. Drink now-2011. Score 87. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Domaine Herzberg, Merlot, Coteaux de Sityra, 2008: Showing spices and vanilla from the oak in which it was briefly aged, and opening to reveal black cherry, cassis and cedar aromas, those on a background of purple plums and spices. Young and still showing some rough edges so give this one a bit of time. Best from mid-2010-2013. Score 87 K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Domaine Herzberg, Reserve, Chateau de Sityra, 2007: Deep garnet in color, a medium- to full-bodied blend of 50% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Reflecting its 9 months in French and American barriques with firm tannins and spicy wood in fine balance with blackcurrant, wild berry and licorice notes. Best from mid-2010-2013, perhaps longer. Score 88. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)