Carmel, Psagot and Teperberg - Tasting Notes (K) 
 14.11.2009 ,
 By: Daniel Rogov

Life is hard. I'm in the midst of tastings of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape wines (up to nearly 130 so far) and attending a variety of Champagne tastings. Also doing my regular morning tastings as possible. Today, among others, a dozen Israeli wines, all kosher. Posting here and on another thread at this time because it may be some time until these make it into my columns.

Best
Rogov

Psagot, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Developing beautifully. Deep garnet towards royal-purple, oak-aged for 13 months, full-bodied, with firm tannins and smoky wood settling in nicely now and showing rich, generous and complex with well-focused red and black currant fruits overlaid with hints of cocoa and cedar wood. Drink now–2012. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Psagot, Merlot, 2007: Medium- to full-bodied, with ample but gentle tannins and reflecting its 13 months in oak with spicy and vanilla notes. On the nose and palate purple plums, raspberries, cassis and a note of red licorice. Round and long. Drink now-2012. Score 89. K (Re-tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Private Collection, 2008: A blend of 50% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, those aged partly in stainless steel, partly in oak for 8 months. Medium- to full-bodied, with gently gripping tannins and a hint of vanilla, perhaps from the wood in which it partially aged. Opens to reveal a tempting array of currants, blackberries, and from mid-palate on notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Perhaps an omen – the best Private Collection wine to date. Drink now-2011, perhaps somewhat longer. Excellent value at NIS 50. Score 89 and frankly, darned close to 90. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Carmel, Shiraz, Private Collection, 2008: Having spent 8 months in a combination of stainless steel vats and barriques, medium- to full-bodied, with a gentle note of smoky wood and silky tannins that grip nicely. On the nose and palate traditional currant and blackberry fruits, those complemented by notes of blueberries and a hint of espresso on the finish. Drink now-2011. NIS 55. Score 86. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Carmel, Merlot, Private Collection, 2008: Soft, round and easy to drink, a more-or-less internationalized Merlot for those who enjoy that kind of thing. Medium- perhaps medium- to full-bodied, with a fruit-forward berry-rich nose and currant, plum and cassis notes on the nose and palate. Drink now-2011. NIS 55. Score 85. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Private Collection, 2008: Dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with somewhat chunky tannins but those settling down nicely in the glass to reveal light hints of spicy wood to complement wild berries, currants and cassis. On the medium-long finish a hint of espresso coffee. About NIS 60. Score 86. K (Tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Teperberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, Terra, 2007: Traditional Cabernet. Super-dark garnet, with generous gripping tannins and spicy wood integrating nicely to show off black currants and cassis, those with hints of mint and freshly roasted coffee. Drink now–2012. NIS 69. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Teperberg, Merlot, Terra, 2007: Developed for 14 months in French oak barriques, dark garnet, with nicely gripping tannins and a gentle hand with the wood, those in fine balance with blackberries and blueberries. In the background appealing hints of Oriental spices and earthy minerals. Drink now–2011. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 12 Nov 2009)

Teperberg, Merlot, Silver, 2008: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. A classic style of Merlot, soft, round and supple, with plums and spices on a background of red currants, freshly ground coffee and an appealing hint of bitterness on the finish. Drink now–2012. NIS 45. Score 86. K (Re-tasted 12 Nov 2009)