Carmel Selected - On The Way Up (K) 
 01.04.2011 
 By: Daniel Rogov

In judging a winery one invariably looks first at their top-level wines. That, however, is not enough for in order to gain an accurate and realistic picture of where a winery is going, one should also look at their mid-level and entry-level wines. As part of my morning tastings I sampled four of the 2010 wines in Carmel's introductory level Selected series.

If the simple truth be told, for many years Carmel's Selected wines were not much to boast about. In fact, some of them were pretty poor. As has been seen in recent years, however, in addition to a major focus ontheir top-level wines (Mediterranean, Limited Edition, Single Vineyard and Appellation series), winemaker Lior Laxer has been bringing Selected to a new and higher level. This year's releases demonstrate that quite nicely indeed, each of the four red wines I sampled earning 85 or more points, that putting them in the category of good to very good and recommended.

My tasting notes follow.

Best
Rogov

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Selected, 2010: Medium-dark garnet in color, a soft, round and generously acidic wine showing primarily red fruits along with a hint of white pepper on a medium-bodied base. A good entry-level wine. Drink now. Score 85. K

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Selected, 2010: Bright garnet, medium-bodied, with soft, gently caressing tannins and showing an appealing array of black and red berries, currants and blueberries on a lightly spicy background. Drink now-2013. Score 87. K

Carmel, Merlot, Selected, 2010: Medium-bodied and gently tannic. Medium-dark garnet with orange reflections, opens with a fruity-floral nose, that settling down nicely in the glass to reveal light oak notes in fine balance with blackberry, currant and earthy minerals. Drink now-2013. Score 87. K

Carmel, Cabernet-Merlot-Shiraz, 2010: Cherry red toward garnet, medium-bodied, with light, almost unfelt tannins. On the nose and palate crushed berries, red plums and a note of herbaceousness. A good entry-level wine. Drink now. Score 85. K