Two from Tzora (K); One from Yatir (K); Two From Avidan
 01.07.2010 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Among my early evening re-tastings today, two releases each from Tzora and Avidan and one from Yatir. The Tzora and Avidan wines are making their way to market now and the Yatir will be appearing in the quite near future.

Best
Rogov

Tzora, Misty Hills, 2007: A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah, full-bodied, with a nose rich with Oriental spices and black fruits. Deep, almost impenetrable garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied and concentrated, with generous tannins that grip gently. On first attack wild berries, those making way for blackberries, blackcurrants and finally raspberries, all on a background that hints of baker's chocolate. Long and generous. A firm and intense wine that avoids becoming a blockbuster by maintaining its elegance. Drink now-2015, perhaps longer. NIS 180. Score 92. K

Tzora, Neve Ilan Blanc, 2009: 100% Chardonnay, 65% of which developing in French barriques, with no malolactic fermentation to allow the clean pleasingly sharp aromas and flavors to best make themselves felt. Aromatic, with light and tantalizing notes of spicy oak on both the nose and palate and opening in the glass to reveal green melon and summer fruits, those on a lightly spicy mineral-rich background. Concentrated and deep and crisply elegant. Drink now-2014. NIS 90.Score 91. K

Yatir, Viognier, 2009: Light gold with orange and green reflections, medium-bodied but with remarkable mouth-filling abilities. A luxurious, rich and ripe wine with notes of guava, pear and peach fruits all with a tempting floral overtone and a tantalizing hint of unripe bitter almonds on the long finish. Wisely unoaked to highlight the juicy fruits and the bitter notes and to keep them in fine balance. Drink now-2012. NIS 82. Score 92. K

Avidan, Fringe, Full Wine, 2008: Super-dark garnet, a medium- to full-bodied, generously tannic blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Petite Sirah. Opens with a nose of freshly turned earth, that integrating nicely in the glass and opening to reveal generous blackberry and citrus peel notes, those supported by notes of black pepper and tar. Long and generous, oak-aged for 12 months, approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2014, perhaps longer. Score 90.

Avidan, Fringe, Prio, 2007: The name inspired by a visit to Spain's Priorat region. Dark garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied, with soft, gently caressing tannins, a blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 15% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Oak-aged for 24 months but showing gentle spicy cedar wood influences. On first attack blackberries, those followed by cassis and purple plums, all set on a background of truffles and bakers' chocolate. As this one develops look as well for notes of saddle leather and espresso coffee. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2017. Score 90.