Teperberg 1870: New Releases Tasted (K)
 10.08.2010 
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At eight this morning (Tuesday, 10 August), I found myself in the well tended and exquisitely set vineyards of the Teperberg winery, there with several colleagues in the company of Motti Teperberg and the winery's two winemakers Shiki Rauchberger and Olivier Fratty, both of whom had taken time off from a very hectic harvest period to meet with us and to unveil the winery's 2008 Malbec release.

Teperberg, which has now well shed its former image of releasing largely wines for a very observant audience and has fully entered the 21st century became the first winery in the country to release a varietal Malbec, the first from the 2007 vintage.

During my visit I sampled several other wines and on return home re-sampled the 2007 Malbec release. My tasting notes from the morning's adventure followed. I must add, by the way, that any winery that can offer me freshly made espresso in the middle of a vast vineyard must be doing things right!

Teperberg, Malbec, 2008: With some time in the bottle since my advance tasting, showing very nicely. Dark garnet towards royal purple, with an appealing red fruit nose a medium- to full-bodied and with generous softly gripping tannins, a wine traditional to its variety. On the nose and palate reflecting its time in oak with white pepper and mixed spices, red plums and raspberries, those giving way nicely to blackberries, a hint of milk chocolate and a spicy and mouth-filling finish. Drink now-2013, perhaps longer. NIS 70. Score 89. K

Teperberg, Malbec, 2007: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Developed in new French and American oak barriques for 12 months, dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins well balanced by notes of sweet toast and vanilla. On the nose and palate plums, black cherries and notes of cocoa. Not an Argentinean nor a Cahors Malbec, but one with a distinct Mediterranean personality. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K

Teperberg, , Rosé, 2009: Blush pink in color, light- to medium-bodied, made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with tutti-frutti aromas and flavors a pleasant little wine best served either quite well chilled or with a few ice cubes added. Drink now. NISA 40-45. Score 85. K

Teperberg, Sauvignon Blanc, Terra, 2009: Light golden straw in color, a crisply dry and aromatic, clean and refreshing wine with citrus, citrus peel and light grassy notes, all lingering nicely on the palate and with enough peppery complexity to grab our attention. Drink now. NIS 50. Score 88. K

Teperberg, Chardonnay, Reserve, 2009: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Deep gold, reflecting its development in French oak barriques with peppery and cinnamon notes. On the nose and palate citrus, melon, green apples and citrus peel. Lively, spicy and long, a generous wine. Drink from release-2013. NIS 50. Score 89. K

N.B. Although I use and will continue to use the shorthand, the p.r. people of the winery are constantly reminding me that the full name of the winery is Teperberg 1870, that date marking the founding of the winery.