Re-Tasting Premium Wines- Two New Wines from Carmel (K) 
 18.09.2010 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Yesterday had me re-tasting a dozen wines from eight different Israeli wineries, each of those considered a "premium wine". If the truth be told, six of the wines I tasted were what I would measure as first-level quality, indeed premium. The other six are probably best described as "okay, even good, but not very exciting".

What struck me as more than a bit odd was that the six that were simply okay, earning scores of between 85-88, cost between NIS 180-340 while those that were truly world-class in quality and interest cost between NIS 110-160. The moral of the story – wise wineries price their wines wisely; unwise wineries do not.

The reason for my re-tasting session was the release of two new wines from Carmel, the single vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 Shiraz, both from the Kayoumi Vineyard in the Upper Galilee. My tasting notes for the two wines follow. I will save further comments on pricing and quality for an upcoming article in HaAretz.

Best
Rogov

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2007: Garnet towards royal purple, oak-aged in French barriques for 14 months, a distinctive full-bodied Cabernet, showing cherry, raspberry and red currant fruits on a background of freshly turned earth, tobacco and espresso coffee, all leading to a finish that goes on seemingly without end. Well focused and with excellent integration between fruits, tannins and wood. Drink now–2015. NIS 120. Score 93. K

Carmel, Shiraz, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2007: Almost impenetrably dark garnet in color, a big, bold and expressive wine, showing generous black cherry, red plum and raspberry fruits, those on a background of Oriental spices. Developed in French oak for 14 months, concentrated and generous, opening in layers on the palate and then lingering long and comfortably on the palate. Well crafted. Drink now–2015. NIS 120. Score 92. K