Red Boat Winery: A Major Tasting
 14.05.2011
 By: Daniel Rogov

Not "Red Sails on the Sunset", not "Red Poetry" and not "The Lady in Red", but simply Red Boat, the name of Doron Omer's boutique winery. As to just why the name, truth be told, it made me smile enough that I decided not to even ask.

Whatever, Omer entered into his winemaking venture in 2007, sourcing grapes from Karmei Yosef , the Jerusalem Hills in General and from vineyards on Mt. Meron in the Galilee. On Wednesday, 11 May, Doron met with me for a coffee meeting in Tel Aviv and brought with him a selection of his wines for tasting. Indeed, pleasant surprises awaited. My thanks to Doron for a pleasant coffee meeting and an interesting tasting.

The winery is currently producing about 2,500 bottles annually. Those who want further information or to consider purchases will do best to contact Doron by telephone at 054 4825777 or by email at omernegev@gmail.com Oh yes….two more to go, the Red Boat Chardonnay wines of 2008 and 2009 but after 37 wines today my palate gave out so those will wait a day or two.

Best
Rogov

Red Boat, Chardonnay, 2010 (Barrel Tasting): Destined for 12 months sur lie aging in oak, full-bodied, with a distinct grapefruit nose, opening in the glass to reveal lively acidity supporting mouthwatering aromas and flavors of citrus, citrus peel, green apples and floral notes. On the long finish a hint of earthy minerals the flavors playing nicely on the palate and leading to a long finish. Tentative Score 90-92. (Tasted 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Karmey Yosef, 2009: A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Shiraz reflecting its oak-aging with notes of sweet-and-spicy cedar wood and tannins on their way to being velvety. Opens in the glass to reveal blackcurrant, blackberry and licorice notes, those supported on the long, solid finish by notes of mocha and bittersweet chocolate. Look as well on the finish for a tantalizing hint of raspberries. Approachable now but best from mid-2012-2015, perhaps longer. Score 91. (Tasted 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Jerusalem Foothills, 2009: Dark garnet toward royal purple, well-focused and tangy oak-aged blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Shiraz. On first attack blueberries and minerals, those parting to make way for aromas and flavors of blackcurrants and blackberries, all with an appealing hint of tobacco. Long and generous. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from mid-2012-2015, perhaps longer. Score 90. (Tated 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Mount Meron, 2008: A dark garnet oak aged blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 30% Shiraz. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine density and gripping tannins only now starting to settle in. On the nose and palate purple plums, blackberries and chocolate along with notes of Mediterranean herbs and a hint of green olives. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2012-2014, perhaps longer. Score 90. (Tasted 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Karmei Yosef, 2008: Medium- to full-bodied, deep garnet toward royal purple with gently gripping tannins, a juicy and tangy red showing red plums, cassis and crushed raspberry fruits, those supported nicely by aromas and flavors of blueberries, red currants and hints of cedar wood. Fruits and tannins rise nicely on the fnish. A blend of 86 %Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now-2014. Score 89. (Tasted 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Jerusalem Foothills, 2007: An oak-aged Bordeaux-style blend of 41% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 9% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Medium- to full-bodied, leaning to the full, with chunky tannins giving the wine a somewhat rustic note but don't hold that against the wine as it opens to reveal a generous array of black and red fruits, among those black and red currants, blackberries and black cherries, those on a background of sweet cedar wood and stony minerals. Lingers nicely, tannins smoothing out and fruits rising on the finish. Drink now-2013. Score 89. (Tasted 13 May 2011)

Red Boat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Karmei Yosef, 2007: A dark garnet blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Shiraz and 5% Petit Syrah. Medium- to full-bodied, gently tannic, a ripe and velvety wine with well focused blackcurrant and blackberry fruits highlighted by notes of smoky oak and licorice, all coming to a solid and long-lingering finish. Drink now-2014. Score 89. (Tasted 13 May 2011)