Several forumites have discussed problems encountered with the 2006 Yatir Blended Red. Because of those comments, I scheduled a re-tasting. This morning I re-tasted the wine blind from three separate bottles, one that has been in my own cellar almost since the release of the wine, one sent to me by Yatir in response to my special request, and one that was sent to me by one of my spies in New York. Following are my tasting note from the 2011 edition of my Israeli guide and then the report on today's tasting
My published tasting note
Yatir, Blended Red, 2006: A complex blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (35%, 24%, 20%, 10%, 8% and 3% respectively). Not showing any specific varietal traits (but with such a blend one would not expect that) but indeed showing full-bodied, with soft, gently gripping tannins and reflecting its 12 months in oak with near-sweet cedarwood notes. On the nose and palate a potpourri of black fruits, those supported nicely by notes of spices and espresso coffee. Drink now–2014. Score 91 K
Today's tasting note and comments
One comment before the tasting note. The wines from my cellar and from the winery were, for all practical purposes identical. The wine received from New York showed all of the same characteristics of those that had been cellared in Israel with the exception that the wine showed about "a year older", and that logically after its round trip from Israel-New York-Israel (I have often said that a trans-oceanic voyage tends to let wines show about a year more mature than those that have been stored in the country of origin)
Yatir, Blended Red, 2006: Intensely dark garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied, showing still youthful but gently gripping tannins and notes of sweet-and-spicy cedar wood, those integrating nicely. On first attack blackcurrants and blackberries, those parting to make way for aromas and flavors of roasted herbs, exotic spices and bittersweet chocolate. On the long finish fruits and tannins rise together with a note of mocha and a bare hint of black olives. A blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (35%, 24%, 20%, 10%, 8% and 3% respectively). Drink now-2014. Score 91. K. (Re-tasted three times with consistent notes 14 May 2011)
