by Gabriel Geller » Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:47 am
Harry, everyone, Shavua tov and chodesh tov,
Friday night:
- GMW, Alon 2009: As good as always.
- Dalton, Alma Bordeaux-blend 2009: Still the best of its kind for the price IMHO.
- Dalton, D Shiraz 2010: Dark, almost black purple, very full-bodied with on the nose ripe blackberries, leather and plums all that wrapped in smoke, the same showing on the palate along with black pepper , roasted meat as well as nutmeg, hints of sweet cedar, bright acidity and silky tannins on the long mouth-filling finish. Amazing QPR, another winner from Dalton.
Shabbat Lunch:
- Tishbi, Single Vineyard Petite Syrah 2007: From the free-run juice of Petite Sirah grapes from old vines in Givat Yeshayahu aged for 12 months in american oak barrels, deep garnet, medium to full-bodied with on the nose fresh violets, vanilla and raspberries going on the palate to reveal notes of raspberries again, dried cherries and raisins along with milk chocolate and integrated tannins on a moderately long finish. Quite an esay-drinking and pleasant Petite Sirah. Most its Israeli counterparts (Dalton, Carmel, Recanati) are fuller in body, dark purple and more muscular wines setting this one a little bit apart.
Motzei Shabbat, Saturday night (at 7 brachot):
- Hevron Heights, Judean Heights, Chardonnay 2011: Didn't focused too much on this wine. A rather simple yet refreshing Chardonnay fermented 3 months in french oak barrels, green apples, medium-bodied and a bit acidic with hints of buttery oakiness. Not bad as an entry-level Chardonnay.
- Alexander Sandro 2008: Nice as always, a unique blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, these flushed out with Petit Verdot, Shiraz and... wait for it... Sauvignon Blanc!
- Segal, Rechasim-Dishon Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: Excellent, no change from my previous bottle a few weeks ago.
- Teperberg, Shiraz Reserve 2009: Royal purple, on the nose blackberries and sweet yet not to the point of jammy boysenberries, licorice and black pepper, full-bodied with on the palate the same with the blackberries being quite juicy, bracing acidity here with hints of leather and backer's chocolate as well as good tannins on a long finish. Well-done.
- Tzuba, Harmony 2009: Second time I drink this blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Syrah, each developed separately for 8 months in French oak and then an additional 6 months after blending. Bright ruby with on the nose sour cherries, redcurrants and raspberries with notes of dry herbs and wet dirt. Medium-bodied with forest notes of parisian mushrooms and wet grass along with sour cherries and redcurrants as well as a hint of allspice and bitterness on the moderately long and softly tannic finish. A different and enjoyable wine.
Best,
GG