My Notes On The Midbar Winery

http://2grandcru.blogspot.co.il/2012/09/midbar-winery.html

Well written Chaim. Looks like I've to start hunting them. If you liked them, these wines must be good. What happen to Asif winery? It ceased operations?

Midbar is a continuation of Asif. I guess they replaced the signs and label.

I've scheduled my own tasting of Midbar's wines for next week. Looking forward!

Hi Chaim,

Thanks for your notes. I just had the '08 Viognier that I enjoyed, finding the intensely rich aromatics making its way to the palate. It has a beatiful texture and quite a complex flavor profile. Honestly, after having this wine I don't get your aversion to the variety.

Best,
-> Pinchas

Following Chaim's notes, I took advantage of a (limited time) special price offer at Wine Depot to purchase one bottle of the Midbar White 44 (2010) to try with fish at our Rosh HaShana dinner. The consensus around the table was that it is a nice wine, but not outstanding in any way, and certainly does not justify the list price. Personally I find it way too off-dry for my tastes, and would have cheerfully traded my glass for another pouring of the Pelter Sauvignon Blanc we had earlier in the evening.

I will still look for a chance to try the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend, if I can find it at a tolerable price, but am not as optimistic as I was when first reading Chaim's notes...

cheers,

Mike

I recently spoke with Yaakov Oryah about Midbar Winery before visiting the vineyards near Mtizpe Ramon with the talented grower Eran Raz.

Asif Winery is out of business. Midbar Winery, which hired Yaakov as the winemaker also bought out the stock of wine and the facility in Arad. This is how the new Midbar Winery was able to open and immediately sell wines.

I shared a bottle of the Chen Blanc and was overwhelmed by its crisp acidity and refreshing fruits, a real winner!