Hi Harry, shavua tov,
I was almost done writing my notes when my PC suddenly switched off!
Friday night:
Binyamina, Reserve Shiraz 2007: I never paid attention to the label until last night apparently, as I didn't know that alike its "older brother" in the Avnei Hachoshen series, this Syrah/Shiraz is also blended with 3% Viognier, 14 months in french and american barrels. Anyway dark garnet, medium to full-bodied with on the nose loads of red plums, ripe blackberries as well as some oak, followed on the palate by juicy blackberries, red plums, licorice and sweet cedar wood with soft tannins rising on the moderately long finish. A very new world fruit bomb yet with gentle oak and good acidity. Like this one very much.
Shabbat lunch:
Carmel, Appellation Carignan Old Vines 2008: This vintage is very successful for this wine which I never was a fan of till the '07. Blended as every year with a bit of Petit Verdot for added body and color, 12 months in french oak barrels. Dark, almost impenetrable royal purple, full-bodied with on the nose plenty of ripe black fruit and cigar tobacco, followed on the palate by dark cherries and ripe bramble, licorice, and notes of fresh espresso with big, almost chewy tannins on the long finish. A big wine and a great QPR.
Gmar Chatima Tova and I apologize and ask you all for forgiveness if anyone was ever offended in any way either by one of my posts or for whatever reason.
GG