Weekly tasting group #214; Israel

@ CvR
Tasted Monday, May 23, 2016 by Zweder with 184 views

Introduction

We knew the theme, but all wines were tasted fully blind.

Flight 1 (1 Note)

  • NV Golan Heights Winery Gamla Nature Brut 81 Points

    Israel, Galilee, Golan Heights

    This is a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At first very bubbly, but quite quick it settles and there are hardly any bubbles, like in a very mature bubble. In the bouquet green apples and pears. On the palate the first thing to notice is the almost extreme acidity; lemon and lime. Green apples, some minerals, yeast and bitterness. The winery advises to drink the wine at 6 - 7°C (43°F), which is very cold and I can understand it. I can imagine that with an outside temperature of 40°C/104°F this wine with its high acidity is very refreshing at the advised drinking temperature. But for me, the acidity is a bit too much. A bit one-dimensional as well.

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Flight 2 (2 Notes)

  • 2013 Galil Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 87 Points

    Israel, Galilee

    The bouquet is a bit locked, but shows apple, pear, gooseberry and citrus. On the palate green apples, pear, litchi, gooseberry and firm lime acidity. Not a great length.

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  • 2013 Flam Unoaked 89 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    This is a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Chardonnay. The result is a wine with green apples, bananas and chalky minerals in the bouquet. On the palate apples, gooseberry, green herbs, minerals, good acidity and bitterness. Ok wine.

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Flight 3 (2 Notes)

  • 2013 Galil Mountain Avivim - Viognier Chardonnay 88 Points

    Israel, Galilee

    This is a blend of 13% Chardonnay and 87% Viognier. The wine gets 5 months of new French oak. It results in a wine with flowers and ripe yellow fruits in the bouquet. On the palate ripe yellow fruits like pineapple, mango, peach and litchi. Also honey, butter candy and some minerals. Mild acidity. 87 - 88

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  • 2014 Domaine du Castel 'C' Blanc du Castel Judean Hills 92 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    Impressive bouquet with a firm dose of toasted oak, yellow tropical fruits and citrus. On the palate yellow fruits, vanilla, toast, pepper, grapefruit, a touch of sweetness, a bit fat with mild acidity and bitterness. Something special. Can use some ageing so everything can integrate. Around 2020? 92+ for tonight.

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Flight 4 (2 Notes)

  • 2013 Galil Mountain Pinot Noir Yiron 87 Points

    Israel, Galilee

    Light transparent red. In the bouquet strawberry, raspberry and cherries. Vanilla and some toast as well. On the palate ripe red berry fruits and cherries, herbs, a touch of sweetness, mild acidity and soft tannin. 87

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  • 2011 Galil Mountain Barbera Yiron 84 Points

    Israel, Galilee, Upper Galilee

    In the bouquet red fruits, broth, metal, vanilla and some autumn impressions. On the palate ripe red and dark berry fruits, vanilla, some smoke, tobacco, yoghurt, rubber, some acidity and round tannin.

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Flight 5 (2 Notes)

  • 2013 Flam Classico Judean Hills 88 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    In the bouquet red and dark berries, green bell pepper, some smoke and toast. On the palate juicy red and dark forest fruits, licorice, vanilla, minerals, some sweetness and white pepper. Good acidity and tannin with still a good bite. Nice wine in its young maturity stage. Lacks a bit in elegance. 87 - 88

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  • 2012 Flam Syrah Reserve 89 Points

    Israel, Galilee

    Ripe dark berries and cherries and toast in the bouquet. On the palate red and dark berries, vanilla, green herbs, white pepper, some licorice, firm acidity and somewhat sticky tannin. Early maturity stage now. 88 - 89

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Flight 6 (2 Notes)

  • 2012 Adir Cabernet Sauvignon Kerem Ben Zimra 89 Points

    Israel, Galilee, Upper Galilee

    Ripe blackberries, vanilla and cinnamon in the bouquet. On the palate ripe dark and red berries, vanilla, sweet spices, sweet licorice, some green herbs impressions as well. Beautiful acidity and soft tannin. Ready now and the next few years.

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  • 2011 Flam Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 91 Points

    Israel, Galilee, Upper Galilee

    In the bouquet ripe red and dark forest fruits, earth, minerals and a pleasant touch of barnyard. On the palate dark and red berries, a lot of vanilla, white pepper, a touch of sweetness and firm, but good acidity. Soft and round, slightly sticky tannin. Beautiful and complete wine in its young maturity stage.

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Flight 7 (2 Notes)

  • 2009 Domaine du Castel Petit Castel Kosher Judean Hills 90 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    In the bouquet red berries, bell pepper, leather and forest floor. On the palate chocolate, juicy red and dark berries, vanilla and other sweet spices, green herbs and white pepper. Good acidity and soft tannin. The wine is in its maturity stage and will drink nicely over the next few years. 89 - 90

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  • 2013 Domaine du Castel Grand Vin Judean Hills 92 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    In the bouquet dark forest fruits, licorice, vanilla and some green herbs. On the palate cassis and other dark berries, licorice, tar, some green notes, sweet spices and minerals . Concentrated wine with a good balance between acidity and sweetness and soft tannin with a pleasant bite. In its very young maturity stage, but drinking lovely already. No problem waiting until well into the 2020’s. 92+ for tonight.

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Flight 8 (1 Note)

  • 2010 Pittacum Bierzo 89 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Bierzo

    Bouquet with blueberries, minerals sweet spices and some rustic flavors. On the palate dark berries, herbs, clove, coffee, minerals, good and fresh acidity and tannin. Good length. Ready now and the next few years.

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