"Full bodied and dark garnet in color…the winery recommends serving this wine alongside rich meat dishes, specifically a lamb in cumin stew…" Fresh from a wine tasting, Yonatan Sternberg waxes poetic on recent reds and offers up a tasty tip on the ultimate guide to Israeli wines.
One of my favorite things about wine tasting events or wine exhibitions is the fact that I get a chance to sample a variety of wines before actually purchasing them. Another advantage of attending these events is the chance one receives to meet leading winemakers, industry professionals and other wine enthusiasts.
At a recent wine exhibition, I had the privilege to sample a variety of red wines released this past year.
Tasting Notes:
Dalton, Zinfandel, 2006
Deep garnet and almost black in color, this full bodied and slightly alcoholic (15%) red is showing aromas of raspberries, plums followed by spices, (generous) smoky wood and vanilla all leading to long finish.
The winery recommends serving this wine alongside a classic pepper steak dish.
Golan Heights, Yarden, Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, 2004
Full bodied and dark garnet in color, this red suggests various berry fruit aromas’, including blackberries and plums, with touches of dark chocolate and oak in the background. In my opinion, the wine is not yet at its peak and would benefit from further cellaring.
The winery recommends serving this wine alongside rich meat dishes, specifically a lamb in cumin stew.
Golan Heights, Yarden, Syrah, Ortal Vineyard, 2004
This Syrah is showing tempting aromas of ripe berry fruits, particularly raspberries and blueberries along with hints of various herbs. Full bodied, the wine offers a long and satisfying finish and is considered by many to be one of the top Syrha wines in the country.
The winery recommends serving this wine alongside a lamb or beef herb crusted roast.
Tip of the week: Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines 2009
I don’t always have the benefit of tasting the wine before I purchase a bottle; hence I usually look on line or check in the wine guides in order to have a reference point. It is important to remember that the scores in the various guides don’t necessarily mean the wine will be to your likings, at the end of the day your taste is the one that counts.
One of the most comprehensive guides in Israel is the Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines (available only in English). This convenient pocket size guide offers a snapshot of the Israeli wine industry. The guide includes detailed information on Israel’s wine regions and grape varieties; coverage of over 160 wineries, detailed tasting notes and more…
