Many 2005 and 2006 wines are now making their way to market, some destined for early drinking, others meant to be set aside, ideally under good storage conditions, to continue to develop in their bottles over the next five to 10 years. With many wines appearing simultaneously, some at very attractive prices, this is most assuredly a buyer's market.
The following are a collection of recently released wines, some of which are entry-level wines, others far more sophisticated. I consider each of the wines good value for the money within its category.
Tzora, Cabernet Sauvignon, Givat Hachalukim, Single Vineyard, 2005: Dark ruby toward garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and generous spicy wood. Opens to show generous red and black fruits, supported nicely by hints of freshly turned earth and tobacco. Drink now till 2010. NIS 99. Score 90. K
Tzora, Cabernet Sauvignon, Neve Ilan, Single Vineyard, 2005: Oak-aged for 18 months, dark ruby toward royal purple, full-bodied, with soft, near-sweet tannins integrating nicely and showing ripe blackberry, currant and raspberry fruits, those supported nicely by appealing hints of tobacco and red licorice. Drink now till 2010. NIS 99. Score 89. K
Ella Valley Vineyards, Vineyard's Choice, Merlot, 2003: Full-bodied and firmly structured, with dark black cherry, berry, anise and spice flavors that stand up nicely to the tannins and moderate oak influences. Needs time but promises to soften and develop beautifully. Drink now till 2010. Score 90. K
Agur, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Kessem, 2005: A blend of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and about 5 percent each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Developed in barriques for 12 months, showing gentle overlays of spices and a hint of vanilla, with soft tannins integrating nicely and with generous blackberry, red currant and red plums, all leading to a round and nicely lingering finish. Drink now till 2009. Score 89.
Tulip Mostly, Shiraz, 2005: Dark garnet, this blend of 60 percent Shiraz, 14 percent each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and 6 percent Petit Verdot, is medium-bodied, soft, round and well-balanced, filling the mouth nicely. On the nose and palate blackberries, plums and gently spicy oak from its 14 months in barriques. On the moderately long finish, hints of Mediterranean herbs and freshly turned earth. Drink now till 2009. NIS 65. Score 87.
Tishbi, Shiraz, Estate, 2005: Dark cherry toward garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely. On the nose and palate cherry, raspberry and spicy aromas and flavors on a light earthy background. Drink now till 2010. NIS 84. Score 89. K
Tishbi, Chardonnay, Estate, 2006: Crisp and lively, light golden straw in color, light- to medium-bodied, with appealing citrus, green apple and melon fruits on a flinty-mineral background. Drink now. NIS 47. Score 87. K
Tishbi, Chardonnay, Special Reserve, 2006: Aged in oak for 6 months, golden straw in color, medium-bodied, with light spicy accents running through the appealing citrus, citrus peel and melon aromas and flavors. Lingers nicely. Drink now-2008. NIS 72. Score 87. K
Hamasrek, The King's Blend, Judean Hills, n.v: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel grapes from the 2004 and 2005 vintages. Dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing generous berry, black cherry and herbal aromas and flavors. Lingers nicely. Drink now-2009. Score 86. K
Binyamina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teva, 2006: Dark cherry-red toward garnet in color, medium-bodied, with light hints of spicy oak and an appealing cherry, blackberry personality. On the short but fruity finish, an appealing hint of tobacco. Drink now. NIS 38. Score 85. K
Binyamina, Tempranillo, Teva, 2006: Blended with 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, treated lightly to American oak barriques, this medium-bodied and softly tannic wine shows appealing black cherries, purple plums and hints of cigar tobacco leading to a round and moderately long finish. Drink now till 2009. NIS 38. Score 85. K
Binyamina, Pinotage, Teva, 2006: Bright royal purple in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins balanced by lively acidity and just the barest hint of spicy wood. On the nose and palate cherries, and a hint of cassis, matched by a light hint of white pepper. Nothing complex here but a round, easy to drink quaffer. Drink now. NIS 38. Score 84. K
Binyamina, Merlot, Teva, 2006: Ruby to garnet, medium-bodied with soft tannins. Not-at-all complex but with pleasant blackberry and black cherry fruits on a light spicy background. Drink now. NIS 38. Score 84. K
Tishbi, White Riesling, Vineyards, 2006: Light and fresh, with apple, honeysuckle and citrus notes leading to a crisp finish. Drink now. NIS 47. Score 85. K
Tishbi, Muscat of Alexandria, 2006: Semi-dry, floral and with aromas and flavors of ripe peaches, a simple quaffer. Drink up. NIS 26. Score 83. K
Tishbi, French Colombard, Vineyards, 2006: Light golden straw in color, light- to medium-bodied with citrus and tropical fruits on a floral background. Drink up. NIS 30. Score 83. K
Tishbi, French Riesling, 2006: Semi-dry, with a floral nose and showing aromas and flavors of citrus and melon. Good acidity keeps it lively. Drink now. NIS 26. Score 82. K
Tepperberg, Terra, Rose, 2006: Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, rose petal pink in color, crisply dry and with fine acidity to keep it lively and showing raspberry, strawberry and cranberry fruits, all with a light hint of spiciness that creeps in nicely. Drink now. NIS 39. Score 85. K
Tepperberg, Terra, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2006: Oak-aged for six months, this garnet toward royal purple blend of 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc shows an appealing array of blackberry, black cherry and cassis fruits, those on a background of lightly spicy cedar. Round and generous. Drink now till 2009. NIS 48. Score 87. K
Tepperberg, Terra, Emerald Riesling, 2006: Aromatic, with flowers and freshly mown grass on the nose and showing citrus and mango fruits. Half-dry and finishing with a hint of mint. Drink now. NIS 35. Score 84. K
