Located in a thoroughly modern facility not far from the town of Beit Shemesh at the foothills of the Judean Hills, the Flam winery has produced consistently excellent and exciting wines since its first releases from the 1998 vintage. The winery was established by brothers Golan and Gilad Flam: Golan, having trained and worked in Australia and Tuscany, is the winemaker; Gilad is in charge of the business aspects.
Also working with the two brothers is their father, Israel Flam, who was for many years the senior winemaker at Carmel.
The winery produces age-worthy varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines in their Reserve and Superiore series; a second wine, Classico, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that is meant for relatively early drinking; and a label for white wine, Flam. Current production is about 130,000 bottles annually. Of those about 15,000 are white wines. Starting from the 2010 vintage the Flam wines will be kosher.
Flam, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2008: Developed in new French oak for 18 months, a blend of 92 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 4 percent each of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Deep, almost impenetrable garnet in color, with spicy oak on the nose showing only gently in the glass. On the nose and palate wild berries, blackcurrants and spiced plums, all on a background that hints at one moment of garrigue and another of roasted herbs. Drink now-2020. Score 94.
Flam, Merlot, Reserve, 2008: Oak aged in French barriques for 15 months, a blend of 90% Merlot and 5% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark garnet toward royal purple, with ample soft tannins and a gentle hand with the oak, showing aromas and flavors of currants and black cherries, supported nicely by notes of peppermint, spring flowers and spices, a tempting light earthy note rising on the long finish. Drink now-2018. Score 92.
