In this week’s Ha’aretz, Israeli wine critic Daniel Rogov tastes wines from the Alexander Winery, Gat Shomron Winery, and Tishbi winery.
Wine and Spirits / Greats from Alexander
By Daniel Rogov
Located on Moshav Beit Yitzhak in the Sharon region, the Alexander winery, founded in 1996 by Yoram Shalom, receives grapes largely from contract vineyards it controls at Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee. It has mainly produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and now coming on line are Syrah and Grenache. Growth has been steady, increasing from about 12,000 bottles in 2002 to 45,000 in 2005 and 2006. With the 2006 vintage the winery switched over to kosher production. In addition to producing two top-of-the-line series, Alexander the Great and The Wine of Alexander, the winery also releases two blended red wines, Sandro and Gaston as well as white Liza wines.
Alexander, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: Medium to full-bodied, dark ruby in color, with soft tannins; showing vanilla and spices from the casks in which it aged. On the nose and palate, rich black currant and blackberry fruits along with hints of earthiness.
Drink now-2010. NIS 135. Score 88.
Alexander, Syrah, 2006: Medium-bodied, soft and round, showing gently spicy, rich wood and vanilla notes, and opening on the palate to reveal red berries and plums, supported nicely by a light meaty hint and a milk-chocolate finish. Very nice. Drink now-2010. NIS 135. Score 88. K.
Alexander, Gaston, GMS, 2005: Despite the order and hint of its labeling, a blend of 76% Merlot and 12% each of Grenache and Syrah. Dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied, aged in barriques for 12 months. On first attack generous wood on both nose and palate, which recedes nicely to reveal currant, wild berry and plum fruits on a just spicy enough background. Well balanced and long. Drink now-2010. NIS 155. Score 88.
Alexander, Sandro, 2006: A medium- to full-bodied blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. Dark ruby in color, reflecting its 14 months in barriques with dusty wood and soft, gently gripping tannins. Opens to reveal appealing currant, wild berry and orange peel notes, with tannins and fruits rising on the finish. Drink now-2010. NIS 100. Score 87.
[…]
Popularity: 8% [?]
Sphere: Related Content
