An elegant, full-bodied Merlot with intense tannins. The wine has the rich red forest berry and cassis flavors typical of this grape variety. Its bouquet is one of Mediterranean herbs and spice leading to a long balanced finish.

Review

Wine Enthusiast April 2010 88 Points Reserve Merlot2006 - 88 Points, Wine Enthusiast ------------------------------------------ Rich, lush and oaky with aromas and flavors of ripe plum, red berries and vanilla cream. Round and full in the mouth with solid but soft tannins and moderate acidity. This finish is long and lingering, with suggestions of vanilla ice cream topped with mixed berry compote. Drink now. ------------------------------------------ Wine Enthusiast 86 Points Reserve Merlot 2008 - 86 Points, Wine Enthusiast ------------------------------------------ Jammy preserve notes of blueberry and ripe strawberry on the nose, with more plum and deep cherry notes fleshing out the medium-weight mouth. Delicate fine-grain tannins provide good structure, and linger throughout the milk chocoloate-infused finish. ------------------------------------------ Wine Advocate February 2010 87 Points Reserve Merlot 2006 - 87 Points, Wine Advocate ------------------------------------------ The 2006 Reserve Merlot is quite a mouthful. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it is powerful and intense, as well as laced with sweet vanilla notes. As it aired out and the fruit had a chance to poke its head up from beneath the oaky layer, I liked this more and more... This comes from Israel’s Ella Valley rather than the usual northern vineyards because, during hostilities with Lebanon, the winery could not harvest normally in the North. ------------------------------------------ Wine Advocate February 2010 87 Points Reserve Merlot 2007 - 87 Points, Wine Advocate ------------------------------------------ The 2007 Merlot Reserve is on a par with the ’06. There is 10% Cabernet Sauvignon added in, and it spent 16 months in French oak. It is a graceful and elegant wine... It has a certain ethereal air to it.. it is easy to drink, beautifully balanced and a pleasure to drink. It caresses the palate and seems quite charming. ------------------------------------------ Wine Spectator 2009 87 Points Reserve Merlot 2006 - 87 Points, Wine Spectator ------------------------------------------ Firm and juicy, with good definition to the red plum and berry flavors, which are accented by crisp, savory herbal notes. ------------------------------------------ Wine Spectator Online April 1, 2009 Reserve Merlot 2004 - Wine Spectator Online ------------------------------------------ A crisp red, with red plum, currant and chocolate flavors that carry through to the fresh, mineral-filled finish. ------------------------------------------ Jewish Georgian September/October 2007 Have a vintage New Year ------------------------------------------ A highly recommended personal favorite. A bouquet of red berries, cassis, and roses, underscored by hints of white pepper, cloves, and green olives. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. ------------------------------------------ Journal-News January 12, 2007 ------------------------------------------ Spicy, ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors; generous and smooth; intense fruit; long finish. ------------------------------------------ Good Life April 8 & 9, 2006 * * * * * Passover: Family, friends and feasting ------------------------------------------ This rich, elegant, medium- to full-bodied wine exhibits aromas and flavors of clove, bell pepper, cassis, green olives, raspberry, cherry, plum, eucalyptus, sage and blackcurrants, with hints of vanilla, fresh ground pepper, a hint of white pepper and a whisper of dark chocolate. ------------------------------------------

Wine maker notes

The wine was made from Merlot grapes blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested in a single vineyard in Kibbutz Manara. Elevated at 750 meters, the vineyard is characterized by soil and a climate ideal for the cultivation of wine grapes, especially Merlot. This cold northern region and a vintage of extraordinary quality resulted in a unique and exciting wine that enjoys all the advantages of the Upper Galilee terroir and the winery’s cutting edge oenological and technological capabilities.

Technical notes

The grapes were selectively handpicked in the early hours of the morning and delivered immediately to the winery, where they were cold macerated (12?C) for 4 days for maximum flavor and color extraction. After undergoing slow and controlled fermentation the wine was gently pressed and transferred to mainly French oak and some Hungarian barrels for 19 months of aging that determined the wine's structure and contributed to its complexity and refinement.

Food pairing

choice beef cuts, casseroles, Italian dishes and piquant cheeses.