Africa, famous for the whales, shark diving, and increasingly wineries. As is the case I’ve found in many top wineries, Anthony pinpointed the particular portions of the 52 hectare estate that produce the best cultivar and today only these particular sections grow Hamilton-Russell grapes. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S.

and what's really interesting is that "Old World" wineries are seeking out these regions, and often, the wine produced is a blend of what is best of the Old and New World. It is planted with a majority of Malbec and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay and Viognier that will be used for futurewines.

This was my favorite from the first flight at the Snooth Cabernet tasting last week. Initially, beautiful dark ripe blackberry aromas assault together with wafts of berries, and hints of vanilla, spices and cassis. 15% alcohol and $16.99

2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild Cabernet/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot, Pauillac. 2008 Sutton Grange Winery Fairbank Rosé Syrah/Cabernet/Merlot, Bendigo. Day One.

The hand harvested grapes are immediately transferred to the winery and sorted manually. Another blend from Il Borro of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. ??The Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT??

And two wines in their appellation series that are of interest are the Carmel "old vine" Carignan & the Carmel Petit Sirah.  Those are: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec. the winery does produce several other wines that have been of particular interest of late.  Also from Galil Mt.

One smart solution to this was offered when a winery had their local distributor alongside them to help with communication. But unfortunately, many of these wineries are here looking for distribution (or an importer) and have no local rep. This winery, Bodega Monastrell made a 100% Monastrell (AKA Mataro') wine known as "Chaveo".

ended up in Healdsburg in the Russian River and started at a winery called Sausal winery. The gentleman at Sausal recommended a winery up the road (in Geyserville) called Stryker Sonoma , so I gave it a shot. Suddenly I was missing having friends at all the wineries. Sangiovese is often a lighter red with greater acidity.

But either way, it was an amazing visit to the Havens winery where my good friend Connie runs the tasting room. The wines that stood out though were their Syrahs. enjoyed the 2003 Havens Syrah but mentioned to Connie that I thought the nose was a little closed. From Chase Cellars I called the people of The Terraces Winery.

Either way, while it was overwhelming, I tasted some very fine wines and met some very personable and charming winemakers (or winery proprietors). This winery produces sweet whites that are apparently held in the winery for at least 10 years before release. Maybach winery from the Napa Valley had one wine at the tasting.

Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. lighter wine than a Cab, merlot or Syrah, Barbera is said to be the most (or second most) planter varietal in Italy. No, not the Petit Sirah/Zin blend - another people know is a favorite of mine. The Kadesh Barnea Winery is located in Southern Israel in the Negev desert.

Peay is not a winery I was familiar with before the tasting, but it will be one I'll be keeping an eye out for, especially as I get deeper into wine bar planning. And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried.

Someone commented how they wonder if wines from the same winery in a recent vintage & one from a vintage many years ago were made (and tasted) the same (or at least comparably). No Cab Franc, Petit Verdot or even any Syrah (shiraz). wine lovers who have sacrificed a good livelihood for one we infatuate over.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.