Ecclecticity (Jan. 30, 2014)

The token claret - because we had to drink a claret
Local winemakers can be a rowdy, sarcastic lot: it's a good thing I brought along Roi Peretz, another Good Samaritan, to contain the talented group that gathered at Halutzim 3 to sample and enjoy a pot luck collection..

Trio, Chardonnay, 2012

Yotam Sharon brought this, as well as the Haut-Marbuzet. It's his own creation but I told him to feel free to showcase his stuff, especially as I found the bottle I opened at home to be on the mute side, aromatically, and wanted to give it a second chance. This was an improvement, and everyone was deservedly impressed. I find it very flinty, tasty and savory, right up my alley, as good a Chardonnay as I've had from Israel. Just a touch of rustic sweetness, but fine and definitely a "buy again".

About 100 NIS.

Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc, 2008

Eran Pick's bottle - he does seem to like Bordeaux for some reason. This a Sauvignon Blanc heavy white, 85% , topped by 15% Semillon. More elegant than the Trio, but on the mute side at first, until it blossoms with shrapnels of minerals. Good acidity, lots of stone fruit and a saline, lengthy mineral finish.

Wine Route, about 350 NIS.

Movia, Veliko Belo, 2007

OMG. This has a weird apple-cider ,oxidized nose, with botrytis-like mustard. I know this is considered a top class winery in Slovania, but is surely not for lovers of crisp elegance. An albino orange wine perhaps? Roi's offering.

Giaconda, 160 NIS.

Foradori, Teroldego, Granato, 2010

Ido Lewinsohn always brings interesting stuff from his travels. This is just lovely and super savory, bringing to the table black fruit with a tangy, tobacco-leaves effect. Memo to self: drink more Italians.

Price unknown.

Edmunds St. John,  El Dorado, Fenaught Syrah, 2011

Mine, and I really expected more. It's a young, supple Syrah with the requisite black pepper, but very simple-minded right now, and on the ripe side.

35 USD.

Chateau Haut-Marbuzet, Saint Estephe Cru Bourgeois, 1999

This is a really classic claret in a lithe body, with savory, tangy tannins, smoky black fruit and a light mineral/brett overlay. I'm not sure many would pick it for a 99, blind, it's too complete and doesn't seem to be going anywhere in a hurry. Maybe 1999 is not as mediocre and short-lived as its public image suggests?

Prince unknown.

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