There is a marvelous expression in Arabic – yom assal, yom basal, that literally translating into one day honey and one day onion, metaphorically indicating that one day will be full of richness and satisfaction while the next day may bring simplicity and perhaps even tears to the eye. So it is with the critic – one day tasting Sassicaia, Tenuta Nuova and Tignanello and the next day moving on to the wines in the lower level and not-quite exciting series of various wineries.

Today, among other wines, was my day for tasting wines in the Classic Series of Barkan and several of the introductory level wines of Segal. My thanks to Barkan and Segal for providing the samples for my tasting. Should the following tasting notes be discouraging, I refer readers to the far, far better tastings of the upper level series of these two wineries, those to be found at http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=37272&p...

Best
Rogov

[u]The White Wines[/u]

Barkan, Sauvignon Blanc, Classic, 2010: Light golden straw in color, light- to medium-bodied, a somewhat flabby wine with muted aromas and flavors that might be summer fruits or citrus. Drink now. Score 80. K

Barkan, Chardonnay, Classic, 2010: Light gold, medium-bodied, a simple little white that might have been made from any variety whatever. Aromas and flavors of peaches and pears on a light and perhaps unwanted bitter background. Drink now. Score 82. K

Barkan, Emerald Riesling, Classic, 2009: The color of damp straw, light- to medium-bodied, a half-dry wine that happily avoids being overly sweet but whose fruits are so muted that they defy description. Drink up. Score 78. K

Barkan, Rosé Classic, 2009: Made from Shiraz grapes, showing salmon pink in color, a dry but somewhat flat rosé wine, showing minimal berry and cherry fruits and without the character to make it interesting or the acidity to give it liveliness. Drink up. Score 78. K

Segal, Semi-Dry White Wine, Shel Segal, 2010: A half-dry blend of what the label says is Riesling and French Colombard but one wonders if that Riesling is not in fact Emerald Riesling. Some rather quiet citrus and citrus peel notes on a background that is just a bit too sweet and lacking the acidity that would have made it lively. Drink up. Score 78. K
Segal, Dry White, Shel Segal, 2010: Light in body, a dry blend of Sauvignon Blanc, French Colombard and Muscat. On the nose and palate basic citrus, pineapple and tropical fruits. A simple little white, pleasant enough for those just getting into wine. Drink now. Score 80. K

[u]The Red Wines[/u]

Barkan, Merlot, Classic, Galil, 2009: A thoroughly internationalized Merlot, that is to say with no clue whatever as to where the grapes originated. Dark cherry red, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and basic black fruits and a hint of tobacco on the fnish. An acceptable entry-level wine. Drink now. Score 83. K

Barkan, Shiraz, Classic, Dan, 2010: Cherry red towards royal purple, medium-bodied with gently gripping tannins. On the nose and palate crushed berries, plums and a hint of freshly tanned leather. Drink now. Score 84. K

Barkan, Pinot Noir, Classic, Negev, 2010: A pleasant enough little wine but you might never guess that it was made from Pinot Noir grapes. Cherry red, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a basic berry-black cherry personality. A good entry-level choice. Drink now. Score 84. K

Barkan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Classic, Galil, 2009: Dark garnet, medium-bodied, with gently gripping tannins. Opens to show blackcurrants, blackberry and blueberry fruits on a lightly spicy background. Drink now. Score 85. K

Barkan, Pinotage, Classic, Judea, 2009: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Ruby toward garnet in color, medium-bodied, with chunky tannins parting to reveal generous red fruits and notes of freshly turned earth. A simple but pleasant country-style wine. Drink now. Score 84. K (Re-tasted

Segal, Merlot, Shel Segal, 2010: Dark ruby in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and simple but appealing currant and wild berry fruits. An entry level wine. Drink now. Score 84. K

Segal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shel Segal, 2010: Ruby toward garnet, medium-bodied, with chunky tannins giving the wine a rustic nature. On the nose and palate blackberries, blueberries and notes of earthy herbaceousness. Drink now. Score 84. K

Segal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ben Ami, 2009: Ruby toward garnet, medium- perhaps medium- to full-bodied, with sharp tannins and showing flavors and aromas of blackberries, currants, blueberries and earthy minerals. Drink now. Score 84. K

Segal, Merlot, Ben Ami, Dan, 2009: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Dark cherry-red toward garnet, medium-bodied with soft tannins and showing red berry and cassis notes. A not at all complex, but appropriate entry-level wine. Drink now. Score 83. K (Re-tasted 17 Feb 2011)

Segal, Dry Red Wine, 2009: A medium-bodied blend of Merlot, Argaman and Petite Sirah, its tannins barely felt, and showing a basic and straightforward berry-cherry personality. Drink up. Score 80. K