Last week the Ella Valley Vineyards winery held an open house at the winery at which they unveiled "E", their new flagship wine. I could not attend that event. Today, winemaker Doron Rav Hon met me at my office away from my office (i.e. Arcaffe on Rehov Basel in Tel Aviv), there to give me two bottles for tasting – the 2006 "E" and the equally recently released 2007 Syrah.

Because the final, final deadline (the one to which no author dare say not to his publisher lest he have a fit of apoplexy) of my book is now on me, I arranged a special tasting today – that of 2006 blends similar to the "E" and of several recent Israeli Syrah releases. I also made a point of re-tasting the winery's 2007 Cabernet Franc, and their 2008 Chardonnay and for all of those my tasting notes follow.

My thanks to Doron for his making a special trip to meet with me, for his always good company over coffee and for the wines he brought for my tasting.

Best
Rogov

Ella Valley Vineyards, "E", 2006: A limited edition of 2,200 bottles, a full-bodied and generously tannic blend of 35% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Franc and the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, each variety fermented separately and developed in primarily new French oak for 12 months before blending. After the blending, the wine was given an additional 8 months in oak for its elements to marry comfortably. Firm near-sweet tannins and notes of spicy wood come together on first attack with notes of cassis and licorice, those followed by notes of blackcurrants and tobacco and, on the super-long finish notes of dried figs. A concentrated and intense wine that needs a bit more time in bottle to show its elegance. Approachable and thoroughly enjoyable now but best from mid-2011-2017. NIS 380. Score 92. K

Ella Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay, 2008: Developed partly in new oak, partly in stainless steel, not so much lively as it is well focused and complex. On the nose and palate green gage plums, pears and citrus, all with crème vanilla and floral notes. Firm and tight with a mouth-filling and elegant finish. Drink now-2014. NIS 89. Score 92. K (Re-tasted 14 Jul 2010)

Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, 2007: Oak aged in French barriques for 16 months, Cabernet Franc blended with 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Dark royal purple, medium- to full-bodied with softly caressing tannins. Opens with a distinct veggie Cabernet Franc note, that yielding comfortably to cherry, blackberry, licorice and citrus peel and, on the long and generous finish a clear hint of bittersweet chocolate. Drink now–2014. NIS 118. Score 90. K

Ella Valley Vineyards, Syrah, 2007: Oak-aged for 16 months in French barriques, made entirely from Syrah grapes, a super-dark wine with a lovely light bitter note that runs through. Full-bodied and spicy, with red and purple plums, crushed berries and notes of almonds, citrus peel and, on the long finish, notes of violets and saddle leather. Best 2012-2016, perhaps longer. NIS 118. Score 91. K

As to the winery's new "E" now joining the list of Israeli wines costing NIS 380 (a bit over US$100), what can one say other than "welcome to the club".