About two weeks ago Recanati released its flagship wines, their red and white Special Reserves, the red from 2007 and the white from 2009. Because I was traveling at the time I did not attend the unveiling event but bottles made their way to me early this morning. Being a man of more than a modicum of curiosity, those bottles made their way into my tastings today. What can I say other than to repeat the words of the sheriff, those to the effect that whatever it is that winemakers Gil Shatzberg and Ido Lewinsohn , they "done good".

That the wines are not inexpensive is beyond question. In my opinion, however, the quality-price relationship reflects fine value for money.

Best
Rogov

Recanati, Special Reserve, 2007: With its once-firm tannins now settling in nicely and with fine balance with spicy wood and fruits, showing very well indeed. Dark garnet in color, full-bodied but with a remarkable sense of “lightness” as it sits on the palate, opens with a berry-cherry nose and then goes on to show aromas and flavors of currants, red cherries and wild berries, those on a background of sweet cedar and dark chocolate. Long and generous. Remarkably approachable despite its youth but still cellar-worthy. Drink now–2015. NIS 180 in Israel (about US$ 50). Score 93. K

Recanati, Special Reserve, White, 2009: A blend of Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the wine developed sur lie for eight months in Burgundy oak barrels. A full-bodied wine which, by wisely avoiding malolactic fermentation, maintains the integrity of flavors and crispness of the varieties. Mineral-rich, with only the barest trace of wood, a rich and generous wine with abundant peach, nectarine, nectarine and apricot aromas and flavors, those coming together in a wine best described as "lush". Plenty of juicy acidity here to keep the wine lively through its long finish. Drink now-2014. NIS 150 in Israel (about US$ 41). Score 93. K