While making my rounds yesterday at an open house tasting at the Derekh HaYain (Wine Route) Wine store in Tel Aviv, I tasted or re-tasted each of the three current releases from the Trio winery.

Founded by Oran, Tal and Kobi Shaked (indeed of the family that owns the chain of stores and importing house), with Oran as winemaker and located in Ramat Gan, this small winery released its first wines from the 2006 vintage. The winery sources Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot grapes from the Jerusalem Hills and from the Upper Galilee. Releases from 2006 were of 4,000 bottles and current is about 20,000 bottles. Three wines are currently being released, Special Cuvee, Secret and The Spirit of Jerusalem Heights.

Best
Rogov

Trio, Special Cuvee, 2008: Dark garnet towards royal purple, a full-bodied and generously oaked and firmly tannic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in equal parts. Opens slowly in the glass to reveal blackcurrants and black and red berries, those supported nicely by notes of spices, mocha and saddle leather. Long and complex. Best from 2012-2016. Score 91. (Tasted 12 Jul 2010)

Trio, Secret, 2008: An oak-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, showing full-bodied, with notes of near-sweet cedarwood and soft, gently caressing tannins that yield comfortably to blackberry, currant and red plum fruits. In the background notes of bittersweet chocolate and saddle soap (not to fear, a very positive descriptor reminding one of freshly polished leather). Tannins and fruits rise together on the moderately long finish. Give this one a bit of time to show its elegance. Best from 2012-2016. Score 91. (Re-tasted 12 Jul 2010)

Trio, The Spirit of Jerusalem Heights, 2008: Cabernet Sauvignon with the addition of 3% Petite Verdot. Dark, almost inky garnet in color, with gently gripping tannins, generous alcohol (14.5%) and appealing hints of spicy cedarwood, those now integrating very nicely indeed. Developed in stainless steel vats with oak staves for six months, now showing appealing blackberries, blackberries, raspberries and notes of cassis liqueur, those yielding in the glass to notes of blueberries and spices. Drink now-2012. Score 88. (Re-tasted 12 Jul 2010)