At the Sommelier exhibition held during early November, I tasted several of the wines of the Tura winery. At that tasting, I was surprised to note that the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines did not match the quality of the 2005 releases. To be on the safe side, I asked to taste the wines of the 2006 wines from two different bottles.

When my notes were published the winemaker responded with some surprise at the low scores awarded his 2006 wines, suggesting that there may have been a problem with the bottles that I tasted at the event. At the request of the winery's public relations representative, I met today with the winemaker for a re-tasting of the wines in question. I also tasted pre-bottling and barrel samples of the 2007 and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon wines. On return to my own tasting room I continued by re-tasting several wines wines released from the 2005 vintage. Today's tasting notes follow.

To remind those perhaps not yet familiar with the winery: Founded in 2003 as Erez Winery by Erez Sadon and renamed in 2005 as Tura, this boutique winery is located in Rehelim in the Shomron and has vineyards on Mount Bracha at an elevation of 840 meters. The winery is currently producing about 12,000 bottles annually, those primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes. Several of the wines are available under both the Erez and Tura labels but major bottle variation between tastings indicates that these might be separate editions or separate bottlings.

My thanks to Erez Sadon for coming to Tel Aviv and meeting with me.

Best
Rogov

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (Advance Tasting): Showing vastly different than at an earlier tasting, different enough in fact that I might easily think I was drinking two different wines. Deep, almost impenetrably dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with what were only two months ago chunky country-style tannins now settling in and softening nicely. Generous currant and blackberry fruits here but continuing to reflect its 21 months in oak with sawdust-like notes on the nose and a light medicinal aroma that rises as an aftertaste. Drink from release. Score 85. K (Re-tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: My earlier tasting notes holds firmly. Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes selected from a vineyard at 850 meters of altitude, with 21 months in oak. A medium-dark garnet wine, with a clean black-fruit nose and tannins that have lost their chunkiness since a last tasting and are not showing smooth and gently gripping. On the nose and palate black currants, blackberry and chocolate notes. Drink now. Score 86. K (Re-tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Merlot, 2006: Again, showing so differently from my original tasting that I might think I was tasting a completely different wine. Instead of ruby towards garnet as at my original tasting now showing dark garnet; not so much medium-bodied as closer to full-bodied; and with the notes of sawdust on the nose and palate now replaced by black fruit and floral notes. Acidity rises on the finish as do hints of licorice and a not totally wanted note of iodine. Drink now. Score 84. K (Re-tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Merlot, 2005: A bit confusing for if this is the same wine tasted under the Erez label it is now showing remarkably better than at an earlier tasting. Aged in new oak for 21 months, a deeply extracted wine, full-bodied with gripping tannins and spicy wood in good balance with blackcurrant, wild berry and licorice notes. Just enough complexity here to grab the attention. Drink now. Score 85. K (Re-tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2005: My original tasting note hold firmly. Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. Generous spicy oak here but that in fine balance with tannins, acidity and fruits. On the nose and palate blackberries, currants and wild berries along with a generous hint of bitter-sweet chocolate. Drink now-2011. Score 86. K (Re-tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2006: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Oak-aged for 21 months in mostly new French oak, deep garnet, full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing an appealing array of wild berry, currant and cassis liqueur notes, those supported nicely by notes of licorice and spicy cedar wood. Drink now-2011. Score 87. K (Tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 (Advance Tasting): Dark but almost dusty garnet in color, full-bodied, reflecting its 22 months in primarily new barriques with still gripping tannins and generous wood waiting to settle in. On the nose and palate blackberries, blueberries and cassis, those supported by notes of Oriental spices. Drink from release-2012. Score 86. K (Tasted 28 Dec 2009)

Tura, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 (Barrel Tasting): Net yet a final blend but already showing youthful dark royal purple, medium- to full-bodied and with firm tannins that grip nicely and seem in fine balance with the wood. Flavors and aromas of blackberries and purple plums on a background of red licorice. Lingers nicely. Drink from release-2013. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 28 Dec 2009)

The wines are selling for about NIS 130 each. Purchases can be made and further information obtained by sending an email to

info@turawines.com

The wines are also available in the United States.