Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Sde Boker Winery

The Sde Boker Winery is located in Kibbutz Sde Boker, in the southern part of Israel: the Negev Desert. The specific sub climat here is interesting: elevation of 490 meters provides for very cool nights. Irrigation is mandatory. The winery was founded by Zvi Remak, an ex-Californian. Working in the old common Kibbutz showers, its a real start-up winery. The wines are very good to excellent, so the potential is clear. Hopefully, someone will make a bigger investment in this unique winery.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Blackberries, crushed ripe black cherries along with a nice green component with some Mediterranean spices. Integrated tannins and nice finish. 89

Carignan 2005
Food loving wine. Went wonderful with a juicy hamburger. Raspberries, a bit plums, slight peppery spiciness along with some vanilla. The jammy mouth feel provides vividness to the wine. Still tannic but drinkable already now. Medium finish. 87