L'Chayim! - Shiloh Wine

Shiloh's boutique winery

By Daniel Rogov

Wine and Spirits / Established in the Shiloh settlement [that should be community] of the Shomron region, with vineyards at an altitude of 700 to 900 meters above sea level, this boutique winery has released its first wines from the 2005 vintage. Production in 2005 was of 5,000 bottles and in 2006, 17,500 bottles were produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes. The winery is currently releasing wines in an upper-level Masada and a mid-level Herodion series. To purchase the wines, contact the winery directly at (09) 792-1292.

Gvaot, Merlot, 2005: Dark royal purple in color, with orange reflections. Reflecting 18 months in barriques with spicy oak and mouth-coating, near-sweet tannins in fine balance with minty, herb-scented cherry and berry flavors, those with overlays of milk chocolate and mint. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. Drink now-2010. NIS 85. Score 90. K

Gvaot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Herodion, 2005: A medium- to full-bodied blend of 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Merlot, reflecting sweet and spicy cedar wood from its 14 months of development in French oak, the wood in good balance with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins and fruits. Medium- to full-bodied, aromatic and showing deep currant, black cherry and dark red fruits. Finishes with a touch of heat but that will integrate nicely given time. Best starting in 2009. NIS 85. Score 88. K

Gavot, Red, Herodion, 2005: Dark garnet in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins and gentle oak integrating nicely, this blend of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Merlot was aged in French oak for 12 months. Aromatic, round and soft, with appealing aromas and flavors of blackberry and purple plum fruits, those supported by hints of spice and chocolate. Drink now or in the next year or two. NIS 75. Score 87. K

Gvaot, Chardonnay-Cabernet Sauvignon, Masada, 2005: Not a typographic error - truly a blend of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (75 and 25 percent respectively, the Cabernet with minimal skin contact yielding a rather unique blanc de noirs. Full-bodied, with a texture of cream and glycerin, showing a surprising but appealing array of citrus fruits, pear and wild berries. A complex and "interesting" wine but not one for more than short-term cellaring. Drink now. NIS 75. Score 86. K