An Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

Can we get a fine Kosher red wine at this price? ...

Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

If the Galilee region of Israel is good for wine, the Upper Galilee should be even better. The Segal family settled in Tel Aviv in 1925 where they set up the country’s first distillery. In the 1930s they ran distilleries in Beirut and Damascus. As of 1954 they concentrated on wine and have never looked back. Segal’s was purchased by Barkan Wines in 2001 but they retain their own installations and production process. The companion wine is a Chilean Kosher Merlot at about two-thirds the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed

Segal’s Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve 2007 13.5 % alcohol about $13 (I paid $19).

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “Grapes grown in the unique climate of the Upper Galilee from the super premium Dishon Vineyard in the Kadesh Valley are harvested at ultimate ripeness. The wine undergoes a protracted post-fermentation maceration on the skins as well as fourteen months aging in a mixture of French and American oak in order to arrive at the optimum extraction and balance of fruit, tannin and oak. This rich, complex, balanced wine will continue to improve for many years.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was powerful, mouth filling, and fruity. Japanese rice crackers featuring Wasabi and Edame along with peanuts and cashews made the libation’s plums come out. The initial meal centered on a packaged Eggplant Rolatini with Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and lots more that I slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. In response the Cab was mellow, fruity, and very pleasant. Fresh pineapple brought out the taste of copper and other metals.

This review of an Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2013/upper_galilee_cabernet_sauvignon.php