WINE REVIEW: Alexander Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 2016, Galilee, Israel ($41)

by Andrew Chalk

Galilee is an appellation that wine lovers should watch. More wine, and better wines, emerge each year. This wine has the leitmotifs of traditional quality markers. Single vineyard fruit. Altitude (over 2000 feet). Cool fermentation and long (24 month) ageing in 70% French and 30% American oak.

Appearance: Dark opaque ruby;

Nose: Black cherries, forest floor;

Palate: Dark fruit of black cherry and cassis. Barrel notes. Pronounced tannin. Medium finish.

This wine would be a good one to age. The tannins need time to soften and the fruits time to resolve. But, the potential is there.

Sample