Vineyard: Gamla
Wine: Merlot, 2000
Type: Dry Red

This is a brand new wine, never before produced by this vineyard. There has been an explosion of vineyards experimenting with new varieties of wines. Some of the experiments are more successful than others.

Companies say: "Merlot, like Cabernet and Chardonnay, are the most popular wines so every vineyard should be producing them." I won't argue the point and it is true that of all the dry reds merlots are the easiest on the palate, but there is still something to be said for the old tried and true.

All that being said, this Gamla Merlot is an admirable experiment. The wine is not yet perfect - that will take several more years of experimenting, but in the meantime, this wine will actually age very well. The wine has a pleasing aroma and a body. My only critique is that it may be a little too strong for a Merlot, at this age.

Actually, this Merlot 2000 by Gamla is a blend. I think it may have just a little too much cabernet. But it is still a fine wine.

Rated: 8+
Price: Moderate
Size: 750 ml
Price per bottle: NIS 56 at Mendel, 218 Ben-Yehuda St., Tel-Aviv. 03-6044672
Case: 12 bottles.