2008 Galil Barerba and Pinot Noir

[David Raccah]

I tried to like the wine - but man this is a hard wine to appreciate. I always wonder if my appreciation for wine comes from my respect and knowledge that I learned from Daniel Rogov or because I liked wine and Rogov was there - happenstance? To Me, I could never have learned what I may know without his many insights, but notwithstanding all of that, I cannot see how anyone can score this wine a 90! Seriously! This is pure heresy - but I pass on this wine. The note:

2008 Galil Pinot Noir - Score: B to B+
The nose on this wine starts off very hot with clear alcohol, an entire vine of dried grapes, date developing along with more air, along with a lovely and rich perfume of dried cherry, raspberry compote, dried Mediterranean herbs, and fig. The mouth is layered and rich with lovely mouth coating tannin, unctuous spicy wood, nice rising tannin and toast that does not give up. The sweetness does not give in and the finish is filled with coffee, great acid, softening tannin, and a lingering that is impressive of vanilla, sweet sugared plum, date, and more mouth coating tannin that lingers long.

2008 Galil Barbera – Score: B+
The wine starts off hot but after time calms to an almost herbal balm with crazy roasted herb, a rich perfume of dark cherry, light hint of date and raisin, good spice, and toast. The mouth is lovely and rich but controlled with sweet notes, toasty sweet cedar, wrapped up in softening sweet tannin, and plum delight. The finish is long and balanced with good acid, menthol, vanilla, and coffee.

[Andrew Breskin]

I tried to like the wine - but man this is a hard wine to appreciate. I always wonder if my appreciation for wine comes from my respect and knowledge that I learned from Daniel Rogov or because I liked wine and Rogov was there - happenstance? To Me, I could never have learned what I may know without his many insights, but notwithstanding all of that, I cannot see how anyone can score this wine a 90! Seriously! This is pure hearsay - but I pass on this wine. The note:

You mean, heresy?

[David Raccah]

What he said... Changed