Alexander Gaston Reserve, Judean Hills, Israel

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The 2009 “Gaston” Reserve is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, all sourced now from Kefar Shmay in the Upper Galilee and aged for 20 months in a mixture of French and American oak. These Reserves come from somewhat younger (although still respectable) vines than on Alexander’s prestige bottlings, the youngest here being the Shiraz (since 2000) and the oldest being the Cabernet Sauvignon (since 1997). This hangs together nicely if you are a Northern Rhone fan, notwithstanding the blend. Rather gamey, with more than a little of a sauvage element, it is bright and a bit tight, without a lot of mid-palate concentration, but it feels elegant and charming. Of the regular reserves, but for the Cabernet, I think this would be my pick for its character and distinctiveness – but you have to like its gamey style. Drink now- 2016. Note that the 2007s are current – they were just submitted by the winery. Some of them received extended oak aging, which may partly account for their late submission.Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118