Binyamina Reserve Merlot 2018 - dry red wine

Product detailed description

Binyamina Reserve Merlot is made from grapes of the blue-blooded Merlot variety with origins in Bordeaux. The grapes were harvested from our vineyards in two adjacent regions: the Upper Galilee, primarily from Kerem Ben Zimra, on a combination of basaltic and terra rossa soil over hard limestone bedrock with efficient aeration of the roots; and the center of the Golan Heights, with its deep, basaltic soil and good drainage.

These two areas enjoy a cool climate with chilly summer nights, hot summer days and low humidity. These conditions enable prolonged ripening and ideal development of the grapes’ color, aroma and flavor.

Winemaking Process

The grapes from both regions are harvested after nightfall, with each vineyard harvested at a slightly different time for optimal grape ripeness. The grapes are destemmed as soon as they arrive at the winery and begin fermentation in small and medium sized tanks holding 5-12 tons each for the purposes of fermentation and extraction of flavors. The wine undergoes two to three weeks of skin contact before pressing. Malolactic fermentation and a light clarification follow and the wine is then transferred to small French oak barrels, 25% of which are new and each with a volume of 225 liters, for aging over a period of 14 months. The blend is then selected from the various plots and the wine is bottled with minimal clarification and filtration.

Tasting Notes

Binyamina Reserve Merlot is characterized by a restrained maturity and excellent balance between freshness and concentration of ripe fruit flavors. Its rich dark color, concentrated aroma and flavor, complementary acidity and high complexity are the result of optimal ripening conditions and diverse terroirs. In addition, the reduced yields result in a wine endowed with a perfect, delicate balance.

The wine has a deep red color with intense aromas of raspberry, ripe plum, sweet spices and mild notes of roasted coffee on the nose. On the palate, the wine opens up with aromatic black fruit, spices and a mineral flintiness. The wine is full-bodied, balanced, refreshing and ripe, with an intense lingering finish.