The 2009 SYRAH, one of Recanati’s “diamond label” brand wines, is soft and laid back, a little lacking in concentration with a modest finish, but given its price point, it still has something to offer to bargain hunters as a very pleasant, if likely to be short lived, wine. With a little bit of air, it does show some sunny, French-style Syrah typicity, and while there is not a lot of tannin here, some does pop out. Given its relative lack of mid-palate concentration and modest structure, plan on drinking this fairly young, when I think it will be at its best, as it is likely at peak now and might decline as time goes on. This would be my pick of the Diamond Label reds reviewed this issue. Drink now-2012. The Recanati ‘08s (some of which have been previously reviewed) will not be imported into the USA, the importer advises, in that it is a Shmitta year (see the short article at connected with this issue). Recanati’s interesting wines tend to start with the Reserves. The Diamond Label series is well priced and pleasant enough, but limited in structure and concentration. In fairness, there is a limit to what you can ask of wines in that price range, but assume that brand level is for immediate consumption and uncomplicated drinking. The name comes from the Diamond icon on the label, pointing at the Recanati name.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

Used espresso grounds and soft nutmeg aromas mingle with sweet red berry and plum fruit notes. The mouth is full and creamy with dusty tannins and a juicy red fruit core. Straightforward but enjoyable and easy to drink. ——L.B.(4/1/2011)—— 86

Ripe and smoky, with dark plum and kirschlike flavors. A touch cloying on the finish. Kosher. Drink now. 250 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add

The 2006 SYRAH was probably the most successful of the “regular” wines this issue, although the Cabernet Sauvignon gives it some competition. Laced with vanilla notes, it also shows good Syrah typicity, hints of game and has a certain sexy quality. Bright and light, without a lot of mid-palate concentration but with some intensity of flavor on the finish and a hit of tannin at the moment, it is a pretty nice regular bottling at its price level. Drink now-2011. Recanati, one of Israel’s larger wineries, makes all Kosher wines. The Yasmin lineup is also Mevushal. The regular bottlings—the “Diamond” series, because of the diamond on the label—is the next step up, followed by the Reserves and the Special Reserve. The “reserves” are where the best intersection of quality and price begins—they are reasonably priced and structured like moderately serious wines. Well made in general, they provide some easy drinking bang for the buck. This, in fact, is the best collection I’ve seen from Recanati. The Special Reserve is actually special and justifies that big, fat bottle, and the regular reserves are pretty nice values.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

Concentrated, ripe and full with aromas and flavors of raspberry, kirsch, mocha and soft pepper. Round in the mouth with a solid, lingering finish loaded with spice. Drink now.——L.B.(4/1/2010)—— 86