Greece

Thymiopoulos Xinomavro 2011, Naoussa, Greece.
This Greek bio-dynamic pale red had lovely aromas of leather and Bramble.  It tasted of black fruit with winter spices and an interesting hint of black treacle on the sound finish……
 

Semeli Feast Red 2012, Peloponnese, Greece
The predominant aroma from this medium ruby red was red cherry. The acidity was high and the tannins low consistent with how this wine was made and matured…….

Mediterra Mirambelo 2010, Peza, Crete, Greece
The medium ruby red had light aromas of cranberry and cedar. It had a nutty flavour, but lacked fruit.

Israel

Carmel Ridge red 2011, Shomron, Israel
The aromas of this medium ruby red gave very little away as to what lie in the glass; a faint hint of leather, cherry and blueberry. The taste was much more intense of cherry liquorice and plum…….
 

 M & S Recanati 2012, Judean Hills, Israel
With a great match of Carignan and Petite Sirah this promised to be a solid wine and it did not disappoint. This medium ruby red is autumn at its best……

Lebanon

Chateau Ksara Reserve du Couvent 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.
This ruby coloured red has aromas of bramble and vanilla and it is still in its youth. Both the acidity and tannin levels were high and this wine was crying out for food, it would pair well with red meat or strong cheeses…..

Turkey

Anfora trio 2012, Turkey.
This wine had me stumped at first as I smelled aromas of leather and tastes of vanilla and therefore thought it had been oaked, however the wine has seen no oak during it’s production or maturation. The other predominant aroma was cherry………