Yatir Winery Cabernet Forest 2003 Appellation - Judean Hills, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - Deep, firm tannins and ripe flavors of cherries, currants, anise and nice touches of earth and minerals. Reviews - Wine Advocate - The 2003 Red Wine is a left bank Bordeaux blend, Cabernet Sauvignon (82%) and Merlot (18%). It was aged 15 months in French oak, only one-third of which was new. The lush texture is seductive, but this is not a wine that impresses with finesse or seduces. It is big, bold and burly. It flaunts its structure as much as the fruit, but actually shows good balance overall and in the end. Like too many of the Israeli Cabernet-based wines, there is a modest green streak here that detracts just a little from the presentation, but in this case does not seriously mar it. The more this aired out, in fact, the more I liked it, as it was both delicious and well structured. It is one of the big winners here, and a short list candidate for best wine in this report. There were 1,375 cases made. This wine is Kosher, for those interested. Drink now-2015. Yatir is a winery situated in the Yatir Forest, in the Southern Judean Hills region. It is a joint venture with Carmel and local growers, founded in 2000. Winemaker Eran Goldwasser studied winemaking in Australia, and yes, these have a certain Barossa feel to them. The wines are bold and ripe – but also well balanced and structured. Yatir has a sense of history, reporting that artifacts in the area allow scientists to trace wine production in the region back some 2,500 years. The wines here are very modern, though. Food Pairing Recommendations - Full flavored meat or rich sauced chicken dishes Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 14.5% Mevushal - No
Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2001 Appellation - Maule Valley, Chile Style - Sweet White Tasting Notes - Full-flavored, viscous, and a silky smooth texture highlight this pleasantly sweet late harvest wine Reviews - 92 points, Mark Squires - 2001 Sauternes Kosher Cuvée (Chateau Guiraud) The only hint that this is Kosher is the labeling on the back--other than that, the label is normal on the front. I note the Kosher aspect just for those who care, but once again, this wine demonstrates that there is no reason per se to be afraid of a Kosher wine. This opened tight and closed, with lots of caramel, oak and botrytis evident, but little fruit. It developed beautifully, however, with the wine unfolding and and the oak integrating, the sweetness restrained but there. This has a long way to go, and at this juncture it is a wine better cellared than drank, although it is certainly approachable. It will probably show better around 2011 and hold gracefully for many years after. Importer: Royal Wine Corp. Food Pairing Recommendations - Tandoori chicken kabobs on spicy rice pilaf, blue cheeses, and strawberry topped cheesecake Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 14% Mevushal - No
Domaine du Castel Grand Vin 2004 Appellation - Haute-Judee, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - Full-bodied, bold, concentrated, and with layer after layer of aromas and flavors that linger on. Look for currants, cherries, plums, and spices on the palate, with hints of cedar Reviews - Wine Advocate-92 points - The 2004 Grand Vin is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, unfined and unfiltered and sourced from a vineyard at an altitude of 2,400 feet. It was aged for 24 months in new French oak. It is beautiful. It adds another layer or two of depth to the Petit Castel, and seems sumptuous. It is a bit oak-softened, and oak-obvious, but that should largely integrate with some age as the wine has a sufficient mid-palate to soak it up. In fact, with 90 minutes in a decanter, the fruit asserted itself to the point where the oak was inconsequential. The wine became elegant and increasingly graceful. The wine is accessible, but it has tannins on the back end which become more assertive after an hour or so. This should hold nicely in the mid-term. It is bursting with flavor and simply delicious, reminding me of a good California Cabernet Sauvignon at the outset, despite the nod to things French in the name and labeling, but becoming more Bordeaux-like as it airs out. There is just a hint of olive on the back end, which is not noticeable early on, and only pops up with aeration. This is always delicious, as well as beautifully constructed and sensually fragrant. I will be interested to see how and if it develops in the cellar, which is the only open question, but it is worth noting that it drank quite well for awhile on Day 2 also, and the hint of green did not become prominent. This is certainly a short-list contender for Israel’s “Best Bordeaux-blend.” Drink 2008-2015. This is Kosher. Domaine du Castel is one of Israel’s most prestigious wineries, invariably on most short lists in the “best winery of Israel” debate. Founded in 1988, it produced its first wine only in 1992. It is a little bigger than some of the micro boutiques, but still produces only around 8,300 cases a year. There is a French sensibility on the labels, from the winery’s name, to the identification of the appellation (Judean Hills, near Jerusalem) as Haute Judee. This is not surprising, perhaps, given that Castel is a family run business, and son Ariel trained in Burgundy and then worked at Domaine Emile Voarick. Food Pairing Recommendations - Full flavored beef or chicken dishes Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.5% Mevushal - No
Yatir Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Appellation - Negev, Israel Style - Dry White Tasting Notes - Deep straw color, with a full nose. Many layers of flavors, with a long, complex finish. A bit sweet and a bit astringent. Food Pairing Recommendations - Shellfish, fresh greens Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13% Mevushal - No
Barkan Cabernet Reserve Altitude +624 2003 Appellation - Galil, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes (Winemaker's Notes) - The nose is redolent of ripe, generous black fruit, with blackberries and black cherries intermingled with sweet spices such as vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate the fruit is powerful and concentrated treading the fine line between ripe and jammy, with tones of black cherries, cassis and raspberries. These are backed by a broad palette of sweet oak spices, creating layers of complexity Reviews - Daniel Rogev, Israel's top wine critic - "Deep garnet towards royal purple in color, made from grapes from the vineyards at Moshav Alma in the Upper Galilee, and oak-aged for 15 months. On first attack firm, drying tannins but those receding nicely in the glass and after 15 minutes showing softer and adding a near-sweetness to the black fruits and Oriental spices as well as generous hints of white truffles and green olives. Long and generous, the wine is approachable now." Food Pairing Recommendations - Red meats, pasta, lamb and strong cheeses. Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.5% Mevushal - No Awards - Gold Medal in the 2006 Challenge International Du Vin
Baron de Rothschild "Edmund Benjamin" 2003 Appellation - Haut-Medoc, France Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - This wine is cultivated at Chateau Clarke, estate of the Baron de Rothschild. This vineyard was totally renewed about thirty years ago by the Baron Edmond and is now under the management of his son, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild. Ideally located at the heart of Medoc, this vineyard offers Cabernet and Merlot which allow the vinificatin of typical Haut Medoc wines. The good conditions of the past year made for a completely elegant wine, with red fruit aromas, ruby color and a fine body underlined by a fine wooded taste. Reviews - Michael Apstein, Wine Review Online - Beautifully balanced, this wine shows the class of well-made Bordeaux. It's plush (40% Merlot speaking) but retains structure (60% Cabernet Sauvignon) without hardness. A hint of earthiness adds intrigue. They have resisted the temptation to overwork and over-extract this wine from a modest, not grand, appellation. It's a difficult balance to achieve, especially at this price level. The result is an extraordinarily enjoyable wine for current consumption. By the way, it's Kosher." Food Pairing Recommendations - Dark meats, sauteed chicken Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 12.5% Mevushal - No
Carmel Merlot "Ben Zimra" 2004 Appellation - Upper Galilee Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - A deep purple in color with aromas of plums, raspberries and spice, the wine is full bodied with a long well balanced finish. Serve at room temperature with steaks, meat dishes and creamy cheeses. Food Pairing Recommendations - Serve at room temperature with steaks, meat dishes and creamy cheeses. Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 14% Mevushal - No
Domaine du Castel "C" Blanc du Castel 2005 Appellation - Haute-Judee, Israel Style - Dry White Tasting Notes - Full-bodied, elegant Burgundy style white, showing citrus, pineapple, green apple, toasted bread and fig aromas Reviews - Wine Advocate-91 points - The 2005 Chardonnay “Blanc du Castel” is one of the best dry whites in this report. It was, like the reds, sourced from a vineyard at an altitude of 2,400 feet, and aged for 16 months in French oak and on the lees. There is a bite to this wine as it airs out, perhaps just a touch of tannin. The oak is obvious up front and particularly early on, but it recedes into the wine more and more with air. It does remain obvious, but so are the lees nuances and fruit. There is a lot of good stuff going on here. There is generally good balance, some brightness, some depth, and a respectable finish that lingers and has some intensity. This is my pick for favorite dry white in this report. Drink now-2011. This is Kosher. Domaine du Castel is one of Israel’s most prestigious wineries, invariably on most short lists in the “best winery of Israel” debate. Founded in 1988, it produced its first wine only in 1992. It is a little bigger than some of the micro boutiques, but still produces only around 8,300 cases a year. There is a French sensibility on the labels, from the winery’s name, to the identification of the appellation (Judean Hills, near Jerusalem) as Haute Judee. This is not surprising, perhaps, given that Castel is a family run business, and son Ariel trained in Burgundy and then worked at Domaine Emile Voarick. Food Pairing Recommendations - Lightly flavored grilled chicken or fish Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.5% Mevushal - No
Barkan Cabernet Reserve Altitude +412 2003 Appellation - Galil, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes (Winemaker's Notes) - Aromas of cassis, wild berries, sweet jammy fruit with brown spices, cloves, and chocolate. The finish is very long with blackberries, dark roasted coffee, some tobacco and cigar-box aromas. Reviews - Daniel Rogev, Israel's top wine critic) - "Made from 85% of grapes harvested at the Avne-Eitan vineyards on the Southern Golan Heights and 15% from Kerem Dishon in Upper Galilee, this deep garnet, full-bodied wine was aged in primarily French barriques for 14 months. Generous but soft near-sweet tannins and a marked but gentle influence of the wood come together in fine balance to reveal generous cassis, blackberry and raspberry fruits, those backed up by brown spices and a light mineral overlay that lingers nicely. 2,400 bottles made. Approachable and enjoyable now." Food Pairing Recommendations - Red meats, pasta, lamb and strong cheeses Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.8% Mevushal - No Awards - Silver Medal in the 2006 Challenge International Du Vin
Barkan Cabernet Reserve Altitude +720 2003 Appellation - Galil, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes (Winemaker's Notes) - This wine has a unique "cool" expression on the nose, with cassis, mint and eucalyptus notes, green coffee, with a pleasant herbal streak intermixed with deep, elegant oak spices that beautifully compliment the fruit. The palate boasts concentrated red and black berries: raspberries, cassis with red and black cherries, fully ripe but with a refreshing herbal note Reviews - Daniel Rogev, Israel's top wine critic) - "Made entirely from grapes from the Har Godrim vineyard near the Lebanese border and aged for 12 months in primarily French oak casks. Full-bodied and concentrated, almost impenetrable royal-purple in color, with firm tannins that are integrating nicely with the wood and showing red currants and purple plums on a tantilizing earthy-herbal background. A medium-long finish here and as the wine sits on the palate, look as well for hints of lead pencil and tobacco. 7,200 bottles made. Approachable now." Food Pairing Recommendations - Red meats, pasta, lamb and hearty cheeses. Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.8% Mevushal - No
Capcanes Cabernet Sauvignon Peraj Ha'abib 2003/2004 Appellation - Montsant, Spain Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - Deep ruby/purple color, with concentrated cassis and currant flavors, medium to full body, and well-integrated tannin and acidity Reviews - Wine Advocate - "One of the finest Kosher wines I have ever tasted, Capcanes' Peraj Ha'abib is a bloend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carignan made under strict Kosher vinification rules that require oversight by a local rabbi. Aged in both French and American oak, it exhibits a deep ruby/purple color in addition to sweet, concentrated cassis and currant flavors, medium to full body, and well-integrated tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Consume it over the next 8-10 years." Food Pairing Recommendations - Full-flavored dishes of beef, veal or chicken Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13% Mevushal - No Also available in the following sizes - Bottles/Case - 1 Bottle Size - 1.5L Bottles/Case - 1 Bottle Size - 3L
Carmel Gewurztraminer Late Harvest "Sha'al" 2005 Appellation - Upper Galilee Style - Sweet White Tasting Notes - Medium-bodied, generous sweetness, good balancing acidity, with apricot, cinnamon, rose petal and honeyed flavors. Rich, spicy and elegant with a long silky finish Reviews - Wine Advocate - The delicious 2005 Gewurztraminer Sha’al Vineyard in 375 ml is fragrant and succulent, laced with apricot and peach notes. Sweet on the finish, it also shows nice acidity and is well-balanced rather than unctuous. Drink now-2011. For those interested, this wine is Kosher. This familiar and old (with roots back to 1882) winery is Israel's largest, once having controlled almost the entire Israeli wine market. Carmel got modern winemaking started in Israel and helped stake out the path to serious wine as well, although it has a bit of a checkered past. One spokesperson described it as the Gallo of Israel. It sells a wide range of products, including sweet kiddush wines. For a long while, Carmel and Israeli wine were more or less synonymous. Carmel still today has a huge market share (harvesting about 35% of Israel’s grapes), although it has declined over the decades with the founding of many competitors, from Golan Heights to the boutiques. Not surprisingly, Carmel has been reshaping itself, establishing a joint venture called Yatir (listed separately here) to turn out high quality wines, and making small production wines under its own label as well. Its single vineyard and Limited Edition wines are only about 1,083 case production runs each. Carmel is making some fine wines at the high end, and its attention to small production wines seems to be paying off Food Pairing Recommendations - Desserts and fresh fruit Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 10% Mevushal - No
Domaine du Castel Petit Castel Appellation - Haute-Judee, Israel Style - Dry Red Tasting Notes - Dark ruby color, medium-bodied, with notes of wild berry, spices, herbs and sweet cedar Reviews - Wine Advocate-90 points - The 2005 Petit Castel is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, sourced from a vineyard at an altitude of 2,400 feet. It was aged for 16 months in French oak and hardly shows it. The wine was unfined and unfiltered. This Bordeaux blend is impeccably balanced, elegantly constructed, and flavorful. It is bright and lively, with moderate tannins. It will be early maturing, but while it does not quite have the depth and intensity of flavor of its big brother, it is a fine wine in its own right and a pleasure to drink. It showed better after two hours than it did on opening. I debated whether this would breach the 90 point barrier, but its fine performance in the decanter made me lean in that direction. I liked it more and more. It drank decently although not as well the next day. Drink now-2013. This is Kosher. Domaine du Castel is one of Israel’s most prestigious wineries, invariably on most short lists in the “best winery of Israel” debate. Founded in 1988, it produced its first wine only in 1992. It is a little bigger than some of the micro boutiques, but still produces only around 8,300 cases a year. There is a French sensibility on the labels, from the winery’s name, to the identification of the appellation (Judean Hills, near Jerusalem) as Haute Judee. This is not surprising, perhaps, given that Castel is a family run business, and son Ariel trained in Burgundy and then worked at Domaine Emile Voarick. Food Pairing Recommendations - Medium flavored veal or chicken dishes Bottles/Case - 12 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 14% Mevushal - No
Segal's Cabernet Sauvignon Dishon Vineyard 2002 Appellation - Galilee, Israel Style - Tasting Notes - Aromas of currant, berry, plum and spices Reviews - Daniel Rogev, Israel's top wine critic - "Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, aged for 20 months in French oak barriques, this medium bodied, soft and round wine offers up enticing aromas of currants, mocha and minerals, those backed up by chewy but nicely yielding tannins." Food Pairing Recommendations - Robust beef, bison, or venison steaks Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13% Mevushal - No
Yatir Winery Cabernet/Merlot/Shiraz 2003 Appellation - Judean Hills, Israel Style - Dry Red Reviews - Wine Advocate - The 2003 Cabernet-Merlot-Shiraz is Cabernet Sauvignon dominated (56%), with the Merlot (33%) and Shiraz (11%) filling out the rest of the blend. It feels full in the mouth on first attack, but actually has an elegant mid-plate. There is a tannic grip on the finish, and the initial fruit forward presentation is deceptive, as the structure is good. It opens quickly, and the fruit is sweet and flavorful. There is a touch of herbs in the background. A tasty presentation that packs a punch, it is a short list contender for the finest value in this report. Drink now-2013. This wine is Kosher, for those interested. Drink now-2015. Yatir is a winery situated in the Yatir Forest, in the Southern Judean Hills region. It is a joint venture with Carmel and local growers, founded in 2000. Winemaker Eran Goldwasser studied winemaking in Australia, and yes, these have a certain Barossa feel to them. The wines are bold and ripe – but also well balanced and structured. Yatir has a sense of history, reporting that artifacts in the area allow scientists to trace wine production in the region back some 2,500 years. Food Pairing Recommendations - Full flavored beef, grilled chicken, duck or veal Bottles/Case - 6 Bottle Size - 750ml Alc. by Volume - 13.5% Mevushal - No
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