1 The New Israeli Guide

Yair Gath, Gal Zohar The New Guide March 2014 2 The New Israeli Wine Guide

Table of contents:

3 Preface

4 Introduction by Mr. Adam Montefiore

5-6 Bordeaux blends

7-8 Other blends

9 Other red

10-11 Mediterranean varietals and blends

12

13-14

15

16-17

18-19 Other white varietals

20-24 List of wineries 3 The New Israeli Wine Guide

Hello, Welcome to the first full edition of The New Israeli Wine Guide.

After tasting more than 300 from the top 100 wineries in , we assembled a list of The Best 70 Wines of Israel. All the wines were tasted double blind, to ensure impartial and completely objective notes and scores.

Some of the wines are kosher, and some aren’t. Most of the wines are available outside Israel.

The guide is divided to nine categories, each presents the wines won the highest scores in their category. Information about the wineries is available at the end of the guide, with a few descriptive words on each winery penned by us.

We would like to thank everyone who helped us bring this mission to completion; the wineries, the messengers, the truck drivers, friends who supported us, those who followed on the social networks, the lucky few who tasted with us, the designer Ron Yadlin, the Hebrew editor Efrat Jeropy and the English editor Assaf Dudai.

Hope you’ll enjoy it, at least as much as we did.

Gal Zohar & Yair Gat 4 The New Israeli Wine Guide

ByIntroduction Adam Montefiore

The New Israeli Wine Guide is a new initiative to rate Israeli wines. Tastings were conducted blind in the strictest and most professional conditions possible and the results are recorded with no embellishment or political tinkering.

The information given on each wine is refreshingly clear and not wrapped up in flowery, hard to understand tasting notes. The scores given to each wine are modest and they only have a supporting role. Most attractive is the pithy, informative, two or three word descriptive headline which precedes each tasting note.

The guide has been written by two people who shine because of their quiet, thorough approach, modesty and professionalism. They do not come from the ‘look at me’ type of wine critics who wish to make a noise, nor the ‘cut and paste merchants,’ who have nothing new to say. They are both well qualified and respected. The two partners in this project are Yair Gath and Gal Zohar.

Yair Gath is the wine critic of Israel Hayom, which has arguably the most regular wine column amongst the daily newspapers in Hebrew. He has a following of wine lovers who have enjoyed reading him over the years.

Gal Zohar is an international sommelier, wine educator and wine consultant. He was recently a judge in the International Wine Challenge, the world’s largest competition. He is in great demand as a wine consultant in both and Israel.

Both have the ability to speak at eye level with wine drinkers whether they are simply wine lovers, wine professionals or connoisseurs and they are not loud and self-opinionated, like many of the today’s self-proclaimed wine experts. Neither will be the center of attention at wine events, preferring to taste and meet quietly without fanfare, but their views and opinions are of great interest to wine drinkers at every level.

Daniel Rogov, z”l, used to publish his annual guide on Israeli wines. His books reached far and wide in the effort to advance ‘Brand Israel’. Since his death, there has been a void. Thankfully the New Israeli Wine Guide has come at exactly the right time.

It is an interesting turn-around exercise for someone in the wine trade to judge the wine critics. Maybe each should receive a score?! Wine critics have to have credibility and tastings have to be conducted professionally. Respect is certainly earned not bought.

The true success of this initiative will be in its successful continuation, over a number of years. However the first launch of their collective tasting notes is a valuable contribution to Israeli wine and I heartily recommend it.

Adam Montefiore works for and regularly writes about wine in international & Israeli publications. 5 The New Israeli Wine Guide Bordeaux Blends Noble 2008 FLAM Limited Edition 2008 Carmel Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Verdot Merlot, and Malbec Region: Upper Region: Aged 24 months in oak Aged 15 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher A Balancing Act Concentration of ripe black fruit dominates Killing Me Softly the nose together with spiciness, earthiness The nose is complex, dominated by fresh and a soft minty note. The balance on the fruit and complimented with a light green palate of ripe fruit, natural acidity and note. The tension between the fruity, impressive tannic structure is remarkable. savoury and spicy flavours is impressive Long and generous finish. and so is the softly crafted tannic structure. 90 Finish is mineral and persistent. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 2009 Yatir Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Grand Vin 2010 Domaine du Merlot Castel Region: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Aged 16 months in oak Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Alcohol: 14.5% Region: Judean Hills Kosher Aged 22 months in oak Alcohol: 15% Southern Exposure Kosher There's soft fruit on the nose along with herbs and a good amount of spice, all Classicism thoughtfully balanced. Understated and An evolving nose of soft spice, dried fruit elegant, the palate is loaded with charming and a light earthy note. The impressive ripe fruit, fresh acidity and some delicate palate shows concentration, intensity and oak. Fine spice, acidity and fruit on the some ripeness, all held together by fine finish. acidity. Finish is persistent and spicy; and 89+ it lingers. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 Ayalon Valley 2008 Clos de Gat ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot Region: Judean Hills Aged 20 months in oak Alcohol: 14%

The Dark Side of the Valley Rich and concentrated black fruit aromas dominate the nose with some impressive earthy and smoky notes. The plot thickens on the palate where flush and ripe fruit flavours are beautifully balanced with soft acidity, minerality and a long spicy finish. 89 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 6 The New Israeli Wine Guide Bordeaux Blends Kessem 2011 Agur Petit Caste 2011 Castel Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Region: Judean Hills Region: Judean Hills Aged 6 months in oak Aged 16 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol: 15.4% Kosher Kosher

The Young and the Restless Freshly Sharp Fresh fruit, herbaceousness and soft oak Green capsicum notes on the nose spice aromas make this nose an exciting complimented by dry fruit and spice. Oak- one. Palate is balancing good fruit and dominated, the palate has good balance, a hint of leafy notes in a soft and refined softness and concentration. Finish is spicy texture. Oak is present, and so are tannins, and fresh. on the finish. 86 87 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Metzuda 2009 Tzuba Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc Region: Judean Hills Aged 24 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Kosher

Like a Rolling Stone The nose shows development of ripe fruit, dried herbs, spice and toasty oak notes. Palate is thick, ripe with a light meaty character and a firm yet pleasant acidity. Finish is long and mainly sweet. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Grand Vital 2010 Lueria Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot Region: Upper Galilee Aged 24 months in oak Alcohol: 13% Kosher

Heart of Galilee There's some rusticity on the nose with a present oak note and sweetness of fruit. Lots of very ripe fruit here, some green, slightly aggressive tannins and a hint of sweetness. Finish is long, bitter and sweet. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 7 The New Israeli Wine Guide Other Blends 2010 A Adir Special Reserve 2011 Recanati Shiraz, Cabernet Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Region: Upper Galilee Petite Syrah and Aged 18 months in oak Region: upper Galilee, and Alcohol: 14.5% Judean Hills Kosher Aged 18 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Big Is Beautiful Kosher Lots of oak spice, pepper and a floral note form a refined and elegant nose. The The Smooth Road Ahead palate shows very good acidity, a good While dominated by new oak and spice, complexity of fruit and spice and a long The nose manages to show good ripe fruit and velvety finish. and a soft earthy character. The palate is rich, spicy and complex with leather, ripe 89 fruit notes and a long smooth finish. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Misty Hills 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah Coupage 2010 Bravdo Region: Judean Hills Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Cabernet Aged 18 months in oak Sauvignon Alcohol: 14.5% Region: Samson Kosher Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5% Elegant Me Kosher Pleasant ripe fruit on the nose complimented by lovely oak spice. Palate is extremely Backbone Mountain complex yet elegant and fine. Ripe fruit Generous and perfumed, The nose is notes are well integrated with new oak spice, dominated by ripe fruit notes and well while the tannic structure is impressive and integrated oak spice. Slightly tannic oak is silky. Finish is long and complex. present on the palate, but is well balanced 89 by a complex, ripe fruit character and a ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: pleasant mineral backbone. Finish is ripe, long and slightly warm. Shiraz-Cabernet Adama II 2010 87 Tabor ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Upper Galilee Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Kosher

From the Ground Up Floral, mineral and spicy, nose is perfumed and characterized by dry herb notes. The palate gives good fruit concentration, floral notes and a lovely spicy robe all lifted by a soft, fresh acidity. 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 8 The New Israeli Wine Guide Other Blends Makura Merlot- 2008 Assemblage Eitan 2010 Barkan Amphorae Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Barbera Region: Judean Hills Region: upper Galilee Aged 12 months in oak Aged 36 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Alcohol: 13.3% Kosher

Made to Impress An Acquired Taste Highly concentrated, nose is dominated by With a pronounced herbal note, The nose rich oak spice and a soft earthy note. The also shows earthy and ripe fruit notes. palate is intense with immense ripe fruit The Palate is rich and warm with a slightly notes, an overload of new oak spice and generic new oak character, and a smooth a balancing fresh acidity. Finish in long, finish. complex and a touch alcoholic. 85 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Yiron 2010 Galil Mountains Makura Blend 2008 Amphorae Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah Franc and Petit Verdot Region: Upper Galilee Region: upper Galilee Aged 36 moths in oak Aged 16 months in oak Alcohol: 15% Alcohol: 15.5% Kosher Almost Famous Powerful ripe fruit notes with sweet-like Going Strong new oak spice dominate the nose. The Rich, sweet and spicy The nose is compli- palate is very rich with sweet fruit notes mented by ripe fruit notes. The palate is al- and a well integrated oak spice, made in a coholic, rich and slightly aggressive. Finish smooth, rounded style. Finish is spicy and is disappointingly short. alcoholic. 85 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Cabernet Sauvignon – Shiraz 2010 Pelter Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz Region: Upper Galilee and Aged 22 months in oak Alcohol: 13.7%

Funky Town With a lovely funkiness on the nose, the fruity notes are well integrated with soft and slightly sweet oak spices. On the palate there's high acidity, rich and ripe fruit notes and a long spicy finish. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 9 The New Israeli Wine Guide Other varietals Cabernet Franc 2010 Margalit Merlot 2010 Ortal Cabernet Franc with some Cabernet Merlot Sauvignon and Merlot Region: Golan Heights Region: Carmel Aged 20 months in oak Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Alcohol: 14% Where There’s Smoke There’s Oak Precise to the Rim Nose is dominated by new oak, and has a Ripe fruit notes, lovely dried herbs, a hint smoky character with some red fruit and of earthiness and some smoky oak aromas chocolate spice coming through. Ripe and shape into a full and expressive nose. The slightly sweet, the palate shows better smokiness is dominant on the palate as balance between the fruity, and the heavy well, with green notes, a concentrated oaky influence. Finish is again oaky, long and fruity mid-palate, and very smooth and intense. tannins. Rich and intense, the finish is 86 impressively long. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 89 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Merlot Rehassim 2009 Segal Merlot Pinot Noir Yarden 2009 Golan Region: upper Galilee Heights Winery Aged 20 months in oak Pinot Noir Alcohol 14% Region: Golan Heights Kosher Aged 16 months in oak Alcohol 14% Untamed Kosher With a good balance of fresh fruit and an earthy character, the nose is pleasant and Cherry Blossom delicately perfumed. On the palate there's On the nose there's soft and sour cherry lots of oak co-existing with lots of ripe fruit fruit, an earthy aroma and a present new to form a nice complexity. It finishes long oak spice. Palate is delicate, with good red and wild. fruit concentration, an earthy note and a 85 hint of sweet of spice. Long and refined ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: finish. 87 Merlot 2010 Ella Valley ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Merlot with some Syrah and Petit Verdot Region: Judean Hills Malbec Terra 2011 Teperberg Aged 14 months in aok Malbec Alcohol: 15% Region: Judean Hills Kosher Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 13.6% Double Espresso Kosher Rather shy on the nose; a touch of green notes, lots of fruit and an oaky By the Book character mask most of the other aromas. Tempting ripe red fruit notes on the nose Dominated by oak, the palate is rather are well integrated with soft oak spice. balanced and shows good acidity, sweet On the palate there’s a hint of ripe fruit fruit with an overall average feel. sweetness, good acidity, and a well built 85 structure. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 10 The New Israeli Wine Guide Mediterraneans Garage de Papa 2010 Lewinsohn Petite Sirah 2010 Montefiore Syrah, Petite Sirah and Carignan Petite Sirah Region: Upper Galilee and Judean Hills Region: Judean Hills Aged 12 months in oak Aged 14 months in oak Alcohol: 14% Alcohol: 14% Kosher Mediterranean at Heart With lots of freshness, the nose is a splen- Finishing on Top did harmony of fruit, spices and oak. The The nose is perfumed and gives off lovely palate is very well built, with delicious soft floral notes, fresh fruit and an orange peel fruit, well rounded tannins and impressive note. The palate is big and impressive. The concentration. Finish is long, spicy and wine’s intensity and complexity are well complex. balanced by fresh acidity and a lifting floral 90 note. Finish is long, spicy and intense. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 Montefiore Red 2012 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Malbec, Shiraz and Petite Sirah Wild Carignan Reserve 2011 Region: Judean Hills Recanati Unoaked Carignan Alcohol: 14% Region: Judean Hills Kosher Aged 9 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5% Young at Heart Kosher The nose is perfumed, fresh and floral, and is complimented by a soft orange peel Into the Wild note. Mouthfeel is silky and soft with floral Dominated by a rich earthy and leathery notes and a good amount of light sweet character, the nose bundles together fruit fruit. Finish is generous and long. and spice, balanced by a soft floral note. 89 Packed with fresh acidity, the palate holds ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: good fruit concentration and a pronounced spicy character. The oak is present yet well Petite Sirah 2009 Vitkin integrated. Petite Sirah 87 Region: Judean Hills Aged 18 months in oak ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Alcohol: 14.5% Carignan 2010 Vitkin Carignan Big is Beautiful Region: Carmel An intriguingly rich nose dominated by Aged 16 months in oak ripe fruit and an earthy character. The Alcohol: 13.5% palate is extremely rich, yet balanced. The ripe black fruit, the oak spice, the floral Unpolished notes and the present tannins all shape Wild fruit, farmyard, floral and a pro- into an intense and complex wine. Finish is nounced meaty note dominate the nose. long and spicy. The balance on the palate of tannins, rough 89 spice notes and a rich ripe fruit leads into a ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: long and complex finish. 87 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 11 The New Israeli Wine Guide Mediterraneans Antoine 2009 Sea Horse Syrah, and Mourvedre Region: Judean Hills Aged 14 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5%

Positive Attitude Rich and spicy, the nose shows ripe fruit notes and leather, and has an earthy character to it. The palate is full of sweet notes, well balanced by good acidity. The fruit is unpolished, with a bitter aftertaste and well integrated oak spices. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Layam 2011 Agur Syrah, Mourvedre Region: Judean Hills Aged 14 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher

Out of the Fruitinary The nose shows an unusual blend of dried fruit, floral and fresh fruit notes. With good acidity, the palate is well balanced between ripe tannins, soft fruit notes and an overall enjoyable texture. 85 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 12 The New Israeli Wine Guide Syrah Shiraz Kayoumi 2008 Carmel Shiraz Hoshen Vineyard 2011 Region: Upper Galilee Dalton Aged 15 months in oak Region: Upper Galilee Alcohol: 14.5% Aged 13 months in oak Kosher Alcohol: 14.5% Kosher When Typicity Meets Shy and soft nose, perfumed and floral, Spot On with a well placed hint of oak. The palate is The nose shows simple and beautiful characterised by the purity of the fruit, and balance of fruit, earth and spice. The wine’s enjoys a bursting fresh acidity, a complex precession is as impressive on the palate, mid-palate, and a long, fine and mineral- where soft fruit and elegant spice form a driven finish. tasty and pleasant mouthfeel. Finish is 90 soft, yet slightly warm. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 Syrah Yarden Avital Slope 2008 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Shiraz 2011 Adir Region: Golan Heights Region: Upper Galilee Aged 18 months in oak Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 15% Alcohol: 14% Kosher Kosher

At Its Peak Made to Impress Balanced yet extremely intense nose with While rich, fruity and meaty, the nose is lots of dried and ripe fruit, floral notes and dominated by intense oaky notes. Full and lots of oak. complex, the palate is made of rich ripe The palate is soft and concentrated with fruit notes, some acidity, with a bitter and some crunchy sweet fruit. Balanced by a slightly warm finish. nice acidity, this is an enjoyable and very 87 drinkable red with a lovely long finish. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 89 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Shiraz, Yatir Region: Negev Aged 12 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5% Kosher

The Ripe Moment Rich and complex on the nose with dried herbs, fresh fruit and a light smoky note. The rather elegant palate is well-built, rich with ripe fruit and a soft acidity that is nicely balanced by pleasant oak spice. Finish is rounded and long. 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 13 The New Israeli Wine Guide Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon Adom 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Saslove 2009 Teperberg 1870 Region: Upper Galilee Region: Samson Aged 20 months in oak Aged 18 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher Kosher

Earth, Wind & Fruit Taking it Easy Spicy, earthy, even floral on the nose, this Shy nose with some red fruit notes, earth wine is delicately perfumed with a soft and mint that are nicely integrated with yet intriguing aromatic character. Well new sweet oak spice. While lacking some built, the palate shows good fruit and power and intensity, the palate shows good acidity, nicely balanced with green notes balance of soft fruit, acidity and sweet oak and a light earthy taste. The oak is well spice. Finish is soft and persistent. integrated and the finish fruity and soft. 87 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Cabernet Sauvignon Makura Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2008 Amphorae 2009 Assaf Region: Juden Hills, Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon and some Cabernet Aged 36 months in oak Franc Alcohol: 15% Region: Golan Heights Aged months 18 in oak A Safe Bet Alcohol: 14.5% Rich, concentrated and alcoholic on the nose with abundance of sweet fruit and High on Oak spice. Almost generic in taste, the palate With lots of new oak spice, the nose finds is weighty, slightly silky and intense. The its balance of rich black fruit notes and a fruit is rich and concentrated, the oak is hint of sweetness. The complex palate dominant with soft tannins and very sweet shows good balance of ripe fruit and new spice. Finish is long and warm. oak spice, with a well-built tannic structure. 87 Finish is long, warm and complex. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered 2008 Segal Region: Upper Galilee Aged 18 months in oak Alcohol: 14.2% Kosher

Rock n' Roll Aggressively ripe, the nose is sweet and spicy with a hint of smokiness. Palate is lush, rounded with the intensity of fruit and a surprisingly fresh acidity. This wine is loud and big yet harmonious, and enjoys a long and concentrated finish. 87 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 14 The New Israeli Wine Guide Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Superior 2008 Barkan Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot Region: Upper Galilee Aged 22 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5% Kosher

Heavy Weight There's some unusual sweetness on the nose followed by marked oak tannins and spice. While there's some softness to the fruit on the palate, most of it is masked by a pronounced oaky character. Finish is immense, almost over the top, and sweet. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009 Binyamina Region: Upper Galilee, Golan Hieghts Aged 18 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher

Uneven Steven Sweet and spicy, the nose presents very little character, or interest. Palate presents lots of sweet and ripe fruit, followed by toasty oak spice and a sharp, unbalanced acidity. Finish is sweet and chocolaty. 85 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 15 The New Israeli Wine Guide Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Tzora Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Ella Valley Region: Judean Hills Sauvignon Blanc with some Semillon Aged 7 in month in oak Region: Judean Hills Alcohol: 13.5% Ageing: 7 months in oak Kosher Alcohol: 12.5% Kosher Express Yourself The nose shows soft oak spice notes Opposites Attract balanced by a hint of tropical aromas. Rich and concentrated with lovely pineapple, Beautifully crafted, the palate is rich and light citrus fruit and some soft herbaceous complex, and combines citrus with tropical notes – so is the nose. With rich ripe fruit on flavours and a slight creamy note. Very the palate, the wine is soft and shows gentle well made, elegant and balanced. acidity, rich texture, and a long fruity finish. 90 87 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2012 Dalton Region: Galilee Unoaked Alchohol: 13.3% Kosher

Classy Lady Textbook herbaceous notes on the nose, followed by pleasant tropical ones. A very rewarding mouthfeel. The palate is dominated by fresh acidity, soft fruit with a dry and mineral finish. 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Sauvignon Blanc 2012Pelter Region: Golan Heights, Upper Galilee and Judean Hills Unoaked Alcohol: 12.3%

Less is More Crisp and fresh citrus fruit on the nose; fun and aromatic. The palate is characterised by high and fresh acidity, green apples, lime and a light herbaceous note. Simplicity at its best. 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 16 The New Israeli Wine Guide Chardonnay 2011 Tzora Chardonnay Volcanic 2012 Har Region: Judean Hills Odem Ageing: 9 months in oak Region: Golan Heights and Judean Hills Alcohol: 13.5% Ageing: 5 months in oak Kosher Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher Elegant and complex Oak is present on the nose, yet well Pleasantville integrated and complimented by ripe fruit Fresh fruit, aromatic notes and a citrus notes and a mineral edge. The palate is edge on the nose. Palate shows good balanced and intense with rich fruit flavors, balance between the touch of oak, soft minerality and fine acidity. Multilayered fruit and solid minerality. Finish is ripe with and complex with a very long finish. a hint of sweetness, but falls slightly short 89 on acidity. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 87 Garage de Papa Blanc 2012 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Lewinsohn Chardonnay Bravdo 2012 Karmei Region: Galilee Yosef Ageing: 8 months in oak Region: Samson Alcohol: 13% Some of the wine was aged 3 Months in oak Quiet Power Alcohol: 12.5% Quite a lot of oak on the nose; toasty and Kosher pleasant, it is balanced by citrus and a hint of tropical notes. Palate is skillfully rounded Fruit Ninja vs. Candy Crash and demonstrates a good mineral-acidity Fruit-forward, the nose is balanced and balance, just the right amount of stone shows lovely stone fruit, minerality and and citrus fruit, and a softly spiced finish. citrus aromas. 88 On the palate there's enjoyable acidity ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: and good concentration, which balances the present spicy oak. Jolly candy and rose Chardonnay 2010 Clos de Gat petal notes at the finish. Region: Judean Hills 87 Ageing: 12 months in oak Alcohol: 14% ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chardonnay Ben Zimra 2012 Adir The Spice Boy Region: Upper Galilee The nose combines intensity, complexity Ageing: 10 months in oak and richness of oak and fruit. Impressive Alcohol: 12.5% palate of powerful mouthfeel, good and Kosher ripe fruit, fresh acidity, exciting oak spice and a sweetish finish. Rough Around the Edges 88 The nose shows floral, classic stone fruit ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: and green apple notes, with rather well integrated oak spice. Much more present than on the nose, new oak spice dominate the palate. Fruit is ripe and finish is long, with slightly rough edges. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 17 The New Israeli Wine Guide Chardonnay Chardonnay Reserve Unoaked 2011 Bimyamina Region: Judean Hills Ageing: Unoaked Alcohol: 13% Kosher

Tropical Storm Fresh and floral on the nose with a hint of young zesty citrus fruit. Palate is soft, a touch sweet, and shows good tropical fruit with measured refreshing acidity. Enjoyable, yet suffers from its over- simplistic style. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chardonnay 2012 Luria Region: Upper Galilee Ageing: 12 months in oak Alcohol: 13% Kosher

Romancing the Stone Citrus, stone fruit and very little oak on the nose, followed by some tropical fruit hints and minerality. The palate is pleasant and soft yet rather generic and simple. 85 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: C Blanc de Castel 2011 Domaine du Castel Region: Judean Hills Ageing: 12 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5% Kosher

Trying Hard Lots and lots of oak on the nose masking most of the fruity flavours. Dominated by oak as well, the palate is lovely structured and better balanced with some ripe stone and tropical fruit coming through. 85 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 18 The New Israeli Wine Guide Other white varietals and blends

Semillon Elkosh 2012Dalton 2012 Vitkin Semillon Riesling Region: Upper Galilee Region: Judean Hills Aged 4 months in oak Unoaked Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol: 12% Kosher Wild at Heart Original and Pure Shy on the nose with lime and citrus fruit, a A softly fruity, shy and refined nose. On the hint of minerality wrapped in a soft tropical palate there’s a fine, beautifully integrated note. With some rough edges, the palate acidity alongside a fascinating minerality, shows good acidity and fresh citrus fruit, complimented by pure citrus fruit notes all making a pleasant yet thin mouthfeel, and a long and pleasant finish. and a rather soft finish. 88 87 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Semillon-Sauvignon 2010 Viogner 2012 Galil Mountains Midbar Viogner Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc Region: Upper Galilee Region: Negev Some of the wine was aged 6 months in Some of the blend was aged 6 months on oak oak Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol: 12.5% Kosher

Uncompromisingly Different V for Viogner Nose shows refined complex notes that With persistent floral notes, the nose also are dominated by stone and citrus with gives ripe tropical fruit aromas. While a hint of oak. On the palate the sharp surprisingly fresh and dry, the palate is acidity is well balanced with good fruit quite rich, with good fruit concentration concentration, mineral undertones and a and a long mineral finish. touch of spice. Finish is edgy and precise. 87 88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Montefiore White 2012 Blanc 2012 FLAM and Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay Region: Judean Hills Region: Judean Hills Unoaked Unoaked Alcohol: 13% Alcohol: 13% Kosher Kosher Just Wanna Have Fun Perfect Equilibrium An aromatic nose that shows a lovely A blend of herbaceous notes and ripe fruit combination of fresh minerality and a soft aromas on the nose. The palate is crisp, herbacious note. Palate is mineral, simple fresh and very well balanced. The finish and shows a good structure for enjoying a combines a hint of sweetness with a crisp happy citrus and stone fruit characeter. mineral acidity. 87 87-88 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 19 The New Israeli Wine Guide Other white varietals and blends

Riesling Kayoumi 2011 Carmel Riesling Region: Upper Galilee Unoaked Alcohol: 12.5% Kosher

Going Mineral Classic petrol note on the nose with citrus, ripe stone fruit and lots of freshness. Mineral driven, the palate is sharp and fresh with some weight and complexity. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Wright Brothers 2011 Sea Horse Region: Judean Hills Aged 8 months in oak Alcohol: 14.5%

Intriguingly Right Dominated by oak, the nose gives off nutty flavours, ripe stone fruit and a spicy edge. The palate is quite sweet, with tropical and citrus fruit, white flowers and a soft mineral acidity. 86 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chenin Blanc 2012 Assaf Chenin Blanc Region: Golan Heights Aged 6 months in oak Alcohol: 13.5%

The Knights of the Spice Table The nose shows some fresh green notes with a pronounced new oak character. On the palate there’s good concentration, an oily texture and a pleasantly soft finish. 85 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 20 The New Israeli Wine Guide List of wineries Adir Binyamina Est: 2003 Est: 1952 Annual production: 120'000 Annual production: 2,600,000 Address: Park Taasiot Ramat Dalton Address: Hanassi 1, Binyamina Telephone: 04-6991039 Telephone: 04-6388643 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher Kosher

A family winery operating in one of Israel's One of the biggest and oldest wineries best wine regions. Serious and hardwork- in Israel. Despite some lack of innovation ing, most of their wines are a success. in recent years, Binyamina manages to ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: produce new and exciting wines almost every year. Ortal ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Est: 2009 Annual Production: 20,000 Barkan Address: Kibutz Ortal, Golan Heights Est: 1999 Telephone: 04-6960770 Annual production: 10,000,000 Email: [email protected] Address: Kibutz Hulda Telephone: 08-9447772 Still in its early days, but the quality of fruit Email: [email protected] and effective winemaking make it a one to Kosher watch. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: A very big winery, owned by Tempo Enterprise, which produces a massive Amphorae amount of table wines alongside quality Est: 2000 ones; some of them are impressive. Annual Production: 100,000 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Address: Kerem Maharal Telephone: 04-9840702 Dalton Email: [email protected] Est: 1995 Annual production: 1,000,000 After a shaky and unpredicted start, the Address: Dalton industrial park world’s best winemaking equipment and Telephone: 04-6987683 the world's leading consultants made Email: [email protected] their way to this beautiful winery. The Kosher investment can be felt in each and every bottle. A commercial winery with the soul of a ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: small producer. The quality is high and the winemaker is not afraid to think outside Assaf the box, or to surprise its customers. Est: 2004 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Annual production: 45,000 Address: Kidmat Tzvi Telephone: 054-7790494 Email: [email protected]

Maybe the most characterful family winery in the Golan Heights. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 21 The New Israeli Wine Guide List of wineries Har Odem Yatir Est: 2003 Est: 2000 Annual production: 70,000 Annual production: 150,000 Address: Odem, Golan Heights Address: Tel Arad Telephone: 04-6871122 Telephone: 08-9959090 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher Kosher

The northernmost winery in Israel. Some The wines of Yatir are amongst the highest of the are sourced elsewhere and scoring Israeli wines. The unusual terroir some of the wines are surprisingly good. combined with attention to the smallest ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: details yields unique wines with a defined character. Galil Mountains ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Est: 2000 Annual production: 1,000,000 Carmel Address: Kibutz Yiron Est: 1882 Telephone: 04-6868740 Annual production: 15,000,000 Email: [email protected] Address: Wine St, Zichron Ya'akov Kosher Telephone: 04-6290977 Email: [email protected] A younger brother of Golan Heights Kosher Winery. A small commercial winery that specialises in local Galilean wines. Founded by the Baron Rothschild back in th ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: the 19 century, this big commercial win- ery revolutionised the quality of its wines, Vitkin and is currently producing numerous good Est: 2001 and exciting ones. Annual producution: 60,000 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Address: Kfar Rd. 68, Kfar Vitkin Telephone: 09-8663505 Bravdo – Karmey Yosef Email: [email protected] Est: 1999 Annual production: 40,000 A family owned winery in the costal area. Address: Haerez 5, Karmey Yosef One of the pioneers in reviving the local Telephone: 050-2207022 Mediterranean varietals. Email: [email protected] ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kosher Teberberg 1870 Prof. Shoseyov and Prof. Bravdo, both Est: 1870 scientists of modern and faculty Annual production: 5,000,000 members of the Hebrew University of Address: next to Kibutz Tzorah , attend to their small winery Telephone: 02-9908080 that produces regional wines of good, Email: [email protected] consistent quality. Kosher :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

One of the first wineries of Israel, still fam- ily owned. The production is well balanced between everyday simples wines, to excit- ing quality ones. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 22 The New Israeli Wine Guide List of wineries Lewinsohn Montefiore Est: 2008 Est: 2010 Annual production: 5,000 Annual production: 22,000 Address: Yair Shtern 33, Hod hasharon Address: Rothschild 22, Tel Aviv Telephone: 054-2444018 Telephone: 03-53422470 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher Ido Lewinsohn, one of the winemakers at Recanati Winery, took over his parent's A new and exciting wine project, garage and produces there, along with orchestrated by the Montefiore family. his father, some of Israel's most exciting The wines are made at Moni Winery from wines. grapes grown in the Hills. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Luria Est: 2006 Margalit Annual production: 20,000 Est: 1989 Address: Moshav Safsufa Annual production: 20,000 Telephone: 04-6980105 Address: Hatachana 60, Binyamina Email: [email protected] Telephone: 050-5334433 Kosher Email: [email protected]

Established by a family of bespoke vine- One of Israel's first and most acclaimed growers in the Upper Galilee. The expertise boutique wineries. Set up by Dr. Yair in viticulture combined with professional Margalit, who is responsible for the revival winemaking skills yields wines of high of the local Carignan and Petite Syrah. quality, year after year. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Segal Midbar Est: 2001 Est: 2008 Annual production: 1,500,000 Annual production: 30,000 Address: Kibutz Hulda Address: Sadan 8, Artist's quarter Arad Telephone: 08-9358860 Telephone: 08-8662111 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher

The first commercial desert winery in The original family wine operation was set Israel. Plans, in the very near future, to up in 1787. Today, it is owned by Tempo produce wines based solely on grapes Enterprise and operates alongside Barkan grown in the Negev. Winery. Famous for its simple table wines, ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: but also for a couple of iconic, high quality ones. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 23 The New Israeli Wine Guide List of wineries Sea Horse Ella Valley Vineyards Est: 2000 Est: 2000 Annual production: 15,000 Annual production: 220,000 Address: Meshek 40, Address: Kibutz Netiv HaLamed-Heh Telephone: 02-5709834 Telephone: 09-9994885 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher The wines are made from local grapes grown in the Judea Hills. The style is a very A small commercial winery that focuses personal one, and the wines are original on well made quality wines sourced from and unique. The flamboyant character of local grapes of the valley. the owner and winemaker, Ze'ev Dunia, is ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: evident is every single aspect. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Pelter Est: 2001 Saslove Annual production: 100,000 Est: 1998 Address: Kibutz Annual production: 60,000 Telephone: 077-9100355 Address: Kibutz Eyal Email: [email protected] Telephone: 09-7492697 Email: [email protected] One of Israel's best white wine producers. Kosher ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: One of the first local boutique wineries, Flam set up by the legendary winemaker Bari Est: 1998 Saslove. The winery was recently sold to Annual production: 120,000 private investors. Address: Junction ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Telephone: 02-9929923 Email: [email protected] Agur Kosher Est: 2000 Annual production: 30,000 A medium-size family operation, Flam Address: Moshav Agur, Ella Valley is consistently one of Israel's most Telephone: 02-9995423 popular wineries. As second generation Email: [email protected] winemakers, brothers Golan and Gilad Kosher Flam are now producing celebrated wines with attention to the smallest of details. Based on local terroir, the wines of Agur ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: are characterised by the personal touch of the owner-winemaker. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 24 The New Israeli Wine Guide List of wineries Tzora Golan Heights Est: 1993 Est: 1983 Annual production: 80,000 Annual production: 5,500,00 Address: Kibutz Tzora Address: Industrial park, Telephone: 02-9908261 Telephone: 04-6968420 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher Kosher

An up and coming star of recent years. The The very first Israeli winery to show the wines are regionally-based, made with world that world-class wines can be made great precession, and combine drinkability here. Constantly busy improving its wine's with elegance and complexity. quality and the local wine culture. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Clos de Gat Recanati Est: 2001 Est: 2000 Annual production: 50,000 Annual production: 950,000 Address: Mitzpe Harel Address: Industrial park, Emek Hefer Telephone: 02-9993505 Telephone: 04-6222288 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kosher Based in an old and beautiful stone build- ing at the peak of the Judea Hills, Clos de Despite the commercial approach of the Gat Winery produces some of the most ex- early days, in recent years the winery citing, fine and elegant Israeli wines. produces original Mediterranean wines of ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: great elegance and complexity. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Castel Est: 1988 Tabor Annual production: 100,000 Est: 1999 Address: Moshav Annual production: 1,000,000 Telephone: 02-5342249 Address: Kfar Tabor Email: [email protected] Telephone: 04-6760444 Kosher Email: [email protected] Kosher Quality, terroir and a defined style, all of these make Castel one of Israel's leading, An unusual collaboration between Galilean most famous and most consistent wineries. vine-growers and a big marketing company ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: yields the production of classic and elegant wines, which offer great value for money. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::