The Best Israeli Wines of 2009
 15.12.2009 
 

The only qualification for entering the list was that each wine had to earn a score of 92 or above. I am almost certain that a few wines have been unintentionally omitted. Should anyone spot one or more of those omissions, please let me know by email to drogov@cheerful.com so that I can add that wine to the list. Other comments, questions or complaints are equally welcome either here, by IM or by email.

Best
Rogov

Earning Scores of 94 or 95

Clos de Gat, Syrah, Sycra, 2006: An opulent wine, almost impenetrably deep garnet in color, full-bodied, with silky-smooth tannins that caress gently and opening in the glass to reveal aromas and flavors of wild berries, grilled meat and spices, those leading to a fruit-rich finish on which you will find tempting chocolate and vanilla undertones. Long, round and generous. If this one does not make you fall in love you're a hard-hearted wine lover indeed. One of the best wines ever from Israel. Approachable now but best 2011-2016. Score 95.

Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Elrom Vineyard, Yarden, 2004: Superb. Full-bodied, with still-firm tannins and spicy wood well on the way to integrating and already showing elegance and finesse. Look for layer after layer of currant, blackberry and wild berry fruits, those supported beautifully by notes of cedar, sage and tar, all leading to a near-sweet fruity finish that lingers on and on. Drink now–2018, perhaps longer. Score 94. K

Golan Heights Winery, Syrah, Ortal Vineyard, Yarden, 2004: Perhaps the best Syrah ever in Israel. Extraordinarily deep ruby, full-bodied, with near-sweet tannins integrating nicely with spicy wood. Opens with a burst of almost jammy raspberries and kirsch liqueur, those yielding to blackberry, cherry and plum fruits. In the background generous hints of anise and Oriental spices and a hint of freshly tanned leather. Enjoyable now but best 2011-2018. Score 94. K

Golan Heights Winery, Chardonnay, Odem Vineyard, Yarden, 2008: Bright burnished gold in color, full-bodied, opening with a note of butterscotch on the nose. On first attack summer fruits and pears, those yielding to notes of crème brulee. Gentle wood and a near buttery-texture balanced finely with acidity. Not a lively wine but indeed destined to be complex, mouth-filling and, for lack of a better term, delicious. Approachable from release but don't hesitate to cellar this one until 2018, perhaps longer. Score 94. K

Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2007: Intense and concentrated, so firmly tannic at this stage that you might think it searing. No fear, however, for those tannins are in fine balance with wood and fruit, the wine shows an enviable structure and all that is required for this one to show its glory is time. Destined to always be muscular, those muscles with an elegant and not at all showy note, as the wine develops look for currant, black cherry and blackberry fruits, those with hints of black pepper, nutmeg and licorice, all leading to a long, generous finish. Best 2011 or 2012-2020. Score 94.

Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2006: Deep garnet in color, with orange and purple reflections, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot (50%, 38% and 12% respectively), oak-aged for 16 months in French oak (of which 1/3 were new). Ripe, round and generous, with caressing tannins and a gentle spicy wood influence, opens to reveal layer after layer of currant, plum, blackberry, mocha, and floral notes, all of which linger on a superbly long and mouth-filling finish. A wine that boasts intensity together with grace and elegance. One of Israel's very best. Approachable and thoroughly enjoyable now but this is one for aging and will be at its best from 2011-2020, perhaps longer. Score 94. K

  Earning Scores of 93

Binyamina, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest Cluster Select, Reserve, 2008: Light gold in color, showing deep Gewurztraminer aromas and flavors of litchis and rose petals. To those add the charm of tangerines and passion fruit. A concentrated and intense dessert wine with just the vaguest hint of botrytis (a small number of the grapes were impacted upon by this noblest of rots), those hints possibly to rise nicely as the wine develops in the bottle. Competes with the very best dessert wines in the country. My suggestion – buy a case and open a bottle every year if you can resist not doing it more often than that. Score 93. K

Carmel, Limited Edition, Upper Galilee, 2007: Full bodied and concentrated but not at all bombastic, developed in Burgundy sized barrels (45% of which new), a beautiful baby, already showing fine balance and structure that bode well for the future. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc (57%, 31%, 5% and 2% respectively) showing a generous array of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum fruits, those supported by gentle notes of spicy oak and fresh acidity. Needs time for all of the elements to come together. Approachable on release but best 2011-2018. Score 93.

Carmel, Mediterranean, 2007: Youthful dark garnet towards royal purple, casting orange reflections, a full-bodied blend of Carignan, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Syrah with a dab of Viognier blended in. Seemingly an odds-and-ends potpourri but comes together beautifully. Deeply aromatic, on first attack so full of jammy black fruits that it is a bit off-putting, but that is merely a reflection of the wine's youth and that sensation passes within a few moments letting the wine open to show an appealing array of blackberry, raspberry and cassis notes, those supported nicely by not-at-all imposing notes of smoky oak, black pepper and juniper berries. The wine reflects its 15 months in oak with gentle wood influences and abundant but soft and gently caressing tannins. Best from 2011-2016, perhaps longer. Score 93. K

Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2007: Oak-aged for 15 months, a distinctive full-bodied Cabernet, showing cherry, raspberry and red currant fruits on a background of freshly turned earth and tobacco, all leading to a finish that goes on seemingly without end. Well focused and with excellent integration between fruits, tannins and wood. If this had been a fully blind tasting I would have taken an oath that this was an Australian Molly dooker. Drink now-2015. Score 93.

Carmel, Shiraz, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2006: Showing even better than at earlier tastings. Deep garnet with hints of royal purple and casting orange and green reflections, a concentrated wine, full-bodied and deeply extracted yet showing remarkably soft tannins and spicy wood that almost melts on the palate. On first attack plums and currants, those making way for black cherries, hints of saddle leather and notes of asphalt. On the long and generous finish with tannins rising a comfortable overlay of freshly roasted herbs and cedar wood. Approachable now but what a waste as this one will start showing its best only in 2011. Cellar comfortably until 2017. Score 93. K

Carmel, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Sha'al Vineyard, Golan, 2008: Generously sweet but with fine balancing acidity, a rich dessert wine, with honey and floral notes to highlight notes of litchi, lemon curd and spices. Complex, long and rich, delicious and complex enough not to accompany dessert but as dessert. If you do choose to serve this one with food, please, please, only with fruit tartes or fruit based mousses. Drink now-2016, perhaps longer. Score 93.

Castel, Chardonnay "C", 2008: Shining gold in color, opens with a seductive creamy and vanilla nose, those going on to reveal smoky oak notes. Full-bodied but seems to float on the palate and in the glass opens to reveal apricot, pear, fig and melon aromas and flavors, those supported by finely-tuned acidity and a generous mineral overlay. The longer this sits in the glass themore it shows its depth, complexity and elegance. Delicious even in still unfined state but best from mid-2010-2014, perhaps longer. Score 93. K

Clos de Gat, Syrah, Sycra, 2004: Oak-aged for 20 months. Full-bodied, with oak that at one moment seems spicy and at the next smoky but never dominating; with firm tannins integrating nicely now. A dense, almost muscular wine but one that sits gently and opens to show a tempting array of cherry, berry and currant fruits, those on a just-spicy-enough background to highlight hints of freshly roasted coffee. Well focused, intense and long. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2014. Score 93

Dalton, Matatia, 2006: A new release for the winery, a Bordeaux blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Developed in French oak (50% new), showing deep and dark but not at all mysterious. On first attack aromas of mint, tar and a hint of iodine, those remarkably and perhaps surprisingly pleasing. Yields in the glass to reveal generous blackberry, blackcurrant and bitter orange peel notes and finally on the long finish hints of espresso coffee. With fine balance between wood, acidity, tannins and fruits, a thought-provoking and delicious wine. Produced in a limited edition of 6,000 bottles. If I had to find a single word to describe the wine that word would be "scrumptious". Score 93. K

Golan Heights Winery, Merlot, Tel Phares Vineyard, Yarden, 2005: Showing even better than at earlier tastings. Developed in French oak, two-thirds of which was new, for 14 months, Full-bodied, with caressingly soft tannins and an abundance of blackberry, violet and lightly toasted oak on first attack, those opening to raspberries, mocha and sweet cedar, all building to a long and succulent finish. A generous 15% alcohol content here but not a hint of heat to distract. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2018. Score 93. K

Golan Heights Winery, Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, Yarden, 2004: Showing as splendidly as ever! Dark garnet toward inky black, full-bodied, with once-firm tannins and generous spicy wood integrating nicely now. Opens to reveal a tempting array of blackberry, raspberry, plum and cassis fruits, those supported nicely by hints of smoky cedarwood and chocolate, all leading to a gently spicy and notably long finish. Simultaneously complex, concentrated and elegant. Drink now–2018. Score 93. K

Golan Heights Winery, Pinot Noir, Yarden, 2005: Dark ruby, full-bodied enough to be thought of as fleshy, and with spicy wood and gentle tannins in fine balance with acidity and fruits. Opens with near-sweet, liqueur-like berry aromas and flavors, those yielding in the glass to reveal a crisply dry wine on which you will feel hints of kirsch, dark chocolate and lightly smoked meat, all climaxing in a long and generous blackberry finishing. Drink now–2013. Score 93. K

Lewinsohn, Chardonnay, Garage de Papa, 2008: Light shining gold with a tantalizing hint of green reflections, showing fine balance between acidity, minerals and fruit. On first attack a distinct note of grapefruit, that yielding to notes of lemon, melon, green apples and a tantalizing combination of chalky and flinty minerals, all with an appealing floral overlay. Full-bodied but not at all fat, with gentle notes of spicy wood, calls to mind a fine 1er cru Chablis and like those wines will age nicely. Mouth-filling yet graceful and elegant. Drink now-2018. Score 93.

Margalit, Merlot, 2007: Anything but one of those rather boring internationalized Merlots that we have come to so dread! Medium to full-bodied, earthy, with big but velvety tannins and ripe purple plum, currant and blackberry fruits. Long and soft on the palate, with a finish that goes on and on. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010-2017. Score 93.

Margalit, Cabernet Franc, 2007: Unless you can buy a case or two of this one so that you can follow its history over time, don't dare open this one now. Still a baby and because of that not yet showing its full charms but with already revealing remarkable promise. Full-bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins, opens to reveal traditional Cabernet Franc "greenness", that yielding comfortably to blackberry, blueberry and cassis fruits, those complemented by notes of sweet peppers, green olives and an appealing note of garrigue. Give this one time to show its elegance. Best 2011-2018, perhaps longer. Score 93.

Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon, T-Selection, 2006: With 20 months in new French barriques, a generously oaked wine, near-sweet because of its 15% alcohol content. Dark garnet in color, with generous velvety tannins that match the oak. Opens in the glass to reveal black currants and black cherries, those along with tarry and spicy notes and rising on the very long finish notes of sweet chewing tobacco. A California blockbuster in its way but yielding in the glass to show its own kind of muscular elegance Drink now-2015.. Score 93.

Pelter, Petit Verdot, T-Selection, 2006: A luxurious wine, deeply concentrated, thick, tannic and complex, showing wild berries, cassis, blackberry and pomegranate fruits, those complemented nicely by notes of cola and ginger, all with a light and tantalizing bitter citrus peel note that runs through to the super-long finish. Unique, expressive and cellar-worthy. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2017. Score 93.

Recanati, Special Reserve, 2005: Living up nicely to its earlier promise. Deep royal-purple, full-bodied, with firm, still rough-edged tannins, those integrating nicely with light spicy wood and fruits to show fine balance and structure. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, this is a big, rich and bold wine, with concentrated layers of currant, blackberry, anise and cedary oak flavors. Drink now–2013. Score 93. K

Yatir, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: Blended with 15% Petit Verdot and oak aged for 12 months Rich and deeply extracted, with generous blackberry, currant, black cherry and wild berries that are highlighted by mocha, vanilla and cedarwood overtones. Long and elegant. Drink now–2015. Score 93. K

Yatir, Shiraz, 2007 (Advance Tasting): Deep garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied, with gripping tannins starting to integrate now. Opens with a burst of spicy purple plums and blackberries, those yielding comfortably to red fruits, tobacco and dark chocolate. Needs time to show its elegance. Best 2011-2016. Score 93. K

Earning Scores of 92

Binyamina, Merlot, Reserve, 2006: Not at all an internationalized little Merlot, the type many of us have come to scorn, but one with a unique and charming personality. Full-bodied, reflecting its 14 months in oak with notes of vanilla and spices as well as a cigar-box note that runs through. On the nose and palate opens with strawberries and raspberries, those yielding comfortably to blackberries and currants, all with a generous peppery note that lingers nicely on the long finish. Give this one some time to develop in the bottle and t it will show some licorice and smoked meat aromas and flavors as well. One of the best ever from Binyamina. Drink now-2013. Score 92. K

Bustan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: Deep, almost inky garnet in color, full-bodied, with intensity and concentration. Generous but remarkably soft tannins and spicy wood meld comfortably into the background to highlight traditional Cabernet aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, blackberries and spices, those with appealing overlays of minted chocolate, and earthy minerals. On the long finish an appealing hint of near-sweet cedar. Approachable now but best 2011-2015. Score 92. K

Bustan, Merlot, 2005: Full-bodied, with deep, near-sweet and gently mouth-coating tannins, a muscular but simultaneously elegant Merlot. On the nose and palate, wild berries, currants, spices, Mediterranean herbs and garrigue, all coming together as a coherent whole. Long and generous. Approachable now but will show its elegance only starting in 2011 and then cellar well until 2014. Score 92. K

Bustan, Syrah, 2006: Not Australia and not the Rhone but Syrah with a distinctly Mediterranean note. Full-bodied, with generous but gently mouth-coating tannins in fine balance with spicy wood and fruits. On first attack wild berries and plums, those yielding comfortably to notes of blackberries and cassis and, in the background tantalizing hints of leather and game-meat. Long, generous and mouth-filling. Best 2011-2015. Score 92. K

Carmel, Shiraz, Single Vineyard, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2007: Almost impenetrably dark garnet in color, a big, bold and expressive wine, showing generous black cherry, red plum and raspberry fruits, those on a background of Oriental spices. Concentrated and generous, opening in layers on the palate and then lingering long and comfortably on the palate. Well crafted. Drink now-2015. Score 92. K

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2007: The by now traditional Grand Vin blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, that flushed out with Merlot Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Full bodied, dark and well extracted, firm on opening but yielding comfortably in the glass to reveal gently caressing tannins, notes of spicy oak and generous blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry fruits, those supported by notes of mocha, orange peel and black olives. On the super-long finish a tempting note of licorice. Long, generous and coherent. Drink now-2015. Score 92. K

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2006: Showing much as at a previous tasting. A blend focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, those flushed out with Petit Verdot and Malbec. Firm, solid and intense, dark garnet in color, full-bodied and firm on first attack but then opening to show a generous array of blackberries, black cherries, currants and dark chocolate. Dense, rich and complex, with hints of near-sweetness that toy comfortably on the palate, with tannins that grip comfortably and in fine balance with wood and fruits. Long and generous, muscular and intense but with a distinct note of elegance. Drink now–2013. Score 92. K

Dalton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2007: Deep garnet towards royal purple, its once firm tannins and generous wood now settling in to show the wine's fine balance and structure. On the nose and palate traditional Cabernet blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, those supported by hints of freshly cured tobacco and bitter-sweet chocolate. Long and generous and on the finish an appealing hint of green olives. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2011-2016. Score 92. K

Ella Valley Vineyards, Syrah, Vineyards Choice, 2007: The first Syrah released in the winery's flagship series. Notably dark garnet in color, full-bodied, with fine balance between still gripping tannins and wood and just waiting patiently for all of its elements to come together. On first attack currants, wild berries and an appealing loamy note, those opening to reveal hints of bay leaves, juniper berries and mint, all leading to a long and intense finish. Needs time. Best 2010-2016, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

Ella Valley Vineyards, Syrah, 2006: Dark, almost inky royal purple in color, full-bodied, with fine balance between still gripping tannins and wood, and just waiting patiently for all of its elements to finish coming together. Syrah, blended with 5% each of Cabernet Sauvingon and Merlot and aged in French oak for 16 months. On first attack currants, wild berries and an appealing loamy note, those opening to reveal hints of bay leaves, juniper berries and mint, all leading to a long and intense finish. Enjoyable now but best from mid-2010–2016, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, 2006: Blended with 3% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, dark, dark-garnet in color, medium to full-bodied, deeply aromatic and showing a generous array of blackberry, black cherry and currant notes. Long, round, rich and mouth-filling. Drink now–2012. Score 92. K

Flam, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2006: Oak aged for about 16 months, a full-bodied, gently tannic and concentrated blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet, with soft, near-sweet tannins and notes of spicy wood, opens with a mélange of black cherry, blackberry and currant notes, opens to reveal hints of red berries and brown spices. Long, broad and elegant. Approachable now but will show its elegance best from 2011-2015. Score 92.

Flam, Merlot, Reserve, 2006: My earlier tasting notes hold firmly. Dark garnet, a full-bodied blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Petit Verdot reflecting generous but not-at-all exaggerated oak aging with still firm tannins and notes of vanilla and spices. On first attack black fruits, those opening to reveal raspberries and blueberries, those on a background of mocha and sweet-cedar. Give this one time and it will show fine balance between tannins, wood and fruits. Has the structure for aging. Approachable now but best 2010-2015. NIS 149. Score 92.

Galil Mountain, Meron, 2006: A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. At first thought that might seem an odd combination of the Rhone and Bordeaux but on reflection and after tasting the wine, it is most surely neither of those but a uniquely Israeli combination and one that works very well at that. This full-bodied, softly tannic blend of 78% Syrah and 11% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot most assuredly represents the terroir of the Upper Galilee. An aromatic wine, with a distinctly blueberry scented nose opens nicely in the glass to reveal a rich array of aromas and flavors, those including blackberries, cassis, cranberries and freshly snipped rosemary and thyme, those yielding on the generous finish to hints of what at one moment seems to be spearmint at another eucalyptus. Long and generous, reflecting its 16 months in French oak with a tantalizing note of white pepper. Fully enjoyable now but best from mid-2010-2015, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

Galil Mountain, Yiron, 2006: Showing much as at barrel and advance tastings. Dark garnet towards royal purple with orange reflections a full-bodied blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Reflecting its 16 months in French oak with notes of spices, vanilla and cedar wood on the nose. On first attack raspberries and chocolate, those yielding comfortably to blackberries, cassis and floral notes, the cedar and the tannins rising on the finish. Fine balance here lead to a long, mouth-filling finish. Simultaneously complex and easy to drink. Drinking nicely now but best from mid-2010-2014. Score 92. K

Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarden, 2005: Brooding dark ruby-red, full-bodied, with near-sweet tannins and spicy oak wrapped around black currants, berries, spices and a hint of dark chocolate. Look as well for enchanting hints of citrus peel and vanilla on the long finish. Fine balance and structure bode well for the future. Drink now–2018. Score 92. K

Golan Heights Winery, Merlot, Kela Vineyard (formerly known as Sha’al Vineyard), Yarden, 2005: My most recent tasting note holds firmly. An absolute powerhouse at barrel tastings but now with its elements coming together nicely. Rich, intense and concentrated, but already showing fine balance between firm but yielding tannins and generous but well-moderated wood and bold aromas and flavors of plum, currant, blackberry, licorice and spices, all rising to a long tannic and mineral-rich finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011–2017. Score 92. K

Golan Heights Winery, Chardonnay, Odem Organic Vineyard, Yarden, 2007: Full-bodied, deep golden with a distinct tint of orange that plays in the glass, a wine reflecting generous wood but that in fine proportion to acidity and fruits. Opens with pears, grilled nuts and pie crust notes, those going on to show ripe fig, pineapple and baked apple aromas and flavors. Long and creamy with the oak rising on the finish. Elegance on a grand scale. Meant for cellaring, approachable on release but best 2011-2016. Score 92. K

Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, Yarden, 2007: Richly honeyed, with generous aromas and flavors of ripe white peaches, apricots, litchis and passion fruit, all with overlays of sweet ginger and, on the long, long finish notes of baked apples that have been treated to hints of cinnamon and sweet cream. Medium- to full bodied, rich and with fine balancing acid, a fine wine indeed. Fine with foie gras or fruit-based desserts but my wont will be to serve this one as dessert with nothing but thin slices of well aged Parmesan, Peccorino or Manchego cheese. Drink now-2018, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

Lewinsohn, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Dark ruby towards royal purple, an unfiltered blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petite Sirah. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm and chewy but polished tannins, those parting in the glass to reveal raspberries and spices on first attack and then on to blackberry and licorice notes, all supported nicely by a note of espresso, the raspberries rising again on the long finish. Drinking beautifully now but best 2011-2017, perhaps longer. Score 92.

Lewinsohn, Chardonnay, 2007: Lightly burnished gold with an orange tint, gently oaked and opening with a burst of lime flowers, spicy oak and citrus peel, those yielding in the glass to hints of white peaches, all on a near-buttery background and finishing with a note of pastry-dough. Fine acidity and good balance keep this one deep, complex and elegant. Drink now-2015. Score 92.

Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Made from intentionally early-harvested grapes, full-bodied, green and tannic, with brambly undertones and black licorice on first attack, those yielding to black currant, tobacco and espresso coffee aromas and flavors. As the wine develops look as well for notes of olives and truffles. Still quite solid but showing fine balance and structure and already starting to open to reveal an underlying finesse. Best 2010 or 2011- 2017. Score 92.

Margalit, Enigma, 2007: Every bit as good as at component barrel tastings. Full-bodied, with soft tannins that coat the mouth gently and opening to reveal a complex array of wild berries, black and red cherries and currants, those complemented by an intriguing melange of freshly roasted herbs and a touch of fresh-forest floor. Surprisingly approachable even now but best 2011-2017. Score 92

Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon, T-Selection, 2006: Showing more complex and better than at an earlier tasting when it received a "mere" 91 points. With 20 months in new French barriques, a generously oaked wine, near-sweet because of its 15% alcohol content. Dark garnet in color, with velvety tannins that match the oak, opens in the glass to reveal black currants and black cherries, those along with tarry and spicy notes and rising on the very long finish notes of sweet chewing tobacco. A California blockbuster in its way but yielding in the glass to show its own kind of muscular elegance Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010-2015. Score 93.

Pelter, Pinot Noir, T-Selection 2006: Dark cherry red towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with a generous 14.5% alcohol content but don't let that you off because all is here in fine balance and with enviable structure. Ripe and distinctive in flavor, with blackberry, currant, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors supported by minerals and a hint of raw beef all coming together beautifully with delicate spices. A multi-layered and complex wine. Best 2009-2013. NIS 125. Score 92.

Pelter, Cabernet Franc, T-Selection, 2007: Medium- to full-bodied, aged for 14 months in French oak, showing generous but not overpowering oak and firm chewy tannins that need time to settle in. On the nose and palate blueberries, raspberries and fresh herbs, and, in the background an appealing floral note. Long and generous. Best 2011–2014. Score 92.

Pelter, Cabernet Franc, T-Selection, 2006: Ruby towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with silky tannins and generous but not at all bombastic oak influences. Showing gorgeous plum, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors on a background of sweet spices and, coming in on the finish, a tempting hint of semi-sweet chocolate. Long and generous. Best 2009-2012. Score 92. (Re-tasted 16 Mar 2009)

Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, 2006: Oak-aged for 18 months in 30% new oak, dark garnet in color, with generous spicy oak opening on the nose but that residing nicely to show an appealing array of cherry, raspberry, currant and peppery notes, the soft tannins caressing as the full-bodied wine fills the mouth. With fine balance and structure, showing elegance and length. Drink now-2013, perhaps longer. NIS 95. Score 92.

Trio, Secret, 2006: Dark, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with firm tannins that yield in the glass and show just the right dose of spicy and vanilla-rich oak. On first attack blackberries, those yielding in the glass to red currants and raspberry fruits, all with appealing overlays of black pepper, cigar tobacco and a note of freshly turned truffles. Drink now-2011. Score 92.

Tzora Vineyards, Misty Hills, 2006: A blend of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, those aged for 18 months in barriques. Deep and youthful royal purple in color, full-bodied, concentrated and intense, showing generous mouth-coating tannins and a judicious hand with the oak, all in fine balance with fruits. On first attack strawberries and red currants, those going to black fruits on a background of earthy minerals and Oriental spices. As this one continues to develop look as well for notes of saddle leather and tobacco. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2015. Score 92. K

Tzuba, HaMetzuda, 2007: Showing even better than at barrel tastings. Dark garnet with purple and orange reflectios, a full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec (60%, 25% and 15% respectively. Full-bodied and concentrated, with still firm tannins and generous wood waiting to settle in but already showing balance and structure that bode well for the future. On first attack purple plums and notes of mocha, those yielding comfortably to an array of blackberry, cassis and orange peel, and on the long finish, notes of red cherries and red licorice. Long, generous and mouth-filling. Best from 2011-2015, perhaps longer. Score 92. K