A modern boutique wine industry
is
blossoming in this ancient land.
Israel's wine industry
was founded in 1882
by no less than
Baron
Edmund de Rothschild
of Château Lafite.
However, it was not until 1983 when
Golan Heights Winery was established
that the quality revolution began.
Introducing modern techniquesin
both the vineyard and the winery,
Golan Heights was the first to produce
quality, international-styled wines.
Inspired by their success, Israel's
wine industry quickly expanded and
today there are 25 commercial and
150 boutique wineries in production.
As part of their modernization
game plan, producers imported
winemaking expertise and consultants
such as Michel Rolland, Richard Smart
and Selma Long. The early 1980s
saw many vineyards replanted with
important international varietals
such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
and Viognier. At the same time,many
young Israelis began studying
winemaking abroad, and bringing
their experience home.
Israel's diverse landscape,
climates and soil profiles allow winemakers to make an exciting array
of wines from large full-bodied reds
to fresh, crisp whites. In Galilee,
the cool climate mountain vineyards,
coupled with volcanic soils, is ideal
for producing well-structured, aromatic
wines. Encompassing the area around
Jerusalem, the Judean Foothills region
is finding success with Bordeaux
varietals. Shomron, located near the
Mediterranean coast, produces rich,
full-flavoured wines. The distinctive
desert region of Negev is known
for its high elevation vineyards and
sandy soil.
VINTAGES is pleased to offer
wines from some of the most note-
worthy producers of these regions
including Margalit, Yatir, Tulip, Vitkin,
and Flam. Look for the wines
of other producers to arrive over the
next few months. We invite you
todiscover these exciting, emerging
wine regions!
Le'Haim! To Life!
White Wines - June 23 Release
Israel
VITKIN ISRAELI JOURNEY WHITE 2006 Israel
Israeli Journey is a blend of Viognier, French Colombard and Gewürztraminer. To enhance the aromatics, the Viognier was fermented in new French oak for three months. The resulting wine exhibits pretty floral, grapefruit, apricot and citrus aromas and flavours. It is a charming sipper or match it to a variety of mild-to-spicy seafood dishes.
TASTING NOTE: A dark-ruby-towards royal purple, medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts. Aged in barriques for six months and showing a hint of spicy oak and near-sweet tannins, those yielding to blackberry and currant fruits. A surprisingly
Score - 90. (Daniel Rogov, Rogov's Ramblings, www.stratsplace.com, Jan. 7, 2007)
35105
(D) 750 mL $27.95
New at Vintages MARGALIT CABERNET FRANC 2004 Binyamina/Shomron, Single Vineyard
Winemaking father and son team, Ya'ir and Assaf Margalit, are renowned for their Bordeaux-style reds.
TASTING NOTE: Deeply fragrant, this full-bodied wine was blended with 12% of Cabernet Sauvignon. Silky smooth tannins, black and red fruits, hints of tobacco and chocolate come together on the long, mouth-filling finish with an appealing hint of freshly turned earth.
Score - 91. (Daniel Rogov, Rogov's Ramblings,
www.stratsplace.com, Dec. 15, 2005)
35030
(XD) 750 mL $39.95
TULIP WINERY JUST CABERNET 2005 Upper Galilee
Tulip Winery combines quality winemaking with a social conscience. The winery was opened in 2003 in Kfar Tikva (Hope Village), a residence that is the home to about 200 adults with special needs. Four of the residents of the village are employed full- time and are involved in all aspects of winemaking, while many more work picking the grapes during the harvest and do other important jobs throughout the year. Tulip's wines are beginning to win awards around the world and they have just started to export to markets such as Canada. This fruit-forward, balanced Cabernet is an excellent partner for grilled beef or lamb.
35097
(D) 750 mL $19.95
VITKIN CARIGNAN 2005 Carmel Mountain
TASTING NOTE: Full-bodied, firmly tannic, muscular and already showing generous spicy oak and, from the nose to the long finish, a tempting overlay of Madagascar green peppercorns. On the nose and palate opening with ripe cherries and herbs, those yielding to layers of
Score - 90- 92. (Daniel Rogov, www.stratsplace. zeroforum.com, March 10, 2006)
35071
(XD) 750 mL $19.95
New at Vintages YATIR YATIR FOREST 2003 Judean Hills, Unfiltered
Yatir was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Carmel Winery and a number of grape-growers in the Yatir area. The winery is situated at the foot of the famous Tel Arad archeological site, while the vineyards are a mere ten minutes from the winery in the cool- climate Yatir Forest. The 2003 vintage of their flagship wine, Yatir Forest, is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot. The 2003 was not reviewed at press time, but the 2001 and 2002 were hailed by Israel wine expert, Daniel Rogov, as boldly fruity with firm tannins suggesting excellent ageing potential.
