Recanati, Marawi 2014 I 85 points
The local discovery is indeed distinctive with its floral and lime aromas, but somewhat on the neutral and watery side on the finish. It is a decent first effort and certainly has a story behind it. I’m assured that the 2015 is a couple of notches up.
Sphera, White Concepts Riesling 2013 I 90 points
A varietally pure Riesling from a German clone. Apple pie and a freshly opened tin of tennis balls on the nose, very fruity with some tropical fruit. Harvested in the second week of July. 12 g/l of residual sugar. Hard to believe this wine was made in Israel.
Sea Horse Winery, Romain 2013 I 90 points
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Counoise blend. Really reminiscent of the Rhône with sour cherry, pomegranate and blood orange, peppery spice, medium tannins. Vibrant, exciting and long. 14 months in French oak.
Na’aman, Petit Verdot 2013 I 90 points
Vibrant and pronounced blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate aromas with thick but deliciously smooth tannins and a juicy, full-bodied palate with a long, balanced finish. Nicely restrained use of oak.
Binyamina, The Cave 2011 I 92 points
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cool vintage tension, strawberry, plums, tobacco and sour cherry. Earthy palate with fine-grained tannins. 24 months in new oak. Subtle and balanced with the 14% alcohol nicely integrated. No irrigation was needed in 2011.
Golan Heights, Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 I 92 points
Medium plus body and fairly intense aromas of black cherry, blackcurrants, winter spices, green herbs, dark chocolate and liquorice. Juicy palate with creamy black and some red fruit. 40% of it was aged in new oak.
Golan Heights, Yarden El Ron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 I 93 points
70% of the fuller bodied goes into new oak. It has distinctive notes of tar, black tea, mixed spices and big tannins.
Galil Mountain, Pinot Noir 2014 I 89 points
Winemaker Micha Vaadia describes Pinot Noir as an unforgiving grape but one that teaches you how to make wine. For him, it’s the ‘white red wine’ and while it needs decent body, it gets astringent if it has too much, and oxidation is also an issue. This is an earthy and elegant Pinot Noir with lots of red berry fruit, cherries, eastern spices and green herbs. Long and pure taste, despite the fact it received some acidification.
Bar-Maor, Cabernet Franc 2013 I 92 points
Lovely balance between freshness and intensity. Vibrant black fruit, forest floor, green herbs and leafy notes with very pleasant tannins. Elegant and exciting.
Yatir, Petit Verdot 2011 I 92 points
Deep purple colour, medium plus intensity on the nose and palate. Black and red fruit compote, earthy character. Concentration without heaviness, with Yatir’s trademark elegance.
1848 Winery, Malbec 2013 I 92 points
Very full bodied, inky and intense, with huge but smooth tannins. Juicy and creamy black fruit, balanced and long. Extremely concentrated but also very smooth with the alcohol swallowed up by the body.
Netofa, Dor Syrah 2013 I 92 points
Pure varietal character: very floral and spicy, with violets, black pepper and black fruit. The alcohols tips the scales at a mere (for Israel) 13.5%. A great effort for the winery’s first single varietal wine. Comes from the Lower Galilee.
