Winemaker Notes
Rich ripe fruit on the nose with a touch of spice and a hint of fresh green notes. The palate is complex yet restrained with silky tannins and an elegant spicy robe. The Fresh acidity balances the intensity of flavors and the finish is long and intense.
This wine is Kosher for Passover
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is clearly inspired by high-end Bordeaux. Deep nose of blackcurrants, blackberries and mulberries with lots of savory, smoky and bark nuances. Very structured and seriously concentrated on the firm and imposing palate. Lots of licorice and ripe cassis at the long finish. Needs some more time in bottle for all of this to come together. A cuvee of cabernet sauvignon from Upper Galilee plus syrah and petit verdot. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With a rich history of wine production dating back to biblical times, Israel is a part of the cradle of wine civilization. Here, wine was commonly used for religious ceremonies as well as for general consumption. During Roman times, it was a popular export, but during Islamic rule around 1300, production was virtually extinguished. The modern era of Israeli winemaking began in the late 19th century with help from Bordeaux’s Rothschild family. Accordingly, most grapes grown in Israel today are made from native French varieties. Indigenous varieties are all but extinct, though oenologists have made recent attempts to rediscover ancient varieties such as Marawi for commercial wine production.
In Israel’s Mediterranean climate, humidity and drought can be problematic, concentrating much of the country’s grape growing in the north near Galilee, Samaria near the coast and at higher elevations in the east. The most successful red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, while the best whites are made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Many, though by no means all, Israeli wines are certified Kosher.