The November 2005 issue of Decanter Wine Magazine published its first article on Israeli wines for many years.  It was written by Natasha Hughes and headed “The New Old World.”

She begins the article: “Despite 3,000 years of tradition, Israeli winemaking was too often associated with sticky kosher wines. Now a new crop of young winemakers is restoring the country’s rich heritage.”

She records her visits to the Upper Galilee, Golan Heights & Judean Hills, which she refers to as the quality regions of Israel. She was full of praise for the wineries she visited and the wines she tasted.

She ends her article : “Winemakers like (Eran) Goldwasser (Yatir Winery), (Asaf) Paz (Carmel, at Zichron Ya’acov) and (Eyal) Rotem (Clos de Gat), most of whom trained overseas, are driving a reassessment of terroir, viticulture and winemaking that is revolutionizing the Israeli wine industry. One hopes their optimism and dynamic attitude will be rewarded by a growing interest in their wines.”

The winery’s that scored best during her visit were:

Red Wines:

Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin, Haute Judee *****

Clos de Gat, Ayalon Valley, 2001 ****

Tzora, Ilan Misty Hills, 2001 ****

Flam, Merlot Reserve, 2002 ****

Yarden, Katzrin, Galilee, 2000 ****

White Wines:

Yarden, Katzrin Chardonnay, Golan, 2000 ****

Clos de Gat, Chardonnay, Ayalon Valley, 2002 ****

Domaine du Castel, Blanc du Castel, Haut Judee, 2001 ****

Decanter is the United Kingdom’s leading wine magazine

October 2005