The following list, of the very best Israeli wines that I tasted during 2007, includes primarily wines that were released during the past twelve months. It also includes, however, several wines that were tasted in advance and are scheduled for release within the next month or two. Considering that this is a list of “the best”, the cut-off for entry was that the wines earn a minimum of 90 points. The list does not include barrel or long-range advance tastings and within each score category, wines are arranged alphabetical order by the names of the wineries.

Knowing in advance that there will be comments about my scores, I will observe only that many, including myself, feel that my scoring of Israeli wines has largely been vindicated by tastings recently held abroad by Mark Squires and Robert Parker and others. As one correspondent put it, I may tend to over-score Israeli wines a bit but so do critics living and working primarily in California or Australia do much the same in their scoring. That may not be at all ignoring international comparative standards as it is in adapting to the "flavor" of the local. Further, in anticipating a question as to why not all of e highest scoring Israeli wines appeared on my international list – as stated in that thread, that is a broad and idiosyncratic list and part of that means not over-concentrating on any one given area.

I am sure that I have missed several wines that deserve to be included on this list so if anyone(winemakers or members) can point out an Israeli wine to which I have awarded a score of 90 or higher during 2007 that is missing from this list, please let me know by email or IM so that corrections can be made.

Best
Rogov

Wines that Earned 95 Points

1. Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Elrom Vineyard, Yarden, 2003: Dark ruby towards purple, full-bodied, with caressing tannins and a moderate oak influence. Opens with currants and minerals, goes to meaty, earthy and herbal aromas and flavors, and then to spices and a long and elegant fruity finish. Firmly structured with excellent grip and complexity. Best 2010-2020. Score 95. K

Wines That Earned 94 Points

2. Castel, Grand Vin, 2004: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc coming together as a remarkably satisfying whole. Dark garnet towards inky black , full-bodied, with deep and still firm tannins integrating nicely with smoky and spicy wood and fruits. Opens with blackberries and chocolate, those yielding to currants and raspberries and finally to an array of chocolate, licorice and tobacco that play on the palate. Long, generous and elegant. Approachable now but best 2008-2012, perhaps longer. One of Castel's very best. Score 94. K

3. Chateau Golan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Royal Reserve, 2005: Almost impenetrably dark garnet in color, this wine is both concentrated and elegant. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc, opening with spicy, mocha-tinged black currants, those yielding to blackberries, herbs and light oak. Hints of light sea salt and leather on the super-long finish make the wine intriguing. Perhaps the best yet from the winery. Best 2009–2015. Score 94.

4. Clos de Gat, Scyra, Syrah, Israel, 2004: A chameleon in that the flavors and aromas in this firm, dense wine seem to shift and change every few moments. Starts off with cherries and currants, goes to grapey and pepper notes, then on to show sage and anise, and then on to freshly ground Arabica coffee. And then, as if that wasn't enough, on the superbly long and tannic finish, back to cherries and currants. Well focused and intense Mediterranean Syrah. Approachable now but best 2008-2012, perhaps longer. Score 94.

5. Margalit, Special Reserve, 2005: Showing even better than at barrel tastings. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% of Margalit's magical Petite Sirah. Deep garnet towards inky black, remarkably concentrated and intense and still firmly tannic at this stage but with fine balance and structure, this simply needs time. As the wine develops in the bottle look for a glorious array of currant, blackberry and plums on the first attack, those melding into hints of coffee, dusky spices and smoky notes and finally on the super-long finish the tannins residing to let the fruits and a hint of espresso coffee rise and float to the surface. Perhaps destined to be Margalit's longest-lived wine. Best 2009-2022, perhaps longer. Score 94.

Wines That Earned 93 Points

6. Amphorae, Reserve, 2003: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (70%, 15% and 15% respectively). Dark royal purple in color, deeply aromatic, full-bodied, with caressing fine tannins and on the nose and palate a complex array of currant, blackberry, blueberry, cedar and herbs as well as hints of cola on the long, generous finish. Delicious now but showing its elegance and at its best from 2009-2014. Score 93.

7. Castel, "C", Chardonnay, Israel, 2005: Bright golden, full-bodied and concentrated, perhaps the most Burgundy-like wine of the winery but still with their own signature of a light but not imposing buttery and spicy sensations. As at barrel tastings, rich, complex and opulent, with multiple players of cigrus, figs, pears, summer fruits and toasty oak, all opening beautifully on the palate. Finesse and elegance are the key-words here. Approachable now but best 2008-2011. Score 93. K

8. Chateau Golan, Royal Reserve, Eliad, 2005: Another absolute winner from the vintage. Aged in oak French oak for 13 months, a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Syrah, opens with rich almost syrup-like fruits on the nose, goes on to show depth and grace. Soft tannins, light smoky wood, find-grained tannins in fine balance with berry, black cherry, currants and licorice. Drink from release-2012. Score 93.

9. Chateau Golan, Royal Reserve, Geshem, 2005: Medium dark garnet, a blend this year of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, reflecting its aging in French oak for 11 months with a light, pleasingly musky overtone Opens with a near raspberry liquor nose, that settling down to reveal oak-accented aromas and flavors of blackberries, cherries and black pepper. Deep and with impressive length, without ever feeling heavy on the palate. Best 2008-2014. Score 93.

10. Clos de Gat, 2004: Dark, full bodied, firmly tannic and with generous spicy wood, those elements in fine harmony but as predicted earlier, still needing time to integrate. As these come together look for fine balance and structure, the wine opening to reveal currant, blackberry, spicy oak and hints of licorice and a light earthiness.A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot and 5 % Petit Verdot. Approachable on release but best 2009-2012, perhaps longer. Score 93.

11. Har’el, Syrah, 2005: Blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dark royal-purple, deeply aromatic, mouth-filling, and lush red shows medium to full-bodied, and boasts tannins that are soft but comfortably gripping. A generous array of plum, cherry and berry fruits, those backed up by juniper and white pepper. On the long finish hints of leather and citrus peel. Drink now–2012. Score 93.

12. Flam, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: This full-bodied, dark garnet towards inky purple wine, blended with about 7% of Merlot, was oak-aged for about fourteen months. Generous blackcurrant and cherry fruits come together elegantly with mineral, herbal and light earthy aromas and flavors, all with a hint of smoky-toasty oak. Super-smooth tannins and a long finish. Best 2009-2014 Score 93.

13. Galil Mountain, Yiron, 2005: Think of this as a Bordeaux plus wine – that is to say 50% Cabernet Sauignon, 40% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot plus 4% Syrah. Full-bodied and concentrated but simultaneously soft and elegant, with generous cassis and black fruits, big but velvety tannins and gently spicy and dusty wood all of which culiminate in a super-long finish. Perhaps the best to date from the winery. Approachable from release but best 2009-2015. Score 93. K

14. Golan Heights Winery, Katzrin, 2003: Showing every bit as well as at barrel tastings. Dark garnet, full-bodied, with soft tannins and smoky oak integrating nicely. Opens with blackcurrant and berry fruits, those yielding and coming together with peppery and herbal aromas and flavors and culminating in a long blueberry and chocolate finish. Approachable from release but best 2009-2018. Score 93. K

15. Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Elrom Vineyard, Yarden, 2004: Moderately full-bodied, with generous gripping but well integrating tannins and wood all in fine balance with fruits and acidity. On first attack, berry and black cherry fruits, those yielding nicely to currant and plums, and tantalizing hints of freshly turned earth, toasted bread and tobacco. Needs a bit of time to show its elegance. Best 2009-2015, perhaps longer. Score 93. K

16. Golan Heights Winery, Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, Israel, 2004: Elegant enough to be thought of as aristocratic. Dark ruby towards garnet, with firm but not aggressive tannins and generous but not intrusive wood, those yielding beautifully to subtle layers of blackberry, plum, currant and licorice aromas and flavors, hints of red licorice coming nicely into play on the long and harmonious finish. Best 2008-2013, perhaps longer. Score 93. K

17. 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, green tea and a hint of beef carpacciio all coming together beautifully with Asian spices. Firm in texture at first but opens to reveal a multi-layered and complex wine that calls to mind the better Pinot Noir wines of Oregon. Best 2009-2013. Score 93.

18. Pelter, Shiraz-Grenache, T-Selection, 2006: Deep garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and reflecting its 14 months in oak with a gentle spicy touch. Supple and graceful, showing cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits all on a background of white pepper and a hint of star anise. Drink from release-2012. Score 93.

19. Recanati, Special Reserve, 2004: My earlier tasting note holds firmly: A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with generous but not exaggerated toasty oak and soft tannins, those integrating nicely and opening to reveal a rich array of currant, blackberry and black cherry fruits, with gentle overlays of mint and chocolate. As the wine develops look for a hint of cigar tobacco on the long finish. Drink now–2012. Score 93. K

20. Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2005: The winery's flagship wine and rightly so. This year a Bordeaux blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 135 Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot. Aged in 1/3 new and 2/3 old wood barriques for 15 months, this deep royal purple wine casts intense orange and green reflections. Soft tannins integrating beautifully and the intentionally gentle hand with the wood come together nicely to let the wie open with spicy berry and cassis aromas and flavors, those gong on to show blackberries and an underlying and fascinating melody of bitter herbs. Long, generous and headed for elegance. Drink from release if you wish but best only from 2009-2014. Score 93. K

21. Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2004: Developing beautifully and showing even better than at two earlier tastings. Almost inky in its deep garnet color,. this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (80%, 14% and 6% respectively is showing elegant, full-bodied and solid, with soft tannins, smoky wood and vanilla, all in fine balance with ripe blueberry, black currant, and plum flavors. Look as well for an appealing, earthy undercurrent leading to a long, deep, broad and generous finish. Drink now–2014. Score 93. K

22. Yatir, Shiraz, 2005: Showing even better than at barrel tastings. The minute this one hits your nose and palate you know that it could be nothing but Shiraz. Unusual for the winery because it is made entirely from a single variety, but this one is beautiful enough that I'll forgive the winemaker that little impulse. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet in color, intentionally aged in old oak barriques in order to let the typicity of the variety show, opens with meaty and herbal aromas, those yielding nicely to let the cherry, red currant and berry fruits shine through and finally, creeping in comfortably a nice hint of saddle leather. Long, generous and destined for what I can only call "intense elegance". Best from 2009-2014, perhaps longer Score 93. K

Wines Earning Scores of 92 Points

23. Chateau Golan, Royal Reserve, Syrah, 2005: Showing even better than at barrel tastings Blended with 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in large French barrels for 11 months. Dark, rich and plush from first attack, opening to show a tempting array of spicy blackberry, raspberry, red currants and pomegranate fruits those matched nicely by hints of citrus peel. Bold, with distinctly Old-World charm showing a light greenness, minerality and tantalizing meaty notes. Long and generous. Drink from release-2012. Score 92

24. Clos de Gat, Chanson, 2006: A new release, a seemingly unliikely blend of about 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon, and 6-8% each of Viognier and Chenin Blanc those coming together in ways that delight. Light golden in color, medium-bodied, with fine balancing acidity and showing an array of lemon, quince, green apple, stony minerals and vaguely floral aromas and flavors all of which go on and on to a long and lively finish. Easy to drink but surprisingly complex. Best from release. Score 92.

25. Clos de Gat, Syrah, Har'El, 2004: Dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, this medium- to full-bodied blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon shows soft, round tannins and a fruit-forward style on which you will find a fine array of plum, blueberry and blackberry fruits, those complemented by spices and appealing hints of fresh herbs and toffee. Drink now-2009. Score 92.

26. Ella Valley Vineyards, Merlot, 2005: When I first tasted this wine a year ago, I wrote: "dark and brooding, with still muscular tannins needing time to integrate, this dense wine offers up generous currant and black cherry aromas and flavors". That tasting note holds firmly but the wine is now starting to reveal its own muscular elegance. Absolutely lovely but not for the weak-at-heart. Best 2008-2012, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

27. Ella Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay, Vineyard's Choice, 2005: Reflecting its 11 months in oak with gentle vanilla, buttery and spice notes, this sparkling clear golden straw colored wine shows a complex and concentrated array of green pineapple, citrus and ripe pear fruits all leading to a long and generous finish. Full-bodied and still perhaps a bit coarse but everything you want is here in perfect order and all that is needed for this one to show its elegance is a bit more time in the bottle. Approachable now but best 2009-2012. Score 92. K

28. Ella Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir, 2005: The winery's first Pinot Noir varietal release and a rousing success. Ruby towards garnet in color, medium-bodied, with soft, caressing tannins and generous but not-at-all vulgar or forward cherry, cassis, strawberry and cranberry aromas and flavors, those backed up nicely by minerals, hints of white pepper and vibrant acidity. Approachable and thoroughly enjoyable now but best 2009-2012. Score 92. K (Tasted 2 Dec 2007)

29. Galil Mountain, Yiron, 2004: A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 3% Syrah. Intense garnet towards royal-purple, full-bodied, with firm, near-sweet tannins integrating nicely with smoky and vanilla-tinged wood. Opens with wild berries on the nose and palate, those yielding to black cherry, cassis and spices and finally on the long finish a tantalizing hint of bitterness. Drinking nicely now but best 2009–2013. Score 92. K

30. Golan Heights Winery, Chardonnay, Katzrin, 2004: Dark golden yellow, full-bodied and concentrated. Developed in new oak for 10 months, notably yeasty on first attack but that yielding beautifully to a buttery,oak-rich texture and opening to reveal nutty, fig, pear, tropical fruits and butterscotch.. all on a spicy background. Rich, long and complex. Drink now-2012. Score 92. K

31. Margalit, Cabernet Franc, 2005: Dark cherry towards garnet in color and full-bodied, , this round and polished wine shows generous blackberry, currant and black cherry fruits, those matched nicely by hints of spices and cedar wood, all leading to a long, generously tannic finish. Faithful to the variety and destined for elegance. Approachable now but best 2008-2012. Score 92.

32. Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: Almost inky black in color, offering a generous mouthful of currant, cherry, blackberry and blueberry fruits, those matched by layers of sweet spices. Big, broad and intense with now soft and well integrating tannins, the wine yields on the palate to show grace and elegance, and closes with a long, fruity finish. Best 2009–2015. Score 92. K

33. Margalit, Enigma, 2006: Full-bodied, subtle and round, a softly tannic blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot. Opens with red currants and red plums, goes to black cherries and a pleasing light spiciness and closing with a long fruity and persistent finish. Drink from release–2012. Score 92.

34. Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2006: Cabernet Sauvignon blended with about 25% of Margalit’s special Petite Sirah. Full-bodied, dense and intense, but at the same time round and yielding, offering up chocolate-covered cherries, cassis, wild berry and kirsch, those balanced nicely by spicy-cedary oak. Long, complex and destined for elegance. Best 2009–2015. Score 92.

35. Pelter, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, 2006: A big and polished wine, one that sits comfortably on the palate and opens to show a generous mouthful of cherry, raspberry, blueberry and sweet and peppery spices all of which come together beautifully and then linger long and comfortably on the palate. Destined for elegance. Drink from release-2011. Score 92.

36. Pelter, Cabernet Franc, T-Selection,2006: Ruby towards purple in color, full-bodied, with silky soft tannins and a gentle hand with the oak. 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. Drink from release-2012. Score 92.

37. Recanati, Petite Sirah-Shiraz, Special Edition, 2006: Dark garnet enough to be thought of as brooding, with a nearly explosive nose packed with raspberries and chocolate, you expect this wine to be a potent blockbuster. What it is, however, is medium-bodied, with soft, caressing tannins that part comfortably to reveal a generous array of black- and blueberries, cassis, tobacco and dark chocolate, all of which linger long and comfortably. Drink now-2011 Score 92. K

38. Yatir, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: Blended with 15% of Shiraz, dark garnet, with purple and orange reflections, showing fine balance between gentle spicy wood and mouth-coating tannins that are integrating nicely. On first attack blackberries and currants, those yielding to raspberries, spices those with light overlays of earthiness and leather all with a hint of what at one moment feels like lead-pencil and the next cigar box. Long, generous and destined for elegance. Approachable at release but best from 2009-2014. Score 92. K

39. Saslove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserved, 2004: Reflecting its 27 months in French Taransaud oak with generous sweet-and-spicy oak but that well balanced by soft, mouth-coating tannins, acidity and fruit. Opens with currants and berries, those blossoming on the nose and palate to reveal earthy, herbal and tobacco notes and, on the long finish a tempting hint of mint. Round, generous and long. Best 2008-2013. Score 92.

40. Sea Horse, Elul, 2004: Deep, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied with with still firm tannins, those well by spicy and vanilla rich wood. On first attack currants and plums, those yielding to red and black berries and a hint of iron, and finally to bittersweet chocolate and Mediterranean herbs, all of which linger long and comfortably, with the tannins and a hint of sweetness rising on the finish. Needs time but promising to be ripe, round and mouth-filling. Approachable now but best 2008-2011, perhaps longer. Score 92.

41. Segal, Merlot, Single Vineyard, Dovev, 2003: Developed in French and American barriques for 19 months, showing full-bodied, with firm tannins and spicy wood integrating well and showing opulent blueberry, currant plum flavors, those with spices, floral notes and hints of licorice in bhe background. Long, smooth, round and polished. Drink now-2011. Score 92. K

Wines Earning Scores of 91 Points

42. Amphorae, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Garnet to adobe-brick red, blended with a small amount of Petite Sirah, this full-bodied, firmly tannic but harmonious wine shows fine balance and structure. On the nose and palate currant, black cherry, spices and hints of minted chocolate on the long finish. Best from release-2011. Score 91.

43. Avidan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2005: A traditional Cabernet with a twist. Oak aged for 16 months, full-bodied, blended with 15% of Merlot, and showing traditional blackberry and blackcurrant aromas and flavors but (and this is where the twist comes in), bold for its firm tannins, and distinctive peppery and anise overtones leading to a long and mouth-filling finish. Best 2008-2012. Perhaps the best from the winery to date. Best 2008-2012. Score 91.

44. Barkan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Altitude + 624 Reserve, 2003: Deep, almost impenetrable garnet in color, made from grapes from the vineyards at Moshav Alma in the Upper Galilee, and oak-aged for 15 months. Medium- to full-bodied, on first attack showing firm, drying tannins and spicy oak but those receding in the glass to add a near-sweetness to the black and red fruits, oriental spices and hints of freshly picked mushrooms and green olives. Long and generous. Best 2008–2012. Score 91. K

45. Bustan, Merlot, 2003:Deeo, dark, rich and aromatic. Full-bodied, with soft tannins, a smooth and round wine opening to reveal generous blueberry, cherry and currant fruits, those on a spicy, floral background all of which linger very nicly on the generous finish. Drink now-2012. Score 91. K

46. Carmel, Regional, Carignan, Zichron Ya'akov, 2005: Made from grapes from 30-40 year old vines, blended with 10% Petit Verdot and oak-aged for 12 months. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, caressing tannins and spicy wood in fine balance with blackberry, cherry and peppery chocolate aromas and flavors, those leading to a medium-long espresso-rich finish. Drink now-2011. Score 91. K

47. Castel, Petit Castel, 2005: A blend primarily of Merlot, that supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in oak for 16 months appealing dark red-ruby, aromatic and opening with red berries and spices those going on to black cherries, licorice and chocolate, those blossoming on the palate to reveal hints of licorice and a light floral note. Generous and with a tantalizing hint of sweetness on the long finish. Castel's second wine but with no need to take second place. Best 2008-2011. Score 91. K

48. Dalton, Syrah, Reserve, 2005: Blended with 10% of Viognier, nearly black in color, but a wine of remarkable elegance. Aromatic, with spicy and floral scents on first attack, those yielding to aromas and flavors of berries and plums, all backed up by hints of white pepper, and on the long finish, surprising notes of peaches and apricots. Drink now–2010. Score 91. K

49. Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Vineyard's Choice, 2005: Dark garnet towards purple and deeply aromatic, this full-bodied blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot is showing muscular, tannic and teeth-coating at this time but the balance and structure are definitely here to bode well for the future. Opens to reveal currant, cherry and berry fruits, those with generous hints of toasty oak, an appealing base of exotic spices and overtones of cedar that come in on the long finish. Needs time. Best 2009-2013. Score 91. K

50. Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: As at earlier tastings, full-bodied, ripe and complex, with soft tannins integrating nicely and continuing to show currant and red plums along with hints of anise, black pepper and oak but now showing tempting overlays of light earthiness and freshly tanned leather. Well crafted. Drining nicely now but best 2008-2012. Score 91. K

51. Flam, Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay, 2006: Light shining golden in color, intentionally unoaked to highlight the natural acidity and fruit flavors, this nicely aromatic, medium-bodied blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Chardonnay opens with aromas and flavors of grapefruit and citrus flowers, those going to vibrant stony minerals and lime. Ripe, vibrant and lively, with hint of passion fruit and freshly cut hay on the finish Drink from release-2009. Score 91.

52. Galil Mountain, Syrah, Yiron, 2004: Dark royal-purple with orange and green reflections, opening with a rich fruity and floral nose. Full-bodied, with bold but soft tannins integrating nicely with spicy wood and showing black fruits, dusty wood and light meaty and earthy overlays. Long and deep. Drink now–2012. Score 91. K

53. Galil Mountain Syrah, 2005: Dark, almost inky royal purple in color, full-bodied, concentrated and almost muscular but opening to reveal elegance, its once firm tannins now integrating nicely with spicy wood and earthy-mineral overtones. Opens to reveal appealing black fruits, Oriental spices and black pepper, all lingering nicely. Best 2008-2011. Score 91. K

54. Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarden, 2004: Deep and dark, brooding now until the generous smoky oak and tannins settle down to reveal the rich currant, berry and plum fruits that are here together with hints of asphalt, earthiness and spices. Approachable from release but best 2009-2013. Score 91. K

55. Golan Heights Winery, Pinot Noir, Yarden, 2003: Garnet red I color, medium- to full-bodied, with soft, mouth-coating tannins and a moderate hand with spicy oak. On the nose and palate forward but elegant black berry, blackberry, and cassis fruits supported nicely by hints of lightly spicy floral and earthy notes. Drink now-2011 Score 91. K

56. Golan Heights Winery, Syrah, Ortal Vineyard, Yaden, 2004: Medium-dark ruby in color, medium- to full-bodied, with tannins integrating nicely with spicy wood and opening with a burst of fruity, almost jammy aromas of raspberries and kirsch liqueur, those yielding beautifully to raspberry, cherry and plum fruits, I the background generous hints of anise and Oriental spices and at this stage a vague but tantalizing note of spiced meat. Best from 2008-2012. Score 91. K

57. Golan Heights Winery, Viognier, Yarden, 2004: Light golden in color, with classic Viognier apricot, citrus, litchi and peach fruits on the nose and palate, those set off by a hint of coconut and a gentle spiciness. Aromatic, harmonious and long. Drink now-2008. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 7 Mar 2007)

58. Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, 2005: Made entirely from Gewurztraminer grapes frozen at the winery. Pale golden in color, with a complex nose and palate that offers up pineapple, citrus, litchi, orange peel and floral aromas and flavors, those with a light hint of sea water that adds to the wines charm and complexity. Drink from release-2012, perhaps longer. Score 91. K

59. Karmei Yosef, Merlot, Bravdo, 2005: After developing for 12 months in French and American oak, 20% of which was new, showing dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with near-sweet tannins and dusty wood highlighting intense currant, blackberry, black cherry and mocha aromas and flavors, those with a long, generous and elegant finish. Best 2008-2012. Score 91.

60. Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauignon, Bravdo, 2005: As during barrel tastings, dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, with generous soft tannins integrating nicely and showing generous but well-proportioned blackberries, currants, lead pencil and sweet herbal aromas and flavors. Intense with the tannins and fruit rising on a long finish. Best 2008-2012. Score 91.

61. Odem Mountain, Cabernet-Merlot, Alfasi, 2004: Best yet from the winery. An oak-aged blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot showing fine balance between still firm tannins and spicy wood, those yielding in the glass to reveal black fruits, sweet herbs and, on the long finish, hints of green olives and anise. A distinctly Mediterranean wine. Best 2008-2011. Score 91.

62. Pelter, Shiraz, T-Selection, 2005 (Advance Tasting): Dark crimson in color, opening with a generous jolt of vanilla on the nose, this full-bodied, round and elegant wine shows a generous array of plum and currant fruits, freshly tanned leather and an appealing earthy-herbaceousness. Soft but gripping tannins here that linger well into the long finish. Elegance is the word. Best 2008-2012. Score 91.

63. Pelter, Gewurztraminer, 2007: Medium-bodied, showing traditional Gewurztraminer aromas and flavors of rose petals, ginger, litchi and peppermint on first attack, those opening to show generous pineapple fruits, those going to dried apricots. Spicy, just barely off-dry and long, a generous and delightful mouthful. Score 90. Drink now-2009. Score 91.

64. Pelter, Trio, 2006: A blend this year of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, showing gentle spicy oak and soft tannins that yield to show currant, red and black berries and cherries on a lightly earthy-mineral background. Long and mouth-filling. Drink now-2010. Score 91.

65. Pelter, Semillon, 2007: Light, tasty and tangy, with green pineapple, grapefruit and white peach fruits supported nicely by spring flowers and a tantalizing light hint of honey. Long and elegant. Capable of some age. Drink now-2011. Score 91.

66. Recanati, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2004: Showing even better than at barrel and an earlier advance tasting. Dark garnet, with orange and purple reflections, with