Twenty years ago if anyone had told me that I would taste more than 75 Israeli wines in a year that scored 90 or higher points, I would have broken out into out-and-out hysterics. Ten years ago, I would have smiled but with somewhat of a smirk on my face and five years ago I would have probably said "well….let's wait and see". Well, I have to wait no longer, for in 2005 I tasted 78 Israeli wines that did indeed score between 90-93 points.

The list consists primarily of wines released in 2005 but also includes several that are due for imminent release. Most annual lists of “the best” consist of 50 or 100 wines. This one consists of 78 wines, more than ever before, that odd number because I wanted to include all of those wines that earned scores of 90 or above.

Now there are some, including some of our own forum members who say that I tend to score Israeli wines a bit on the high side. Sorry people….I'll stand as firmly behind these scores as I do those I give to the wines of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Piedmont and other parts of the world. I'm the first to agree that Israel is not in general producing the great wines of some other parts of the world. Nor are we yet "competing" with those wine areas. On the other hand, I'll be the first to say that those excellent wines Israel is producing are truly excellent. Not greatness, but excellence!!! A big difference, but for now, that's just fine with me.

One note: Within each score category I have simply listed the wineries in alphabetical order. Makes life easy all around…..

Rogov

Wine Scoring 93 Points

1. Grand Vin Castel, 2003: Still tight because of its youth, but with the clear potential for focused elegance. Deep garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins integrating well. On first attack currant, plum, spices and an appealing earthy-herbal overtone and a finish on which you will find white chocolate and a hint of mint. Perhaps Castel’s best red ever. Best 2007–2012. Score 93. K

2. Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2003: My most recent tasting note (15 Apr 2005) holds firmly: Rich, ripe and concentrated, with layer after layer of dark plum, currant, anise, mocha, black cherrries and sage. An oak-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (87% and 13% respectively), this distinctly Old World wine has excellent balance between wood, lively acidity and well-integrated tannins. Complex and long. Best 2008- 2013. Score 93. (Re-tasted 21 Jun 2005)

Wines Scoring 92 Points

3. Carmel, Limited Edition, 2003: A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, about 24% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot and 2% of Cabernet Franc, this may be a Bordeaux blend but by heaven, if it does not call to mind Rhone Chateauneuf-du-Pape it will call to mind nothing at all! Generous but not overpowering wood here, that balanced well by soft tannins and well-tuned acidity. On the nose and palate blackcurrants, gooseberries, spices and sweet cedar wood, all integrating nicely and coming together in a long and intense but elegant finish. Best 2008-2012, perhaps longer. Score 92. K

4. Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kayoumi, Single Vineyard 2003: Developing beautifully since barrel tasting (January 2005). As then, luscious and elegant, deep garnet, full-bodied and softly tannic, the nose and palate still showing the blackcurrant, berry and spicy wood that was here but now also showing smoked bacon together with Oriental spices and tobacco. Drink from release-2014. Score 92. K

5. Carmel, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Kerem Sha'al, Single Vineyard, 2004: My earlier tasting note (9 Sep 2005) hold firmly: Made from grapes harvested in the upper Golan Heights, some of which were affected by botrytis. Medium-bodied, with generous sweetness set off nicely by good balancing acidity and on the nose and palate apricot, cinnamon, rose petal and honeyed flavors. Rich, spicy and elegant with a long silky finish. Drink now-2009. Score 92 K

6. Castel “C”, Chardonnay, 2004: Light golden in color, full-bodied, with fresh citrus, melon and tropical fruits. Creamy and long on the finish, another triumph for this wine. Best 2007–2010. Score 92. K

7. Dalton Single Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meron, 2004: Perhaps the best wine to date from Dalton. Deep youthful cherry towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, this well balanced wine was aged in French oak for 8 months and then bottled without filtration. Generous soft tannins and ample wood, those already integrating nicely to reveal a very appealing array of red currant, raspberry and citrus peel on a peppery, lightly herbal, minty background. Round, long and mouthfilling. Approachable now but best from 2007-2010, perhaps longer.. Score 92. K

8. Flam, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Made from grapes harvested in Kerem Dishon and Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper this full-bodied, dark garnet towards deep purple wine was oak aged for about 14 months. Generous blackcurrant and cherry fruits come together elegantly with mineral, herbal and light earthy aromas and flavors, all coming together with a hint of oak that at one moment feels toasty and another spicy. Super-smooth tannins and a long finish. Approachable now but best 2007-2012. Score 92.

9. Flam, Reserve, Merlot, 2003: Dark, deep and intense, with soft, almost sweet tannins and layer after layer of berry, black cherry, anise and spice aromas and flavors that linger nicely on the palate. Still marked wood influence here but with the balance and structure that bode well for the future. Needs time to soften in the bottle. Best from 2007–2012. Score 92.

10. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Dark garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins and spicy oak both yielding nicely to reveal flavors and aromas of red currants and berries on first attack, those giving way to layers of sweet cedar, vanilla, leather and, on the long finish a hint of anise. Needs a bit of time but promises to be round, elegant and long. Drink now–2012. Score 92. K

11. Margalit, Enigma, 2003: This was the first true Bordeaux blend released by the winery. Living fully up to its earlier promise the blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 12% of Cabernet Franc is now showing remarkably rich, ripe and polished, round and approachable and with a complex array of currant, plum and wild berry aromas and flavors, those well focused and long and matched by a gentle spiciness that runs through to the long finish. Drink now–2010. Score 92.

12. Sea Horse, Elul, 2003: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah, this proves to be perhaps the best wine yet from Sea Horse. Rich, ripe and complex fruits include juicy berries, currants and black cherries, those with anise and light hints of oak that play nicely on the palate. Smooth and supple tannins and overall excellent structure. Drink from release–2012. Score 92

13. Yatir, Sauvignon Blanc, 2005: Aged in half new, half one year old barriques for three monhths, this light golden, medium-bodied and white shows fresh, concentrated and vibrant aromas and flavors of passion fruit, green apples, hay, honeysuckle and citrus peel. Crisp, elegant and harmonious. Drink now-2008. Score 92. K

Wines Scoring 91 Points

14. Amphorae, Merlot, 2003: Blended with 10% of Cabernet Franc but fully true to its varietal characteristics, this outstanding Merlot offers cherry, currant, anise and cedar aromas and flavors, those coming together nicely with still firm tannins and the judicious use of oak. Concentrated, elegant, graceful and long, the wine needs time to come into its own. Best 2007-2010. Score 91.

15. Amphorae, Chardonnay, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Aged for 12 months, partly in new partly in one year old barriques. Showing somewhat darker now in color than during barrel tastings but maintaining its medium- to full-body and concentrated aromas and flavors. Look for aromas of figs, mandarine oranges, nectarines and spicy nuts, all on a lightly buttery background. Elegant, long and rich, the wine will drink well from release-2008. Score 91.

16. Amphorae, Shiraz, 2003: Medium to full-bodied, a deep almost inky purple in color, with tempting plums and violets from the first sip, those yielding to smoke, chocolate and earthy-herbal aromas and flavors. Long and intriguing. Drink now–2009. Score 91

17. Binyamina, Chushan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tarshish, 2003: Deep garnet towards purple, full-bodied, with mouthcoating tannins and tightly closed unless decanted several hours before drinking. Given time the wine will show harmony, and in addition to traditional blackcurrants, sweet berries and spices, generous mineral, toasty and vanilla notes. Best 2007-2011. Score 91. K

18. Binyamina, Chushan, Syrah, Odem, 2003: Full-bodied, firm and concentrated, dark garnet in color, with firm and mouthcoating tannins opening in the glass to reveal near-sweet berry, plum, meaty and earthy aromas and flavors, all balanced nicely and with a long finish. Needs decanting if served at this stage. Best 2007-2012. Score 91. K

19. Carmel, Shiraz, Kayoumi, Single Vineyard, 2003: Showing as well now as during barrel tastings. Firm and well-structured and with balance that bodes well for a soft, caressing and elegant future. Generous soft tannins here to show off a tempting array of currant, plum, blackberry and anise flavors and aromas, all of which culminate in a long, mouthfilling finish. Approachable young but best from 2008-2012. Score 91. K

20. Chateau Golan, Eliad, 2003: A barrel-aged,deep garnet blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. Rich, intense and complex, with concentrated fruits and spices on the noise and palate. Look for layers of plums, blackberries, currants and spicy oak. Needs time to show its elegance. Best 2007–2012. Score 91.

21. Clos de Gat, 2003: A complex, rich, ripe blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Spicy cherry, currant, anise and oak flavors fold togther seamlessly even at this early stage. Full-bodied, still quite tannic but with the potential to show elegance and harmony. Drink now–2012. Score 91.

22. Clos de Gat, Chardonnay, 2003: Delicious medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with ripe pineapple, citrus, apple and spicy notes. Enough mineral crispness here to make one think of fine Chablis, with a good touch of toasty oak but with balancing acidity that carries the wine very well indeed. Drink now–2007, perhaps longer. Score 91.

23. Clos de gat, Har’el, Syrah, 2003: A blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dark garnet, medium-bodied wine has soft, already well-integrating tannins. Well-balanced and structured, spicy, with an earthy overtone to its plum and wild berry flavors, and with a light leathery hint on the finish. Drink now–2009. Score 91.

24. Ella Valley Vineyards, Vineyard’s Choice, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Deep royal purple in color, full-bodied, with ripe, rich and complex fruits showing true harmony and finesse. Abundant layers of currants, juicy cherries and tempting oak shadings. Soft, supple and well-balanced tannins promise for a wine that although ready for early drinking should cellar very nicely. Drink from release–2011. Score 91. K

25. Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, 2003: Blended with 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon, this almost impenetrably dark garnet, oak-aged full-bodied red shows firm tannins and generous wood influence but those are balanced nicely by a generous array of black fruits, coffee, vanilla and tobacco, all leading to a long leathery finish.Drink now-2008. Score 91. K

26. Ella Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, 2004: Smooth, rich and buttery, with good spices, a light grassiness matched by good spices and appealing layers of pear, honey and minerals. A very appealing hint of light bitterness comes in on the long finish. Drink now–2008. Score 91. K

27. Flam, Reserve, Syrah, 2003: Perhaps the Israeli wine that to date most typifies true Syrah. Aged in oak for about 10 months, this deep purple wine shows tempting earthy, mineral aromas and flavors, those backed up nicely by berries, currants and spices. Drink now–2009. Score 91.

28. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Chardonnay, Odem Organic Vineyard, 2003: A rich and elegant wine with ripe pear, honeysuckle and melon flavors all coming together beautifully with minerals, nutmeg and hazelnut hints on the long finish. Drink now–2010. Score 91. K

29. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Syrah, 2002: Medium to full bodied, concentrated and packed with tannins but those soft and already integrating nicely. Multiple layers of green berry, plums and hints of spices, chocolate and vanilla. Plenty of oak here but that will settle down in time and the wine will soften and show increased complexity with tobacco and floral overtones. Drink now–2010. Score 91. K

30. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Viognier, 2004: Round and ripe, aged partly in oak, partly in stainless steel, with the classic spicy, litchi and lime aromas and flavors of the variety, those set off nicely by hints of coconut, a gentle spiciness and just the right amount of acidity to add liveliness and balance. Harmonious, long, and complex. All in all an enchanting wine. Drink now–2007. Score 91. K

31. Gustavo & Jo Premium, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Deep garnet towards black, full-bodied, with still firm but well-integrating tannins. Excellent balance between wood, tannins and an appealing array of black and red fruits, those yielding to spices, chocolate and mint. Long and complex. Drink now-2012. Score 91

32. Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2003: A well-balanced, well structured blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Still young but already showing ripe, generous and mouthfilling aromas and flavors of plums, currants, black cherries and berries, with hints of minty spice and wood. On its way to becoming an elegant and graceful wine. Drink now–2010. Score 91.

33. Karmei Yosef, Merlot, Bravdo, 2003: A rich, generous Merlot, with minty and licorice accents to ripe blackberry, currant, spice and anise flavors. Soft tannins well in balance with fruits and the first influence of the wood bode very nicely for the future development of this wine. Drink now–2010. Score 91.

34. Karmei Yosef, Chardonnay, Bravdo, 2004: Medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated, complex and somewhat bold, with crisply dry aromas and flavors of citrus and citrus peel, melon, and apple fruits together with light oak shadings. Drink now–2007. Score 91.

35. Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Full-bodied and intense, but rich and well balanced, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, both from the Kadita vineyard, is loaded with complex earthy currant, black cherry, anise and mocha aromas and flavors, those well set off by generous but smooth tannins. Look for an appealing leathery sensation on the long finish. Drink now–2012. Score 91.

36. Sea Horse, Antoine, 2003: Made from 100% Syrah grapes, this is a rich and complex wine, with smoky, meaty overlays on a delicious array of berry, black cherry, spices and currants. Firm but supple tannins and tempting anise, leathery and earthy notes on the long finish. Only a single barrel was made. Drink now–2010. Score 91

37. Sea Horse, Munch, 2003: Named as a tribute to artist Edward Munch, this 100% Petite Sirah spent 16 months in French and American oak. The best Petite Sirah ever from Israel, this exotic, spicy and complex wine shows layers of wild berry, plum, currant and black cherry fruits together with a generous peppery overlay and supple tannins. Drink now–2007. Score 91.

38. Yatir, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Young and tight but well focused, with deep, firm tannins and ripe flavors of cherries, currants, anise and nice touches of earth and minerals. Distinctly Mediterranean, the wine is drinking nicely now but will cellar well. Drink now–2009. Score 91. K

39. Yatir, Merlot, Ramat Arad, 2002: Full-bodied, tannic and muscular for a Merlot, but with balance between wood, fruits and acidity that gives the wine grace and elegance. Black plums, wild berries and currants here, together with freshly picked Mediterranean herbs and a hint of granite that comes in on the long finish. Drink now–2009. Score 91. K

Wine Scoring 90 Points

40. Alexdander, Alexander the Great, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Medium to full-bodied, with chunky tannins and a touch of herbaceousness. Mocha, currant, plum, spice and cedar aromas and flavors lead to a rich, concentrated and firm wine with potential for bottle aging. Best 2007–2011. Score 90.

41. Amphorae, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Blended with a small percentage of Petite Sirah, this full-bodied, harmonious wine shows excellent balance between still firm tannins, wood, and juicy currant and cherry fruits and spices. With intriguing raspberry, chocolate and mocha flavors on the finish, this is a complex and delicious wine. Best 2007–2011. Score 90.

42. Barkan, Superieur, Chardonnay, 2002: Complex and full-bodied, with juicy pear, spice, vanilla, hazelnut and honeyed aromas and flavors that reveal hints of earth and mineral on the long finish. A very limited edition, destined primarily for restaurants. Drink now. Score 90. K

43. Binyamina, The Cave, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2002: Oak-aged for 20 months, this dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, shows firm and chewy tannins that yield nicely in the glass to reveal an appealing array of berry, currant, vanilla and dusty herbal aromas and flavors. Elegant and generos, the best ever from the Cave and perhaps the best ever from Binyamina. Best now-2008. Score 90. K

44. Binyamina, Chushan, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz-Merlot, Sapir, 2003: A full-bodied and firmly tannic blend of 40% each of Cabernet and Shiraz and 20% of Merlot. Oak aged for 15 months, showing good balance between wood tannins and a tempting array of aromas and flavors, those including chocolate, tobacco, dusty-oak and minerals, all on a warm background of blackcurrants, blackberries and spices.Worth decanting. Best starting in 2007. Score 90. K

45. Bustan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Dark ruby to garnet, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating well and with generous but not overwhelming spicy oak. Spicy currant and berry fruits along with chocolate and tobacco on the finish. Drink from release–2010. Score 90. K

46. Carmel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kerem Zarit, Single Vineyard, 2003: Dark garnet, with firm, near sweet tannins that yield nicely in the glass to reveal an appealing touch of rustic earthiness that adds dimension to rich, ripe black fruits. Complex, concentrated and on its way to elegance. Best 2007–2011. Score 90. K

47. Carmel Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, Kayoumi, 2004 (Advance Tasting): Bright and lively but with enough complexity to catch your attention. Developed in 300 liter barrels, this medium-bodied white shows aromas and flavors of citrus peel , vanilla pastry cream and brioche all of which linger nicely on the palate. Drink now-2007. Score 90. K

48. Carmel, Single Vineyard, Syrah, Ramat Arad, 2003: Oak aged for about nine months, this dark cherry red towards purple, medium to full-bodied wine shows excellent balance between soft tannins, smoke, spices, and aromas and flavors of currants, plums and chocolate. Long, smooth and generous. Drink now–2008. Score 90. K

49. Carmel, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, Meron, 2003: After fermenting in stainless steel, the wine was transferred to new oak casks to develop sur lie. Medium to full-bodied, it already shows appealing buttery and vanilla flavors on a background of pears, spices and citrus, all with just the right level of smoky, toasty oak. Rich, mouth-filling and long. Drink now–2007. Score 90. K

50. Carmel, Single Vineyard, Johannisberg Riesling, Kayoumi, Upper Galilee, 2005: Off-dry but bright and lively, with fine focus and balancing acidity. Unoaked, with tempting peach and apple flavors set off nicely by floral and mineral edges. Elegant and satisfying. Drink now-2008. Score 90. K

51. Castel, Petit Castel, 2003: Softer, smoother and more approachable than the Grand Vin of this vintage. Medium- to full-bodied, with forward black fruits, soft tannins already integrating nicely and a pleasing array of currant, wild berry and earthy-herbacoueness. Mouthfilling and moderately long. Drink now-2008. Score 90. K

52. Chateau Golan Royal Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Deep and tannic, young and tight, but showing excellent focus and concentration. Full-bodied, packed with tannins waiting to integrate but with the inherent balance to develop beautifully into a smooth and supple wine. With aromas and flavors of currant, black cherries and anise along with attractive earthy-herbal overtones and hints of green olives. Drink now–2012. Score 90.

53. Chateau Golan, Royal Reserve, Merlot, 2003: Dark garnet in color, medium to full-bodied, with generous but yielding tannins and tempting layers of plum, currant and black cherry fruits matched nicely by a light hint of herbaceousness. Rich and long. Drink now–2009. Score 90.

54. Chateau Golan, Royal Reserve, Syrah, 2003: Blended with 15% of Grenache to flush out the elegance of the wine, this is a classic Syrah with distinct Mediterranean overtones. Combining assertiveness with complexity, this spicy, gamy wine offers up appealing smoke and black pepper along with deep raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Drink now–2008. Score 90.

55. Ella Valley, Vineyard’s Choice, Merlot, 2003: Full-bodied, firmly structured with dark black cherry, berry, anise and spice flavors that stand up nicely to the firm tannins and moderate oak influences. Needs time but promises to soften and develop beautifully. Drink from release–2008. Score 90. K

56. Ella Valley Vineyards, Merlot, 2003: Medium to full-bodied, supple and well balanced, striving for elegance with just the right balance between plum, berry, currant and wood aromas and flavors.Graceful and not overwhelming, with cedar and spices on the finish. Drink now–2009. Score 90. K

57. Ella Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay, 2004: Soft in texture but generous with pear, citrus and mineral flavors that develop a very appealing creamy note on the finish. Light wood and just the right amount of zingy acidity makes this a solid, complex wine with long, lingering flavors. Drink now–2007. Score 90. K

58. Flam, Reserve, Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc, 2004: The first white wine from Flam. Unoaked and retaining the fresh and unalloyed aromatic flavors of both varieties (70% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc), this crisply dry, medium-bodied wine shows delicious citrus, pear and summer fruit aromas and flavors, those with tempting overlays of melon, herbs and flowers. Harmonious and expressive. Drink now–2007. Score 90.

59. Flam, Classico, 2004: As always, a blend of 50% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, developed in oak for 6 months. A bit of bottle stink immediately on opening fades quickly to reveal tempting aromas of tobacco and dark chocolate, those matched nicely by flavors of blackberries and currants. Round and mouthfilling. Drink now-2007. Score 90.

60. Galil Mountain, Yiron, 2003: A blend this year of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Young and vibrant but already showing potential complexity. Dark royal purple, with firm but nicely integrating tannins, generous but judicious wood and layers of spicy currant, anise, tar and cedary oak aromas and flavors blending nicely on the long finish. Drink now–2009. Score 90. K

61. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Pinot Noir, 2002: Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, almost sweet tannins and good balance between gentle wood and fruit. Still young but already showing the potential for elegance. On the palate berry, cherry, sweet cedar and a light spicy overlay. Not so much Burgundian in style as when it was first tasted but most assuredly Pinot Noir and delicious, with wild red berries and just the barest hint of espressso coffee on the finish. Drinkinc nicely now but best from 2006-2009. Score 90. K

62. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Chardonnay, 2003: Medium to full bodied, fresh, vibrant and complex with an array of pear, fig, citrus, honey and melon aromas and flavors that come together nicely with toasty oak and hints of spices. Drink now–2009. Score 90. K

63. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Heightswine, 2003: As always, a tantalizing dessert wine, light to medium-bodied with delicate honeyed apricot and peach aromas and flavors, good balancing acidity and an elegantly lingering finish. Drink now–2008. Score 90. K

64. Margalit, Cabernet Franc, 2003: My earlier tasting note hold firmly: Almost impenetrable deep purple in color, full-bodied, with excellent balance between soft, almost luxurious tannins and a tempting array of dark plum, wild berry and herbal aromas and flavors. Oak-aged, with the addition of 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is mouthfilling and long, showing a tantalizing hint of mint on the finish. Drink now–2010. Score 90.

65. Meishar, #41, 2003: A blend of 40% each of Shiraz and Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignjon. Aged in oak for 8 months, showing good balance between gripping near-sweet tannins, spicy oak and fruits. On the nose and palate look for ripe plums, blackcurrants and blackberries, those matched nicely by hints of tobacco and chocolate. Long and generous. Best from 2007-2010. Score 90.

66. Orna Chillag, Primo Riserva, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003: Harmonious and supple, with a generous array of currants, cherries and plums, those with tempting overlays of toasty oak, spices and soft but mouth-coating tannins. Drink now–2009. Score 90.

67. Orna Chillag, Primo Riserva, Merlot, 2001: Fully open now and showing even better now than at earlier tastings. Full-bodied and showing concentration, elegance and, as it did in its youth, blackcurrants, herbs, minerals and, coming in from mid-palate near-sweet berries and well-balanced hints of toasted oak. Drink now – 2007. Score 90.

68. Recanati Special Reserve, 2001: An oak-aged blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, this full-bodied, deep garnet toward purple wine offers tempting currant, blackberry and raspberry fruits, those backed up nicely by generous but soft and well-integrated Score 90.

69. Recanati, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Ripe and rich, well balanced, with medium to full-body and soft tannins, traditional Cabernet currant and berry fruits as well as hints of anise and light toasty oak flavors. Drink now–2010. Score 90. K

70. Recanati, Merlot, Reserve, 2003: With firm tannins giving a solid backbone, sweet oak that makes itself felt from first attack to the long finish, and layers of currant, black cherry, mocha and chocolate, a concentrated and graceful wine. Best 2006-2009. Score 90. K

71. Recanati, Petite Sirah-Zinfandel, Reserve, 2004: Aged in American oak, this dark garnet blend of 70% Petite Syrah and 30% Zinfandel is packed with ripe blueberry, blackberry, plum, pepper, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. Generous but not exaggerated oak and tannins but those in fine balance. Drink now-2010. Score 90. K

72. Saslove Adom, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Still very young but already ripe and smooth, the wine shows an attractive array of flavors that include currants, cherries, herbs, and vanilla. The tannins of this well-balanced and complex red bode well for its aging potential. Drink now–2009. Score 90.

73. Sea Horse, Lennon, 2003: A medium to full-bodied blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. With 14 months in American oak this moderately tannic wine shows good concentration of ripe juicy cherry and wild berry flavors as well as an appealing pepper and anise edge. Drink now–2008. Score 90.

74. Segal, Unfiltered, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002: Rich and ripe, with a complex array of currant, plum and berry aromas and flavors, those set off nicely by smoky, dusty oak. Well focused and round, the wine reflects its 18 months in oak with generous but soft tannins and just the right hint of the oak. Long and mouthfilling. Drink now–2008. Score 90. K

75. Tabor, Mescha, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001: Dark garnet red, medium- to full-bodied, with good balance betweeen firm but nicely integrating tannins, spicy oak and an appealing array of blackcurrant, plums, smoke and fresh earthy aromas and flavors. Long and mouthfilling. Drink now-2008. Score 90. K

76. Tabor Mes’cha, Chardonnay, 2003: Golden straw in color, this medium to full-bodied white reflects its 4 months in oak with hints of smoky and spicy wood together with rich, lightly creamy layers of pear, honey and apricots. Complex and long. Drink now. Score 90. K

77. Tisbhi Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ben Zimra, 2002: Deep purple in color, ripe, bold and concentrated, the wine has solid and still firm tannins, those well balanced by oak and fruits. The chewy tannins, deep currant, oak and spicy aromas and flavors make the wine one that will profit from bottle time. Drink now–2008. Score 90. K

78. Ya’ar Yatir, 2002: Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this dark garnet toward purple, full-bodied wine is now showing still firm tannins and gentle and well-integrated smoky oak and sweet cedar aromas, those coming together very nicely with aromas and flavors of ripe currant and purple plum fruits as well as generous hints of chocolate and mint. Drink now–2010. Score 90. K

December 2005