The Israeli wineries are gearing themselves up for the tasting of Israeli wines by Robert Parker and his team, with the results due at the end of December 2007. Robert Parker is the world’s most famous wine critic, who can make or break a winery by the power and influence of his opinion. He has curiously appeared to avoid Israel in the past. Now the fact that he has arranged a formal Israeli tasting already is recognition of the increasingly good wines. There have also been a number of positive signs from elsewhere in recent months.
Hugh Johnson, the world’s most famous wine writer, awarded four stars in his Pocket Wine Book 2008, to two Israeli wineries, Yarden-Golan Heights Winery & Domaine du Castel. This was the first time an Israeli winery has reached the magic four stars, reserved for the very finest wineries.
Tom Stevenson, author of The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, picked three Israeli wines in his list of ‘100 Most Exciting Wine Finds’ in the Wine Report 2008. The wines were: Carmel Limited Edition 2003, Castel Grand Vin 2004 and Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
Gary Vaynerchuk, the hottest new star in the wine media, with his entertaining ‘Wine Library TV’ tasted Israeli wines for the first time ‘on air’. He gave the Castel Grand Vin 2004 93 points and the Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 89+. Both considered good scores in America.
The Wall Street Journal recently recommended Yarden Blanc de Blancs 2000 in a feature about ‘Sparkling wines for the Holidays’. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher’s wine column is one of the most followed in the United States. When they start selecting Israeli wines, not in the kosher context and not just before Passover, things are looking up!
Tony Aspler, Canada’s most famous wine writer, visited Israel recently.for the first time in 37 years. Obviously the quality of Israel wine has changed somewhat since his first visit! He especially raved about Margalit’s wines and in particular the Margalit Enigma 2004.
Daniel Rogov’s book “Rogov’s Guide To Israeli Wines 2008” was published. The guide is on the wine shelves of the famous book shops in New York, London and elsewhere. In its own way, it is contributing more than any winery to the advance of the Israeli wine brand overseas.
Rogov’s top five wineries in the new edition are: 1. Golan Heights Winery, 2. Domaine du Castel, 3. Yatir Winery, 4. Margalit Winery, 5. Clos de Gat.
The top five wines are: 1. Yarden Katzrin 2003; 2. Yarden El Rom Cabernet Sauvignon 2003; 3. Carmel Limited Edition 2003; Margalit Cabernet Sauvignon 2004; 5. Castel Grand Vin 2004.
So there is eager anticipation to see how Parker rates Israeli wines. Without doubt the scores will be lower than Israeli wines are accustomed to in Israel. However if any wineries manage to score over 90 points, it will be a massive step forward for Israel and the way Israeli wines are perceived by wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.
8.12.2007
