I visited Yossi Yittach at Katlav winery on Moshav Nes Harim. With wines first released from the 2000 vintage, the winery draws on Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Petit Verdot grapes largely from local vineyards. From the 2007 vintage the winery will produce its first white wine, a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. Production from 2005 and 2006 was of about 10,000 bottles annually and from 2007 about 17000 bottles. Because 2008 is a shnat shmita (sabbatical year for the vineyards) no wines will be produced from that year.

I arrived on a sunny afternoon, so the first part of my visit was devoted to out-of-door tastings and talk, then on to the cellars and finally out-of-doors again to a cup of espresso. My thanks to Yossi for his courtesies during my visit, for a good tasting and for his good company. My tasting notes follow. As may be noted from earlier reviews, one of the pleasures of visiting this winery is that the wines increase in quality and interest every year.

Best
Rogov

Katlav, Wadi Katlav, 2005: A dark garnet blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Syrah, oak-aged for 24 months. Dark garnet, with soft tannins integrating nicely with sweet cedar notes and fruits. Opens to show appealing currant, berry and black cherry fruits, those with an appealing light earthy-herbal overlay. Drink now-2009. Scor 86. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wadi Katlav, 2005: Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing generous hints of spicy oak. Black currant and blackberry fruits, those well supported by hints of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs. Flawed only by a hint of volatile acidity that rises on the finish. Drink now-2009. Score 86. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Syrah, 2005: Oak-aged for 22 months, medium to full-bodied, with traditional Syrah leathery, meaty and spicy notes, those highlighting red plum and cherry and cassis aromas and flavors. Drink now-2009 Score 87.K (Re-tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): Deep ruby towards garnet, medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, soft, near-sweet tannins and hints of spicy cedar and sandalwood. On the nose and palate plums, red cherries and raspberries, leading to a medium-long finish. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Re-tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Merlot, 2006 (Barrel Tasting): My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Garnet towards royal-purple, medium to full-bodied, with soft tannins promising to integrate nicely with light oak. Showing dried currants and berries, those overlaid with spices and mint and a tantalizing hint of earthy bitterness. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85–87. K (Re-tasted Feb 2008)

Katlav, Pinot Noir, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Light ruby in color, soft, round and easygoing, showing cherry, berry and spicy aromas and flavors. Light tannins and a gentle hand with the wood make this a good quaffer. Drink from release. Tentative Score 85-87. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Merlot, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Dark ruby towards garnet in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing black cherry, cola and nutmeg on toasty oak, those yielding on the finish to hints of mocha and sage. Deep and long enough to hold our interest. Drink from release-2011. Tentative Score 87-89. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Petit Verdot, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Medium- to full-bodied, with chunky country-style tannins but showing ripe, round and generous, with blueberry, currant, white pepper, Mediterranean herbs and floral notes that linger nicely. Potentially a very appealing wine but destined for blending so no score. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 (Barrel Tasting): Deep ruby in color, full-bodied, with near-sweet tannins and light spicy and cedar-like woody notes. Opens to reveal a tempting array of blackcurrant, blackberry and purple plum fruits, those complemented nicely by hints of mocha and Mediterranean herbs, all lingering nicely. Needs time for the elements to integrate. Best from 2009-2012. Tentative Score 88-90. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Chardonnay-Viognier, 2007: Destined to be a blend of about 75% Chardonnay and 25% Viognier. Generous alcohol here but that in fine balance with natural acidity and fruits. On the nose and palate red grapefruit, kiwis and passion fruit, those matched nicely by floral and spicy notes. Drink from release. Tentative Score 86-88. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2008)

Katlav, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dessert Wine, 2006 (Barrel Tasting: Super-dark garnet in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins when first sipped but those yielding in the glass to generous sweetness, that well balanced by natural acidity. Appealing aromas of plums, berries and cassis, those with hints of white pepper, all leading to a long, fruity finish. Best from 2010. Tentative Score 87-89. K (Re-tasted 5 Feb 2008)