Grapes for this Merlot are grown in vineyards set in the hills of Jerusalem and Northern Galilee, where the diverse soil composition, ranging from deep red alluvial loam to porous marl, lends the grapes an intensely fruity character.

Review

Wine Enthusiast April 2011 86 Points Merlot 2009 - 86 points, Wine Enthusiast ------------------------------------------ Here’s a bright, fruit-forward Merlot with notes of small black berries, black cherry and cassis accented by soft fruit cake spice. Balanced and drinkable with soft tannins and a solid finish. ------------------------------------------ Wine Advocate February 2010 Merlot 2008 - Wine Advocate ------------------------------------------ The 2008 Merlot is a pleasant wine, with some ripe tannins on the finish and good flavor, primarily a touch of sweet vanilla and licorice, although with air an herbal nuance pops up, too... a sweet-ish, friendly wine, particularly if encountered young. ------------------------------------------ Wine Spectator 2008 Merlot 2006 - Wine Spectator ------------------------------------------ Shows red plum and berry flavors, with some roasted notes. Medium-bodied, with a smoky finish. ------------------------------------------ San Francisco Chronicle April 4, 2008 The Chronicle Wine Selections: Kosher Wines ------------------------------------------ Winemaker Gil Shatsberg - a UC Davis graduate - and owner Lenny Recanati are making wine in Israel's Hefer Valley. This earth-driven 100 percent Merlot has aromas with floral overtones along with mint, chocolate, earth, shiitake mushroom and berry. A touch of grainy tannins on the palate is balanced by bright berry, sour plum/tart cherry, black pepper and hint of oak. The moderate finish ends with slightly grainy tannins. ------------------------------------------ Wine Enthusiast April 2008 ------------------------------------------ A round and spicy Merlot. Dark plum and blackberry flourish while fleeting nuances of tobacco glimmer on the medium-length finish. The silky texture and soft tannins are sure to please those with a gentler palate. ------------------------------------------ Wine Review Online September 11, 2007 88 Today's Featured Wine ------------------------------------------ Bright cherry flavors swamp your taste buds and then give way to alluring earthy elements. Not big and heavy, it shows a wine need not be muscular to be noticed. And on top of all that, it is a bargain. ------------------------------------------

Wine maker notes

Select grapes are hand-picked in mid-September. Following a gentle crushing, the grapes undergo a cold maceration prior to fermentation to preserve their rich fruit character. The resulting wine is aged eight months in French and American oak barrels before bottling and release.

Food pairing

Well matched with grilled red meats, poultry and flavorful pasta dishes, as well as a variety of Mediterranean-style entrées. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.