Yatir Forest 2017

Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving.

One of Israel’s most exciting boutique wineries, Yatir’s vineyards are scattered across the Yatir Forest on the edge of the Negev Desert in the south of the country. The forest here was planted against the advice of countless scientists who said it would never work, but the success of that project is reflected in these plucky, characterful wines crafted in tiny quantities in truly unique conditions.

Their magnificent flagship cuvee is simply named Yatir Forest and is crafted from the very best vineyard plots each vintage. The blend is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes which are fermented separately and aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.

Thanks to the hot summer days and cool nights, the grapes enjoy a high diurnal temperature range during the growing season. This helps to achieve optimal ripeness in the grapes as well as preserving plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics. Combined with the long maturation process, the terroir creates a generous, full-bodied wine with ample dark fruit flavours, firm tannins and a long finish with hints of woodsmoke and winter spice. This is a great wine to cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside barbecued meats, a ribeye steak, or hearty stews.