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Carmel Limited Edition

Carmel Limited Edition is the flagship wine of the Carmel Winery, produced in a numbered and limited quantity. The wine is a Bordeaux-style blend, combining all five classic Bordeaux varieties, expressing the Baron Rothschild's French tradition.
To produce this prestigious wine, only grapes from specific plots of the highest quality in the Carmel's vineyards were selected, generating the highest quality fruit, with an emphasis on elegance and harmony between all its components.

2016
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2005
2004
2003
Type of wine
Dry red
Varieties
The wine consists of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yakinton vineyards, 35% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, 10% Malbec from Dalton and 10% Cabernet franc from Dalton.
Growing region
Upper Galilee
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets mint and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The winter preceding the 2016 harvest was slightly cooler than the average (with many positive cold spells). The warm spring temperature led to early blossoming in the vineyards, with a pleasant spring and start to the summer, and no unusual climate changes. The vineyards exhibited an even and balanced ripening, with the harvest beginning a week earlier than normal. The harvest was constant and speedy, which led to the creation of balanced wines, which displayed the full character of their variety.
Alcohol
14.5%
Technical data
PH - 3.65
TA - 5.57 (l/g)
RS - dry
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry red
Varieties
The wine consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Admon vineyards, 25% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, 15% Malbec from Dalton and 5% Cabernet franc from Dalton.
Growing region
Upper Galilee
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets mint and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The fall and winter that preceded the 2014 harvest were of average temperature. Rainfall was less than the annual average, although the region experienced heavy snowfall between the 10th-14th of December 2013. The spring and summer were unusually warm, subsequently bringing on an early ripening. The 2014 harvest began earlier than in previous years, allowing the creation of balanced wines, displaying the full characteristics of their subsequent varieties.
Vintage 2014 began earlier in relation to previous years and to create balanced wines and species characteristics.
Alcohol
15%
Technical data
PH - 3.62
TA - 5.96 (l/g)
RS - dry.
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry red
Varieties
The wine consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Admon vineyards, 20% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, 11% Malbec from Admon vineyard and 3% Cabernet franc from the Natuah Vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The fall and winter that preceded Vintage 2013 was of average temperature. Rainfall was higher than usual, although a warmer than usual spring brought about an early awakening in the vineyards.
The mild spring and summer temperatures, relative to recent years, made for superb quality grapes. The red wines display deep color and full fruit flavors.
Alcohol
14.5%
Technical data
PH-3.6
Ta-6.1 (l/g)
RS-dry.
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sumaka and Admon vineyards, 30% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, and 5% Malbec grapes from the Alma vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The winemaking process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade ago from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The temperatures of fall and winter that preceded vintage 2012 were considerably lower than average. Rainfall was higher than usual, but a warm spring brought about an early and even awakening in the vineyard. The combination of a wet and cold autumn and winter, with a hot spring and summer resulted in early development of the fruit, and an earlier harvest. Grape quality was excellent, leading to the creation of distinctive wines, both rich and balanced.
Technical data
PH-3.65
TA - 5.90 (g/l)
RS-dry.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sumaka & Kayoumi vineyard, 27% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, 6% Malbec from the Alma vineyard and 3% Merlot from the Shaal vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The winemaking process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade ago from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The fall and winter leading up to the 2011 vintage were warmer than
usual and rainfall was near the annual average. This combination led to an early
awakening in the vineyards. Spring and summer were unusually warm and
subsequently, ripening of the fruit was earlier than usual. The 2011 harvest
began early compared to previous years, especially the for the premium white
varieties. The wines created are balanced and display the full characteristics of
their variety.
Alcohol
14%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sumaka vineyard, 25% Petit Verdot from the Meron Vineyard, 15% Merlot from the Shaal vineyard, 3% Malbec from the Kanaf vineyard and 3% Cabernet franc from the Natuah Vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of
ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and
balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the
Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level
where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low
humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with
a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for
around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The fall and winter leading up to the 2010 vintage were warmer than
usual and rainfall was near the annual average. This combination led to an early
awakening in the vineyards. Spring and summer were unusually warm and
subsequently, ripening of the fruit was earlier than usual. The 2010 harvest
began early compared to previous years, especially the for the premium white
varieties. The wines created are balanced and display the full characteristics of
their variety.
Alcohol
14%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Shaal vineyards, 30% Petit Verdot from the Alma Vineyard, 3% Merlot from Shaal vineyards, 3% Malbec from the Alma vineyard and 3% Cabernet Franc from Netuah.
Growing region
Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of
ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and
balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the
Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level
where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low
humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with
a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for
around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 7 months. In total, the wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The winter preceding the 2009 vintage was slightly warmer than
average, leading to premature awakening in the vineyards. Spring and early
summer had favorable weather conditions, but in late August and early
September, the ripening of the grapes in some of the vineyards was completed
early. However, due to the early budding on the vines in 2009, the harvest began
several days earlier than in previous years, but continued until the end of
October. This vintage led to the creation of balanced wines, displaying their full,
varietal characteristics.
Alcohol
14%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kerem Zimra & Kayoumi vineyards, 28% Petit Verdot from the Alma Vineyard, 4% Malbec from the Alma vineyard, 4% Cabernet Franc from the Alma vineyard, and 2% Merlot from the Ben Zimra vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by aromas of
ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long and
balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the
Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level
where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low
humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with
a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for
around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and only after 15 of aging in oak barrels, the final blend was determined. In order to preserve the maximum potential of its constituents, the wine was unfiltered, thus displaying sediment in the bottle as the wine matures.
Ageing
The wine ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The winter preceding the 2008 harvest was cold and blessed with
many cold spells. Rainfall was 35% lower than the annual average and the hot
spring lead to premature awakening and unified grapes. Due to premature
budding, the 2008 harvest began a few days earlier than planned compared to
previous years. The quality of the grapes was excellent and in turn, created
wines which are rich and balanced.
Alcohol
13.5%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Ben Zimra and Kayoumi vineyards, 31% Petit Verdot from the Alma vineyard, 5% Merlot from the Kayoumi vineyard and 2% Cabernet Franc from the Netuah vineyard.
Growing region
Upper Galilee
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a hint of
ripe plum, cassis, violets and tobacco leaves. Full-bodied and rich, with a long
and balanced finish. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style of
winemaking which is expressed in its balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards are situated in the cold and highest regions of the
Upper Galilee, planted at altitudes of between 400 to 850 meters above sea level
where snow in winter is not uncommon. The relatively mild temperature and low
humidity levels during the summer are ideal for the cultivation of quality grapes.
Annual rainfall in the region is relatively high, making for balanced viticulture with
a limited need for irrigation. The earth is mostly chalky in this region, except for
around Ben Zimra which is composed of volcanic soil.
Wine production
Following fermentation and maceration on its skins, the wine was aged in French oak barrels. The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately and the final blend was determined after 15 months of aging in oak barrels. In order to preserve the maximum, potential of its constituents, the wine was unfiltered, thus displaying sediment in the bottle as the wine matures.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but will continue to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The winter preceding the 2007 vintage was relatively cold and blessed
with many cold spells, but the rainfall was 25% lower the annual average.
February was warmer than usual which led to the early awakening of the vines.
Due to the early budding on the vines, the 2007 harvest began earlier than usual
and continued up until November. This is one of the longest lasting harvest
seasons in the history of the Carmel Winery which lasted for more than three
months. Crop yields were lower than in 2006, with excellent grape quality,
leading to the creation of rich and balanced wines.
Alcohol
13.5%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Ben Zimra and Schech vineyards in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, respectively, 17% Petit Verdot from the Judean Hills,15% Merlot from the Shaal vineyard, on the Golan Heights and 3% Cabernet Franc from the planting center in the lower Galilee.
Growing region
Upper Galilee. Judean Hills and the Golan Heights
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a
hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long
and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the"old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards in the Upper Galilee are planted at altitudes
between 400 to 850 meters above sea level and snow in winter is not
uncommon. The relatively low temperature and humidity during the summer are
suitable for growing quality grapes. The annual rainfall is high and allows for
limited irrigation only. Most of the soil in the region is chalky, except for around
Ben Zimra, which is characterized by volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but continued to age for at least a decade from vintage, provided it is stored in suitable conditions.
Harvest
The winter preceding the 2005 harvest was cold and was blessed with
many cold spells that contributed to the awakening of the vines. The rainy
season was short, but the quantity of rain reached the annual average.
Throughout the growing season temperatures were lower than average, with
good growing conditions, and without extreme heat waves. The rain season
finished earlier than usual, and together with controlled irrigation, caused a
significant growth in volume, and lower in yields by 25% than in the harvest of
2004. The combination of favorable weather conditions and low yield, led to the
optimal ripening of grapes and exceptional wines.
Alcohol
13.5%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Ben Zimra and Zarit vineyards in the Upper Galilee, 20% Petit Verdot from the Zichron Yaacov area, 15% Merlot from the Judean Hills.
Growing region
Upper Galilee, Zichron Yaacov and the Judean Hills.
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a
hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long
and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards in the Upper Galilee are planted at altitudes
between 400 to 850 meters above sea level and snow in winter is not
uncommon. The relatively low temperature and humidity during the summer are
suitable for growing quality grapes. The annual rainfall is relatively high,
producing healthy vines which require limited irrigation only. Most of the soil in
the region is chalky, except for around Ben Zimra, which is characterized by
volcanic soil.
Wine production
The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but continued to age for at least a decade.
Harvest
The winter prior to the 2004 vintage was blessed with many cold spells
and plenty rain. The rain however stopped in February, and was replaced by
higher than usual temperatures, leading to early blossoming. The early finish of
the rainy season prevented problems of excess plant growth, and led to healthy
well-balanced vines and grapes. No extreme heat waves were recorded from the
start of spring, which allowed for continuous and excellent ripening. The harvest
was characterized by the absence of any diseases or pests on the vines.
Alcohol
14%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Type of wine
Dry Red
Varieties
The wine consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Upper Galilee (Zarit, Ramot Naftali and Schech vineyards), 33% Petit Verdot from the Zichron Yaacov area, 16% Merlot from the Upper Galilee and 1% Cabernet Franc from the Judean Hills.
Growing region
Upper Galilee, Zichron Yaacov and the Judean Hills.
Tasting notes
The wine displays a deep purplish hue and is characterized by a
hint of ripe plum, cassis, violets and cigar boxes. Full-bodied and rich, with a long
and balanced finish. The wine is ready to enjoy, but will continue to mature in the
bottle in the coming years. The character of the wine reflects the "old wine" style
of winemaking which is expressed in the balance between fruit, tannins and
acidity.
Food pairing
The wine is an ideal companion for dishes such as grilled lamb
chops, Beef Bourguignon, and hard cheeses.
Vineyards
The vineyards in the Upper Galilee are planted at altitudes between
400 to 850 meters above sea level and snow in winter is not uncommon. The
relatively low temperature and humidity during the summer are suitable for
growing quality grapes. The annual rainfall is relatively high, producing healthy
vines which require limited irrigation only. Most of the soil in the region is chalky,
except for around Ben Zimra, which is characterized by volcanic soil.
Wine production
After fermentation and maceration on its skins, the wine was aged in French oak barrels. The vinification process from each vineyard was carried out separately, and each wine was aged individually for 8 months. After determining the final blend, the wine was returned to the oak barrels for a further 8 months. In total, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new.
Ageing
The wine was ready to drink with its release, but continued to age for at least a decade from vintage.
Harvest
The winter prior to the 2003 vintage was cold and rainy, early spring
was also cool. During the ripening and fruit set, from the beginning of April and
through May, the temperatures were high, resulting in a reduction of
approximately 20% in crop yield flowering and fruit-set. The summer period was
characterized by favorable conditions with a uniform and consistent harvest, and
concentrated, high quality grapes.
Alcohol
13.5%
Serving recommendations
To enjoy the wine to its maximum, it should be served at a temperature between 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).