Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay adding Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, medium vibrant lemon yellow color, with aromas of complex fruits, nutty and floral notes. On the palate flavors of pineapple, apricot and citrus with cinnamon, honey and floral spice. Long finish ending creamy with juicy fruit, almonds, citrus and mineral notes. Will age a bit, but nice now! — a month ago

Diana Sabo

9.7

Enjoyed 2023 vintage on April 11, 2025. Crisp — a year ago

Miles Perry

9.4

An outstanding value. Everything I expect from a Red Mountain Cabernet. Lots of dark cherry flavors. — 4 years ago

Michael Marks

10

Full bodied. Fantastic Pinot — 5 years ago

Ted

9.0

The wine is still incorrect. Red licorice immediately upon opening. It hung around the whole bottle. Dark fruit. Very enjoyable. — 3 months ago

with Jeni

Iris Wormington

9.2

Easy to drink, medium bodied and extremely minimal tannins. Had with lemon ricotta pasta — 4 months ago

Andy B

9.4

Bright, delicious. A NZ sauv blanc! — 3 years ago

Mono Head

9.2

Fragrance is amazing. So floral. Just magnificent. Taste is on the lighter side but well integrated. Easy to drink. Cherries and some green, fruit but well balanced. It’s really good. I would not recommend this with a steak — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Jerusalem Heights Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot 2023 – Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon · 50% Merlot that expresses the rugged power and elevation-driven intensity of the Judean Hills rather than classic Bordeaux balance. Cabernet brings structure, dark fruit depth, and firm backbone, while Merlot contributes mid-palate weight, savory flesh, and dark plum richness. This is not a plush or polished style, it leans muscular, serious, and expressive of place. Elevated intensity, concentration, and tension suggest strong aging potential, with the wine expected to show even greater harmony by 2028+, though approachable now with air.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, cassis, and dark blackberry. Savory notes of dried herbs, black pepper, cedar, and warm stone. Subtle earthy undertones with hints of tobacco leaf and dark cocoa. The profile leans deep and structured rather than sweet or fruit-forward.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins and a dense core. Structured, slightly angular on opening, softening with air. Fresh acidity keeps the power in check while maintaining lift. Long, savory finish with persistent dark fruit and spice. Built for food and cellaring.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, ribeye steak, roasted duck, slow-braised meats, mushroom-driven dishes, aged hard cheeses, and Middle Eastern spice-forward cuisine. Benefits from decanting 1–2 hours.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is not a crowd-pleasing, plush red, it’s a serious, punchy expression that rewards patience and attention. I love how it shows its regional muscle and personality instead of chasing polish. A bottle for slow evenings, hearty food, and watching a young wine stretch into its future potential.

Did You Know?
The Judean Hills sit at higher elevations with limestone soils and strong diurnal shifts, producing wines with firm structure, savory character, and excellent aging capacity. Cabernet and Merlot here often show more tension and mineral grip than their softer New World counterparts. — 3 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine has a nice golden color in the glass. I get a muted nose with apricot aromas foremost and citrus minerals chasing. The palate shows stone fruit and minerals galore. Acidity is nice and fresh, even zippy. The finish is medium long and carries the minerals back for a revisit. — 5 years ago