Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Five Stones Vineyards – Nobility 215a White Blend – 2023
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A tribute cuvée composed of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in French oak. The 2023 vintage sits beautifully between the richer 2021 and the brighter 2024, showing greater depth, more mid-palate weight, and a remarkably polished finish, arguably the most complete expression of Nobility 215a to date.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pear, baked apple, lemon curd, and subtle pineapple, woven with toasted brioche, vanilla bean, and delicate spice. Compared to 2024, this vintage reveals more concentration, smoother integration of oak, and a gentle mineral note that adds refinement.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body, rounder and more structured than 2024, with a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity. The finish is long, elegant, and beautifully layered, showing the precision of high-altitude Judean Hills fruit.

Food Pairings
Butter-poached halibut, roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta, seared scallops, or soft Mediterranean cheeses.

Verdict
The 2023 Nobility 215a is the standout vintage, richer than 2024, more focused than 2021, and exceptionally well-balanced. A sophisticated Israeli white showcasing tension, elegance, and depth in perfect harmony.

Did You Know?
“Nobility 215a” honors Sergeant Maj. Yitzhak Tamir, whose radio code (215a) became a symbol of courage during the Yom Kippur War. The wine was created as a tribute to his legacy. — 7 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.2

Very different. Full nose, lighter and dried fruit on the palette — a year ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Deep purple in color; cocoa powder, dried figs, and bwy leaves on the nose; medium acidity, medium tannins; tastes like molasses, blackberry jam, and cedar with a long finish. Great for a boxed wine. — 3 years ago

Thomas McKee

9.0

A very tasty Bolgheri enjoyed on the terrace on the Bay of Silence with grilled bass and filleto. — 4 years ago

William Feinstein

9.3

Beautiful Sonoma Coast Syrah. Won’t ever be confused with an Old World Syrah but no less enjoyable. — 4 years ago

Aaron Rankin

9.2

Exceptionally focused. Savory nose with overtones of rose, blood orange. Body is medium and angular while the palette presents lighter, with bright acid and delicate herbs. — 5 years ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Beautiful aroma, balanced body and acidity minerals and stone fruits — 8 months ago

Nick

8.9

Great blend, very light and juicy with a slight dry spice on the end. A great table wine. Very drinkable. — a year ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.6

Very bright acid. Banging — a year ago

Rodney Miller

9.2

Red cherry and tangerine, light in color and vibrant — 3 years ago

with Merritt

Joe Catanese

9.3

Stunning- secondary flavors developing remarkably early. Not over the hill, just delicious now. — 4 years ago

Rob N

9.1

Still zippy, red fruit, wet volcanic rock, fireworks. But this time I made the mistake of serving after a fuller-bodied Domaine du Pegau! I enjoy this pinot slightly more than the average Cristom but less than the average Radio Coteau. — 4 years ago

Larn

9.5

Unfiltered, white peach in the glass. Strong petrol and reminds me of being in a port cave, dank, and peaty on the nose. Honey, whiskey, and over ripe stone fruit notes without being sickly sweet. Tart, acidic and smoky notes at the finish uplift and balance this wine. Certainly reminds me of a vin jaune (but much more enjoyable). Exceptional with a bloomy rind cheese. — 5 years ago

Tegan Marriott

9.1

Eric Sussman of radio coteaux produced this. He knows the drill. — 6 years ago

Rob N

9.1

Such full-bodied pinot noir — a year ago

Cmijes

9.5

Fort oak hotel omega event sofia 2025 — a year ago

Kapyrick Wine

9.2

v18. Special. Soft smoke and candied nose. Distinct black cherry and blackberry fruit. Clean, firm, slightly astringent , zippy, mineral and chocolate finish. — 2 years ago

Hugh O'Riordan

9.2

I’m allowed 1 to 2 glasses of wine per day. Yikes. If limited intake required this is a good choice. — 4 years ago

William Feinstein

8.9

Quite unusual for a wine from RC and especially for a Zin. Tart with pomegranate and cranberry notes. Finish is a bit short and slightly astringent finish. Benefitted from time in the glass. — 5 years ago

Deborah M

9.0

Blackouts are not “rolling” in Dallas. Power is just out forever. Opened this to make the evening a little better. I have power now, but I know it won’t last long. This wine is helping. A little funk on the nose. Herbal notes with a hint of spice on the finish. Don’t hold these for much longer. — 5 years ago