Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Five Stones “Monarchy” 2018, Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
Flagship wine produced only in select vintages when estate fruit reaches exceptional quality. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a small block of mature, low-yield vines. Hand-selected grapes crafted into a deeply structured, age-worthy expression of the Judean Hills.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, cassis, black cherry, toasted oak, vanilla, tobacco leaf, espresso, and subtle dark chocolate. Layers unfold with air, revealing complexity and precision.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and commanding. Firm, structured tannins balanced by fresh acidity. Dense core of fruit wrapped in polished oak. Long, persistent finish with depth and refinement. Built for extended aging.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled lamb, slow-braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses, or herb-crusted beef tenderloin.

Verdict
Power with discipline. A Cabernet that confidently expresses maturity, vineyard concentration, and serious intent. Complex, structured, and cellar-worthy. A benchmark Judean Hills Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Low-yield mature vines typically produce smaller berries with a higher skin-to-juice ratio, increasing phenolic concentration and structural depth, key factors in age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.

🍷 Personal Pick
A permanent resident in my cellar. Among my top Judean Hills favorites, layered, intense, and built to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond. — a day ago

Ron R

9.2

Really good collaboration beer from Weldwerks and Welder. Cool stuff. On the 93 bubble… — 3 years ago

Deb Hollander

8.9

Good drinking wine. — 5 years ago

Marta Jackowska

9.6

Back dating our reviews as we’ve been to this (excellent) restaurant twice in the past three days!
Superb seafood and this Chablis was the perfect accompaniment.
👏 to Michael the resident Sommelier for the selection.
— 5 months ago

with Neville

Barry Shailes

10

Absolutely lovely! One of our faves. 2020 vintage — a year ago

Ben Del Vento

10

My current favorite wine. Resident on my coravin … Barnyard, tannins, black olive, blackberry — 3 years ago

Jason Gelman

9.1

Goodbye NYC! My last bottle of wine as a New York City resident. 12 great years here. Onto the next adventure. — 5 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.0

Hi Everyone. FYI I am now a resident of Miami! Please reach out if you are ever in town!

@Ron R maybe we meet in the. #305?

This wine is somewhat unapproachable. Not much fruit even on the front. There are a few attractive notes (dark chocolate) but it's chopped off, no secondary, no tertiary.

90+ points — 6 months ago

Traci Bartkus

9.5

Resident Christmas party, found at the Cellar — 2 years ago

S.S. Mandani

9.5

Celebrating another publication this year, for a total of 13 pieces: 10 short stories and 3 installments of the beverage column, Liquid Carriage at No Contact.

Described to me by the owner and resident vino at Frankly in TriBeCa as an electric Chenin that changes over a few days from slightly bready to fresh and zippy to Burgundian-like.

I had to experience this chameleon of flavors.

Fresh Focaccia on the nose. Bready and boozy in the bouquet. Aromas of tropical fruit, papaya and lemongrass.

Super well balanced, fresh acid, nice RS, beautiful softness like rose petal mouthfeel.

Love this. So much. — 4 years ago