Five Stones Vineyards
Virtuous Dry Red Bordeaux Blend
Judean Hills, Israel
Five Stones Vineyards – Virtuous 2021
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱
Overview
A premium Bordeaux-style red blend from Five Stones, composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. Aged ~15 months in new French oak, this wine aims for elegance, depth, and a long finish. (Educational note: new oak aging adds structure, tannin and vanilla/spice notes, but when handled well like here, it complements the fruit rather than overpowering it.)
Aromas & Flavors
Rich dark fruit — blackberry, cassis, and plum — with oak-driven spice, vanilla, and cedar. Underneath, you’ll find hints of tobacco, moist earth, and dark chocolate.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and velvety with firm but integrated tannins. Acidity is balanced, giving lift and freshness. The finish is long, warm, and polished, with lingering dark fruit and spice.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, beef short ribs, or roasted game. Also shines with rich mushroom risotto, hearty stews, or mature cheeses.
Verdict
“Virtuous 2021” is a compelling expression of what Judean Hills can do at its best, powerful yet elegant, oak-driven yet fruit-focused. Definitely a wine to enjoy now but with the structure to evolve. This one seats on top of my favorites from Israel, so lovely. Cheers!🍷
Did You Know?
The “Virtuous” blend spends ~15 months in new French oak, which contributes subtle spice, vanilla, and complexity — oak aging is expensive, but it adds depth here without overwhelming the grape character.
Five Stones Vineyards – Virtuous 2021
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱
Overview
A premium Bordeaux-style red blend from Five Stones, composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. Aged ~15 months in new French oak, this wine aims for elegance, depth, and a long finish. (Educational note: new oak aging adds structure, tannin and vanilla/spice notes, but when handled well like here, it complements the fruit rather than overpowering it.)
Aromas & Flavors
Rich dark fruit — blackberry, cassis, and plum — with oak-driven spice, vanilla, and cedar. Underneath, you’ll find hints of tobacco, moist earth, and dark chocolate.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and velvety with firm but integrated tannins. Acidity is balanced, giving lift and freshness. The finish is long, warm, and polished, with lingering dark fruit and spice.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, beef short ribs, or roasted game. Also shines with rich mushroom risotto, hearty stews, or mature cheeses.
Verdict
“Virtuous 2021” is a compelling expression of what Judean Hills can do at its best, powerful yet elegant, oak-driven yet fruit-focused. Definitely a wine to enjoy now but with the structure to evolve. This one seats on top of my favorites from Israel, so lovely. Cheers!🍷
Did You Know?
The “Virtuous” blend spends ~15 months in new French oak, which contributes subtle spice, vanilla, and complexity — oak aging is expensive, but it adds depth here without overwhelming the grape character.
