Yatir Winery: Four New Releases (K)

[Daniel Rogov]

Four new releases from Yatir, each living up to the high expectations we have come to hope for from this winery.

Best
Rogov

Yatir, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: Blended with 15% Petit Verdot and oak aged for 12 months Rich and deeply extracted, with generous blackberry, currant, black cherry and wild berries that are highlighted by mocha, vanilla and cedarwood overtones. Long and elegant. Drink now–2015. NIS 126. Score 93. K (Re-tasted 22 May 2009)

Yatir, Shiraz, 2006: Blended with 15% Malbec, aged in barriques for 12 months, showing full-bodied and concentrated with still firm tannins that need time to settle in. Showing fine balance and structure, the tannins integrating nicely now with a gentle spicy wood influence and opening in the glass to show blackberry, black cherry and prune notes, those on a background that hints of grilled beef and dark chocolate. Best 2010–2017. NIS 134. Score 93. K (Re-tasted 22 May 2009)

Yatir, Merlot-Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: A complex blend, of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvigon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (35%, 24%, 20%, 10%, 8% and 3% respectively). Not showing any specific varietal traits (but with such a blend one would not expect that) but indeed showing full-bodied, with soft, gently gripping tannins and reflecting its 12 months in oak with near-sweet cedarwood notes. On the nose and palate a potpourri of black fruits, those supported nicely by notes of spices and espresso coffee. Approachable now but best starting in 2011. NIS 107. Score 91 K (Tasted 22 May 2009)

Yatir, Viognier 2008 Yatir, Viognier, 2008: Unoaked, a juicy wine, showing pear, peach and greengage plum fruits, those supported by notes of fennel seed and peach pits, all coming together in a long, harmonious and near-creamy finish. Drink now–2011. NIS 83. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 21 May 2009)

[Eli R]

Four new releases from Yatir, each living up to the high expectations we have come to hope for from this winery.

Indeed, what an excellent batch!

Creative blending, top scores, longer drinking window, sane pricing (altough there is a price increase over list prices of last year).
I am looking forward to any public launcing events and opportunity to taste and stock!

[Rotem Perets]

Four new releases from Yatir, each living up to the high expectations we have come to hope for from this winery.

Yatir, Shiraz, 2006: Blended with 15% Malbec, aged in barriques for 12 months, showing full-bodied and concentrated with still firm tannins that need time to settle in. Showing fine balance and structure, the tannins integrating nicely now with a gentle spicy wood influence and opening in the glass to show blackberry, black cherry and prune notes, those on a background that hints of grilled beef and dark chocolate. Best 2010–2017. Score 93. K (Re-tasted 22 May 2009)

I don't think I ever had the chance to try Shiraz blended with Malbec - interesting.
I'm adding this one to my wish list.

[Mike_F]

sane pricing (altough there is a price increase over list prices of last year)

Didn't see any mention of prices - sane or insane... . Can Rogov or Eli provide details?

[Daniel Rogov]

Mike, Hi...


I have inserted the prices in the tasting notes above. Reactions as to whether the prices are moderate, high, or insane?


Best
Rogov

[Isi M]

Prices are correct and I still consider those wines to be good QPR.

Why is the Shiraz more expensive than the Cabernet ?

[Daniel Rogov]

Why is the Shiraz more expensive than the Cabernet ?

Only thing that comes to mind is possible smaller production but for a definitive answer to that, you will have to turn to the winery for an answer.

Best
Rogov

[Eli R]

For comparison, Yatir Sihraz is still listed as 124 NIS. Sale prices were discounted 10-15%

[Mike_F]

Reactions as to whether the prices are moderate, high, or insane?

They are neither moderate nor insane. I guess I would view them as somewhat pricey, but not outrageous. I'll hope to find the Shiraz and Cabernet on sale somewhere.

[M Kremer]

Do you think that the Shiraz 2006 or CS 2006 will still be good in 2019 for the Bar Mitswah of my son no. 5?

[Daniel Rogov]

Do you think that the Shiraz 2006 or CS 2006 will still be good in 2019 for the Bar Mitswah of my son no. 5?

As reflected in my tasting notes above, I hesitate to extend the projected drinking windows. Personally, I'l hold for the release of the 2006 Yarden wines.

Best
Rogov

[Eli R]

We did cover this topic and the conclusion was - for 13 years, you would be better of with the magnum format.

[Isi M]

We did cover this topic and the conclusion was - for 13 years, you would be better of with the magnum format.

But I don't think Yatir has a magnum for the regular SC and shiraz.

[Jaicky T]

Unfortunately, those of us in the US will be unable to benefit from these great prices, unless we purchase in Israel and bring home. When I was there for Pesach, I brought back two bottles of the 2005 Yatir CS for 110 shekel each($27 on my CC bill), and found a couple of places selling in this range.

Only last week, I received an e mail from one of the well known NJ stores offering this at a "sale price" of $59.99 plus tax, regular price I think may have been close to $80.

[Daniel Rogov]

Unfortunately, those of us in the US will be unable to benefit from these great prices, unless we purchase in Israel and bring home.

The moral of the story perhaps being that it is worth visiting Israel before the next war with Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria and/or Iran????? Just teasing of course...... a nervous tease perhaps but a tease nevertheless..

Best
Rogov

[Eli R]

If you are a wine geek in Israel, I recommend you attend one of the follow tasting event of the above wines:

Wine & More chain - Thursday, June 25, from 20:00 - at a nominal entrance fee of 20 NIS. The event will include the new Ella Valley just released wines.

Wine Route chain - Free Friday morning tasting, June 26.

As usual ther will be a 10% discount (at list) on the wines in the tasting.

Eli

P.S. Can anyone can report back from the "official" event, held "on the water"?

[Z Spigelman]

Hi Eli.
See my brief post about last night's event under Harry's Friday Night Wines weeky post from today.
Shabbat Shalom.
Zvi

[Z Spigelman]

Eli,
Two additional points:
1. At the Derech HaYayin store at Tzomet Saviyon on June 26th - in addition to the Yatir tasting there will be an international beer tasting;
2. Last night's Yatir/Shirat HaYaYin boat ride official event was attended by reps from Wines Israel and Israel Wines, so they should soon be posting articles and pictures.
Zvi

[Michael J]

We plan on having the Yatir Cabernet 2006 tonight - approximately how many hours prior to serving would you recommend opening this wine? I imagine as it is still quite young it could use more than an hour.

[Eli R]

Hi,

All I can say is that the 2005 was at its best 3 hours after opening at a recent tasting in the winery. We did compare it to a bottle just opened and anyone could feel the difference.
I guess you are on Israeli clock. If you open and leave the bottle, you should open it soon. If you pour a little to a glass, I would go for two hours and then you would follow it develop during the meal.

Eli

[Michael J]

Thank you Eli, will do.

[Alek W]

Rogov hi,

could you please provide the drinking window for Yatir, Merlot-Cabernet-Shiraz 2006? Your TN only mentions "best starting in 2011".

Thanks,

Alek.

[Daniel Rogov]

Alek, Hi....

Based on a more recent tasting (remarkably similar note), I'd suggest "best 2011=2017"

Best
Rogov

[Barry K]

hi all
Has anyone spotted the 2006 Yatir CS in Israel..

thanks