Ya'ar Yatir 2006: One of Israel's Very Best (K) 
 31.07.2009   
 By: Daniel Rogov

I do not often interrupt my day to post a single tasting note but, for reasons that will become apparent, this is going to be an exception.

Yesterday I received a bottle of the 2006 Yatir Forest for tasting. Largely because the wine has been under discussion, I set up a second blind tasting for myself today, that including this wine and similar blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot), several from Israel and California, two Chile, one from Italy and five from Bordeaux. My tasting note follows. What does not appear in the tasting note is that if winemaker Eran Goldwasser was here now, I would be hugging him!

Best
Rogov

Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2006: Better, even dramatically better than at earlier barrel tasting and advance tasting notes (some of those from components). Deep garnet in color, with orange and purple reflections, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot (50%, 38% and 12% respectively), oak-aged for 16 months in French oak (of which 1/3 were new). Ripe, round and generous, with caressing tannins and a gentle spicy wood influence, opens to reveal layer after layer of currant, plum, blackberry, mocha, and floral notes, all of which linger on a superbly long and mouth-filling finish. A wine that boasts intensity together with grace and elegance. One of Israel's very best. Approachable and thoroughly enjoyable now but this is one for aging and will be at its best from 2011-2020, perhaps longer. Score 94. K (Re-tasted 30 Jul 2009)