Yatir - Four New Releases - With Tasting Notes (K) 
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 By: Daniel Rogov

From the time the Yatir Winery released its first wines from the 2001 vintage it became immediately apparent that this was to be a very special winery and indeed Yatir is now consistently producing some of the very best wines in the country. Set in a state-of-the-art winery near the archaeological digs of Tel Arad at the foot of the Judean Hills, this boutique winery draws its name from the Yatir Forest.

Although the winery is owned solely by Carmel it maintains complete autonomy under the supervision of Australian-trained winemaker Eran Goldwasser. The winery, which releases wines under the Yatir Forest and Yatir labels, cultivates their own vineyards, those with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier grapes. Also currently under cultivation are Tempranillo, Malbec and Petit Verdot, those at this stage destined primarily as blending agents. Current production is about 150,000 bottles annually.

The winery has just released four wines. I had tasted each of these earlier, some even twice (both barrel and advance tastings). My earlier tasting notes hold firmly in each case. Prices given are those in Israel and I consider each to be excellent value for money.

Best
Rogov

Yatir, Shiraz, 2007: Showing even more intense than at an earlier tasting. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet, with gripping tannins and generous but not-at-all imposing spicy wood integrating nicely now. On first attack almost peppery plums and blackberries, those followed by red fruits, dark chocolate and a note of sweet chewing tobacco. Give this one the time needs. Approachable now but best 2012-2017. NIS 141. Score 93. K

Yatir, Viognier, 2009: Light gold with orange and green reflections, medium-bodied but with remarkable mouth-filling abilities. A luxurious, rich and ripe wine with notes of guava, butter, pear and peach fruits all with a tempting floral overtone and a tantalizing hint of unripe almonds on the long finish. Wisely unoaked to highlight the juicy fruits and to keep them in fine balance. Drink now-2012. NIS 87. Score 92. K

Yatir, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007: Now in a deep sleep (call that a dumb phase if you like) and starting to open only when poured back and forth from glass to glass about a dozen times. I have no reason to regret what I said at my earlier tastings: Impenetrably dark garnet in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins and gentle wood influence integrating nicely. On first attack black fruits and spices, those parting to show notes of fresh herbs, black olives and bittersweet chocolate. Drink now–2015. NIS 133. Score 91. K

Yatir, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009: With half of the wine developed in used barriques for three months and the remainder in stainless steel, a wine that is simultaneously crisply refreshing and complex, with just the barest hint of the wood to add to its charm. Light golden in color, with fine aromatics and delicious balancing acidity to highlight grapefruit, kiwi, green apple and melon notes all on a background of sea shells and flint. Drink now-2012. NIS 77. Score 91. K

P.S. For those who will surely ask, I have not yet tasted the 2007 Yatir Forest. Have no fear though, for within hours after that tasting takes place, my tasting note will be posted.