Yarden Heightswine 2007 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (K) 
 16.06.2009
 
The 2007 Heightswine from the Golan Heights Winery arrived several days ago and today was tasted twice – first blind alongside several ice wines from Germany, Austria and Canada and then a second time, not blind, alongside the 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 editions. The most interesting part of the mini-vertical tasting was to see that the drinking windows of the Heightswine editions are proving longer than originally anticipated.

As is well known by now, the Heightswine is a play on words on either ice wine or eiswein and, because the climate even on the Golan Heights or the Upper Galilee does not allow grapes to be frozen on the vine as is required in the making of true ice wine, the grapes are transported to the winery, there to be frozen at the winery. The result of the freezing is about a 40% sugar content to the must (the pressed grape juice) which is ideal for making ice wines. Since the wine was first produced in 1998 the results have been splendid. My tasting notes for the 5 vintages tasted follow.

Best
Rogov

Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, Yarden, 2007: Richly honeyed, with generous aromas and flavors of ripe white peaches, apricots, litchis and passion fruit, all with overlays of sweet ginger and, on the long, long finish notes of baked apples that have been treated to hints of cinnamon and sweet cream. Medium- to full bodied, rich and with fine balancing acid, a fine wine indeed. Fine with foie gras or fruit-based desserts but my wont will be to serve this one as dessert with nothing but thin slices of well aged Parmesan, Peccorino or Manchego cheese. 375 ml. bottles cost NIS 105. Drink now-2018, perhaps longer. Score 92. K (Tasted 16 Jun 2009)

Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, Yarden, 2006: This dessert wine is made entirely from Gewurztraminer grapes treated to sub-freezing temperatures at the winery. Showing varietal typicity with litchis, apricots and tropical fruits, all on a spicy background. Now starting to develop the floral and honeyed characteristics of an ice wine. Drink now–2014. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 16 Jun 2009)

Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, Yarden, 2005: Made entirely from Gewurztraminer grapes frozen at the winery. Pale gold in color, with a complex nose and palate that offers up pineapple, citrus, litchi, orange peel and floral aromas and flavors, those with a light hint of sea water that adds to the wines charm and complexity. Drink now–2012. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 16 Jun 2009)

Golan Heights Winery, Heightswine, Yarden, 2004: Generous sweetness set off by lively acidity. Elegant and rich, deep gold with a bronze overlay, with apricots, peaches and spices on the nose and palate set to a honeyed and floral background. Drink now-2011. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 16 Jun 2009)

Yarden, Heightswine, 2003: A tantalizing dessert wine, light- to medium-bodied with delicate honeyed apricot and peach aromas and flavors, good balancing acidity and an elegant, lingering finish. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 16 Jun 2009)

Also just released Yarden's 2008 Sauvignon Blanc…

Yarden, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008: My pre-release tasting holds firmly. Light golden straw in color, light- to medium-bodied, a crisply refreshing wine with just enough complexity to catch our attention. On the nose and palate generous green apple, lime and grapefruit, those complemented nicely by hints of pine needles and freshly cut grass, all lingering nicely on the finish. Drink now–2011. NIS 51. Score 89. K (Re-tasted 16 Jun 2009)