Mawari is an indigenous white grape that Recanati grows in its own Biodynamic vineyard in the Upper Galilee, the first of its kind in Israel. While aromas of kiwi and white flowers are a delicate first impression, the succulent notes of white melon, white raspberry and papaya are exotic and chiffon-like.

Marawi, also known as Hamdani, is an indigenous white grape that Recanati has sourced from a Palestinian-owned vineyard in Bethlehem. (With the next vintage, the grapes will come from Recanati's own Biodynamic vineyard in Upper Galilee, the first of its kind in Israel.) It's all about exotic white flowers, including the perfume of tropical gardenia. Ripe mango and herbs come into play on a creamy mouthfeel, while citrus and stoniness add depth to its frisky acidity.

This interesting monovarietal—another part of Recanati's mostly-realized plan to reinvent itself—has a dark and burnished feel, velvety texture and a reductive touch—a bit of a flinty nuance that winemaker Gil Shatsberg says is typical of the grape. 

The 2016 Marawi was aged for six months in 90% used French oak and comes in at 12% alcohol. There was no malolactic fermentation. This shows fine concentration, a lush, velvety mouthfeel and a hint of mushrooms on opening. All good, but I just wanted a little more verve. Retasting it a couple of times more over the next hour showed some. Not that this will ever be a crispy white, but the grip on the finish became more appealing. It acquired a little distinction. This may well be the best yet for the Marawi, but as in the past, let's be a little conservative and see if it can hold and develop. To justify my enthusiasm, it needs to do so. For the moment, let's lean up. It may yet improve.