Graceful and smoky, this fresh red has a pretty mix of singed herb, brambly berry, lavender and rosemary flavors. Shows nice purity, with sculpted tannins gently framing the light- to medium-weight profile. Petit Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Kosher. Drink now. 19,500 cases made, 3,500 cases imported. -K.B.
This deep ruby wine has a nose of cranberry, tobacco leaf and bittersweet chocolate. It is bright on entry with pomegranate and raspberry flavors joined by plush tannins and dark chocolate, coffee, lavender and fennel bulb notes that skate into a minty finish. Kosher. Palm Bay International. Best Buy. —M.D.
Best BuyAromas of black cherry and almond blossom prep the palate for flavors of dark plum, ripe cherry, baking spices and vanilla. The tannins are smooth, and there is a subtle yet sophisticated herbal note on the finish.
Best BuyThis wine has a bouquet of black currant and dark chocolate. Grippy tannins provide a backdrop for bright fruit flavors of ripe cherry, cranberry and Seville orange that are joined by a note of mocha on the finish.
Best BuyCherry red in color, this wine has a nose of cassis, chocolate and coffee. It is soft on entry, offering flavors of ripe summer cherry, black plum, roasted red pepper and anise.
Best BuyDark violet-red in color, this wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, cassis and smoked meat. It opens softly on the palate with blueberry, cherry and white chocolate flavors, buttressed by firm but not overpowering tannins and a touch of smoke. The slightly drying finish features a soft burst of cranberry. Kosher.
Best BuyAromas of blackberry, aniseed and nutmeg make way for flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, espresso and cocoa powder with a touch of green bell pepper. It is bright and fruity on entry, with tannins that sneak up and then linger into the bright pomegranate-laced finish.
Best BuyEasy drinking Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot blend with spicy black fruit and fresh herbs. Meshuval. Kosher.
Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, flint, smoke and violet prep the palate for flavors of raspberry, black cherry, smoked meat, chocolate and black pepper. There is an interesting interplay of fruit flavors and savory notes of herb-rubbed meat. A web of soft tannins plays across the palate through a finish that has flavors of smoke and yellow cherry.
PlatinumIf only more Israeli wines were like this: fresh and unadorned with oak. A blend of 80 percent cabernet sauvignon and 20 percent merlot, it's sunny and bright, balanced between herbal notes and juicy black fruit, ripe but not overly so. It's not complex, but it's a well made everyday red. And it also happens to be mevushal.
PlatinumCherry, clove and freesia aromas give way to flavors of cherry, mint, anise and clove. Well-integrated fruit and spice notes, good mouthfeel and tannins that stop just shy of chewy continue to the lasting finish. Mevushal.
Platinum