Galil Mountain Winery Sauvignon Blanc

We received samples of three wines from Galil Mountain Winery in the Upper Galilee near Kibbutz Yiron. Two millennial ago, the Upper Galilee had many vineyards planted. Today, the region is returning to a tradition of wine growing and winemaking. The winery was established by Kibbutz Iron and Golan Heights Winery. The winery sources grapes from six vineyards ranging in altitude from 420 meters (1,378 feet) to 800 meters (2,625 feet).

We invited some friends to taste these wines with appetizers in our wine room. The first impression was the fruit forwardness of the wines, all from the 2016 harvest. The second impression was the price points. We tasted the Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Sauvignon Blanc was crafted with hand harvested grapes. After a three-week fermentation, the wine was racked to a stainless steel tank. The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc had a yellow color with a gold hue. The 13.5% alcohol wine offered lemon and tropical fruit notes on the aroma. The taste was reminiscent of lemon and lemon grass with a hint of pineapple. The finish was very crisp with fruit yielding to mineral. This was the only white wine tasted and our group enjoyed it. The Sauvignon Blanc retails for $17.99.

Our next wine was the 2016 Merlot. The wine underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks for seven days. It was then racked to stainless steel tanks for six months of aging. The opaque dark ruby colored wine was 15% alcohol. The aroma had black fruit notes with a hint of chocolate. The taste included black cherries, black berries, mineral and forest floor. The very smooth mouthfeel was accompanied by a medium/full body with medium tannins. The finish offered fruit, chocolate and earthiness. The wine retails for $14.99 and was considered the best buy of the three sampled wines. This Merlot was enjoyed by the group and became the favorite of the evening.

Our third sample was the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Like the Merlot, this Cab was fermented in seven days and then racked to stainless steel tanks for Malolactic fermentation and six months of aging. The color was a dark ruby to black. The 15% alcohol wine had an aroma of black fruits. The smooth mouthfeel had tastes of cassis, blackberries and spices. This medium/full bodied Cab had medium/bold tannins. The finish was fruity. The Cabernet Sauvignon retails for $15.99.

All three wines were Kosher Lamehadrin Kosher for Passover. The wines were not mevushal. If you have not tried an Israeli wine, and you enjoy fruit forward wines at an affordable price, try Galil Mountain Winery’s wines this holiday season. The website KosherWine.com carries these wine as does jwines.com.

Cheers,
Terry