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Yatir Winery: Israel’s High-End Boutique Winery
- Sep 1, 2020
By Gregory Aubrey
Regarded as one of Israel’s most exclusive and high-end boutique wineries, Yatir wines are nothing short of spectacular. Founded in 2000 in the archeological site of Tel Arad near the Yatir Forest, the vision was to produce wines of the highest caliber representing the best of Israel’s Judean Hills terroir and its unique quality and character.
Today, Yatir produces up to 150,000 bottles a year and is recognized as one of Israel’s top-quality, award-winning wineries - not only in the Kosher wine world but on a global scale as well (read below to see the many awards Yatir wines have received from international wine).
It Begins In The Vineyards
Set at the Southern End of the Judean Hills, the Yatir region has been producing some of the finest wine since Biblical times. Carmel Winery recognized the region's impressive potential for quality wine growing and decided in 2000 to partner with the land’s grape growers to create a new project on the edge of the Negev Desert, selecting the finest vineyards and grape varieties solely dedicated to Yatir wines.
The conditions for the vineyards are optimal; breezy and cool mornings, sunny and warm days, cold nights, and snowy winters. Planted at an altitude of up to 2950 feet/900 meters above sea level, the various vineyard plots (70) are spread across the Yatir forest in order to give each vineyard its own unique character and achieve the desired quality wine.
Chief winemaker Eran Goldwasser is no stranger to the wine world. With his knowledge of the industry, expertise and attention to detail, Eran has propelled Yatir Winery from great to spectacular. It is his craftsmanship and commitment to quality along with the effort from Yatir’s viticulturists and winemakers that have paved the way for several gold medals and 90+ point ratings from some of the world’s best wine critics.
Yatir - Consistent, High-Quality Wines
As the saying goes “I’ve never met a wine I didn’t like,” we’ve never met a Yatir wine we didn’t love! Wineries go through good and bad vintages/releases, but what makes a winery stand out from the rest is the ability to produce wines of the best and highest quality on a consistent basis, year after year - and Yatir definitely ticks that box. From single varietal and bold, creative reds to the crisp and flavorful white blends and rose, Yatir has a wine for everyone to love.
1. The Reds
Undoubtedly one of the most well-known, premium top-quality wines from Israel for the last 2 decades, the Yatir Forest is simply phenomenal in all aspects. The flagship wine from Yatir is a powerful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Petit Verdot (25%), and Malbec (20%). Only the best vineyard produce is chosen for this wine, and the result is nothing short of incredible. On the nose, sophisticated aromas bursting with ripe forest fruits and a tad of black pepper, with a complex and elegant velvety palate highlighted by black currant, cassis, and delicate oak and vanilla flavors. While this will be a pleasure to drink now, the Yatir Forest has major aging potential and if stored well, will continue to age beautifully for the next 10 to 15 years. Did you know? Yatir Forest has received a 90 point or higher grade for 9 consecutive seasons in “Wine Advocate”, the admired magazine by wine critic Robert Parker. Feeling adventurous? Try the magnum size of the Yatir Forest 2017 and save it for a special simcha.
Ratings: 91 Points by Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points by Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
This wine was matured for 21 months in French oak barrels, giving it its elegant and refined complexity. Bright red in color, this bold wine exhibits a powerful nose with scents of red berries and delicate earthy, peppery flavors. Full-bodied, great acidity, and a finish that has just the right amount of fruit and spice.
Ratings: 91 Points by Wine Enthusiast (2013, 2014 vintage)
Aged in oak barrels and coarsely filtered for 12 months, this bold and full-bodied Petit Verdot from Yatir hits all the right notes - rich and powerful aromas of dark cassis, vanilla, and oak, beautifully balanced by green pepper and floral notes. We recommend letting the wine breathe for a minimum of 45 minutes to allow for the tannins to soften and the wine’s flavors to open up.
Ratings: 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points by Wine Spectator (2012 Vintage)
The Yatir Syrah 2013 is a robust and aromatic medium to full-bodied 100% Syrah, highlighted by ripe dark berry flavors and hints of smoke and earth on the nose, with a rather fruit-forward and oaky palate, yet not overly fruity. This is a pleasure to drink now or will continue developing for the next 3 to 5 years.
Ratings: 91 Points by Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage)
This elegant wine from Yatir is a blend of Syrah, Tannat and Malbec. Showing pleasant aromas of black currant, blueberries, vanilla and hints of spice and black pepper, the wine possesses succulent fruit flavors and displays an earthy, mineral character. While this wine will drink beautifully now, it should develop nicely over the next 5 years.
1. The Whites
This wine is a beautifully crafted blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier. Unlike most Yatir wines, this wine showcases an old-world profile and, while restrained, it is elegantly complex with lots of depth. The nose features a bouquet of fresh white flowers, herbaceous notes, ripe citrus fruit, melon, and quince. Medium-bodied, with a slight viscosity on the palate from the oak aging, along with notes of lemon peels, quince, earthy minerals, medium-plus acidity, with hints of honeydew and fresh herbs on the long finish.
Ratings: 91 Points by Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points by Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
Mt. Amasa White is made from grapes grown in the unique terroir of Yatir Forest. The wine was matured for 5 months in a combination of concrete amphorae, 500-liter oak barrels and stainless steel vats. Mt. Amasa is the meeting place between the Judean Hills, Negev, and the Judean Desert. 52% Viognier 33% Chenin Blanc 15% Roussanne. Displaying golden, pale greenish hues in color, its aromas are reminiscent of summer fruits—melon, papaya, peach, and pear. Integrating ripe, fruity flavors with acidity, and a pleasantly refreshing finish.
1. The Rosé
This dry rosé is comprised of 67% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 3% Viognier grapes that are harvested in Israel's Judean Hills. The wine’s gentle fruitiness balanced by its refreshing and crisp acidity makes it suitable for sipping by itself or when paired with a range of light Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Best enjoyed chilled.
Taste The Elegance & Greatness of Yatir Winery
From the easy-going reds and whites, to the more cellar-worthy and special occasion wines, Yatir Winery has something unique and special to offer for your next Shabbos, Yom-Tov or special occasion. Discover this award-winning winery and the refined wine portfolio from Yatir, from the comfort of your own home! Not sure where to start? Try the Yatir Mixed Case to get a unique selection of the winery's best wines at a special reduced price.
