Yatir’s vineyards are scattered throughout the Yatir Forest on the edge of the Negev Desert, making this one of Israel’s most exciting and pioneering small producers. Yatir Wines are all crafted with a main mission in mind- to stay true to the region the grapes are grown in. The Yatir forest, where the winery is located, was named after the biblical Levite city and was cultivated in the face of countless scientists who said it was not possible. This region in the Judean Hills of Israel was growing grapes and producing wine over 2,500 years ago, and now Yatir winery is producing 150,000 bottles a year. Their flagship,Yatir Forest,has won a 90+ score in Wine Advocate for the last 9 consecutive vintages.
Forest
Yatir Forest is the estate’s flagship wine, Yatir Forest is a magnificent Bordeaux varietal blend which is a great choice for cellaring or enjoying now with hearty red meat dishes.
Creek
Yatir Creek is predominantly crafted from Syrah and aged for a year in large oak casks to create a perfectly-balanced red with plenty of dark fruit character and firm tannins.
Mt. Amasa
One of Yatir’s most popular lines, Mt. Amasa (red and white blends) are robust and full-bodied with the exact composition varying from vintage to vintage.
Quick Facts About Yatir and Yatir Wines
How to Pronounce Yatir: yah·teer
Located in: Judean Hills, Israel
Established in the year: 2000
Sources grapes from: Judean Hills, Negev
Head wInemaker: Eran Goldwasser
Yatir’s Awards:
Yatir Forest was awarded 92 points by Rober Parker’s The Wine Advocate.
Yatir Syrah was awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast.
How did Yatir Start?
Set at the southern end of the Judean Hills, the Yatir region has been producing wine since Biblical times. The Yatir Winery was founded in 2000 after Israel’s famous Carmel Winery recognised the region’s potential and decided to partner with local grape growers to create a new venture on the edge of the Negev Desert.
What is Yatir most known for?
Yatir is today regarded as one of Israel’s most exciting boutique wineries thanks to the vision and dedication of its founders who saw the viticultural possibilities of the Yatir Forest. The conditions here are unique with very hot days, cold nights even during summer, up to 900 metres of altitude and dry limestone soils. This helps to produce intensely-flavored wines with perfect balance which age very well in the cellar.
Most Popular Wines from Yatir
Yatir Forest is the winery’s flagship bottling crafted from the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes of each vintage and aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.
Yatir Mt. Amasa Red is one of the winery’s most popular wines and is a blend of carefully-selected Bordeaux varietals which is aged in oak for a year before release.
Yatir Petit Verdot is Israel’s first expression of the Petit Verdot grape which was first planted on the estate in 2002.
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