Wine Enthusiast has been a trusted source for wine lovers for decades, serving as a pivotal guide in the world of viniculture. With Purim and Passover around the corner, it’s the perfect time to highlight the best Israeli wines. These wines, featured in Wine Enthusiast’s December edition, exemplify the high quality and success of Israeli winemaking. With their impressive ratings, they represent the rich terroir, heritage, and innovation of Israel’s vineyards.
Being featured in this esteemed publication, let alone receiving high scores, is a testament to a wine’s quality, craftsmanship, and the passion behind its creation. This recognition is more than just an award; it shines a spotlight on the winery’s hard work and the outstanding quality of its products.
Wine Enthusiast rates wines from 98-100 as Classic – the pinnacle of quality; 94-97 as Superb – marking great achievements; 90-93 as Excellent and highly recommended; 87-89 as Very Good – offering good value; 83-86 as Good for everyday consumption with good value; and 80-82 as Acceptable for casual use. This scale helps guide enthusiasts in selecting wines that reflect the quality and dedication of their makers.
Here’s the list of celebrated Israeli wines:
Dalton 2020 Alma Deep Red Red Blend Galilee – scored at 94 points.
Blackberry, cassis and toasted nut aromas emanate from the glass. There is a nice bright note of pomegranate underlying Mission fig, eucalyptus, dark chocolate, orange zest and caramel flavors. Luxurious tannins and well-balanced acidity stroll hand in hand into a lengthy finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2020 Nadav Single Vineyard Field Blend Bordeaux-style Red Blend Galilee – scored at 94 points.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a nose of cassis, Mission fig, forest floor and clove. Tannins come on strong at first and then recede to reveal black cherry, purple plum, violet, olive paste and nutmeg flavors that sail into a satisfying finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2021 Estate M Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee – scored at 94 points.
A bouquet of blackberry, caramel and violet prepares the palate for Luxardo cherry, blackberry preserve, clove, milk chocolate and violet flavors that are backed by silky tannins. A nice vein of acidity remains on the palate from start to finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2021 Estate Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee – scored at 94 points.
This deep violet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, caramel and dried thyme. Luscious blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet flavors are encased in a sheath of opulent tannins that recedes into an enduring finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2018 Elkosh Single Vineyard Shiraz Upper Galilee – scored at 93 points.
This deep garnet wine has aromas of blackberry, caramel and dark chocolate. Caramel and chocolate continue on the palate, aided by black cherry, black currant and violet flavors. Silky tannins and just the right level of acidity make for a pleasing finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee – scored at 93 Points.
Purple plum, dark chocolate and eucalyptus aromas pave the way for black currant, blackberry, chocolate-covered espresso bean, eucalyptus and vanilla flavors. Opulent tannins coat the palate and then drift off into a cocoa butter scented finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2020 Alma Red Rhône-style Red Blend Galilee – scored at 92 points.
This ruby red-colored wine offers aromas of cherry, red currant and violet. Opulent tannins that linger on the palate support raspberry, blackberry, butterscotch and baking spice flavors.”
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2020 Estate Oak Aged Shimshon Petite Sirah Galilee – scored at 92 points
This dark ruby-colored wine has aromas of black cherry, cedar chest and lavender. Cooling herb notes underlie bright flavors of raspberry and pomegranate that are accompanied by downy tannins and a soft note of citrus zest that lingers in the mouth.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2021 Canaan Red Blend Galilee – socred at 92 points.
Deep black cherry-colored, this wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood and dried sage leaf. Black currant, blackberry, mint, licorice and dried thyme flavors are wrapped in a sheath of slightly grippy tannins that power on into a lasting finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Gva’ot 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Shomron – scored at 92 points.
Aromas of elderberry, cedar block and mocha set the stage for Chambord, purple plum, eucalyptus, clove, pine needle and green bell pepper flavors. Sturdy tannins slowly peel away to reveal a cherry pie finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Gva’ot 2021 Merlot Shomron – scored at 92 points.
Aromas of cassis, blackberry and a touch of earthiness set the stage for black currant, Luxardo cherry and caramel flavors with a hint of smoke. Plush tannins glide along the palate and dissolve into a smoky finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Hayotzer 2019 Virtuoso Merlot Galilee – socred at 92 points.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a nose of Chambord and herbs de Provence. A framework of polished tannins and nice touches of acidity support raspberry, Mission fig, milk chocolate, mint tea and violet flavors that endure on the palate.
— Mike DeSimone
Shorr Estate Winery 2019 Sha’ar Hagai Rhône-style Red Blend Negev – scored at 92 points.
Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has aromas of Mission fig, red cherry and a touch of flowers. It is slightly spicy at first sip, with licorice and eucalyptus notes alongside cherry pie, blackberry, mocha and violet flavors that wind down to a long, smooth finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2020 Reserve Mevushal Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee – scored at 91 points.
This inky garnet-colored wine has a nose of black cherry, violet and almond paste. Grippy tannins provide a frame for elderberry, cassis, lavender, dark chocolate, orange zest and eucalyptus flavors. It comes on strong, but a pleasant level of acidity brightens the palate and helps the tannins to fade away. Mevushal.
— Mike DeSimone
Hayotzer 2021 Virtuoso Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee – Scored at 91 points.
Dark garnet with a slightly bricky tint, this wine has a bouquet of black plums and dried Mediterranean herbs. Cranberry, raspberry, dark chocolate, mint and dried thyme flavors are set into a framework of glossy tannins that evaporate into an orange zest finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Shorr Estate Winery 2019 Scarlett Bordeaux-style Red Blend Judean Hills – scored at 91 points.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine has aromas of blackberry, black currant, caramel and violet. It is full in the mouth, with bold tannins and black cherry, Mission fig, dried thyme, lavender, and cocoa powder flavors that evaporate into a smooth finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Dalton 2021 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Galilee – scored at 89 points.
This wine has a nose of Gala apple, nectarine and dried Mediterranean herbs. It offers lively acidity and flavors of ripe summer peach, Bartlett pear, and eucalyptus with a touch of rose petal that remains on the palate.
— Mike DeSimone
Shorr Estate Winery 2019 Sha’ar Hagai Cabernet Sauvignon Judean Hills – scorted at 89 points.
This dark garnet wine has aromas of cassis, black plums and olive tapenade. Tart cherry and pomegranate flavors are joined by notes of forest floor, sage leaf and dark chocolate that are wrapped in a layer of rigid tannins. Cranberry and minty notes linger on the chewy finish.
— Mike DeSimone
Shorr Estate Winery 2019 Shikma Cabernet Sauvignon Judean Hills – scored at 88 points.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of fruits of the wood and a touch of camphor. Opening notes of bittersweet chocolate and cigar box are accompanied by raspberry, cranberry and mint leaf flavors. Grippy tannins are matched by a good level of acidity.
— Mike DeSimone
As we embrace the festive spirit of Purim and the reflective time of Passover, these top-rated Israeli wines from Wine Enthusiast’s last December edition offer a splendid way to celebrate. Each bottle reflects the success, quality, and dedication of Israeli winemakers, standing as a testament to the superb craftsmanship found in this ancient winemaking region. Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet moment of contemplation, these wines promise to elevate your holiday experience, underscoring the joy and depth of Jewish traditions with every sip.
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