The New Israeli Wine Guide has been launched at the new branch of Derech Ha’Yayin in Tel Aviv. The authors, Yair Gath and Gal Zohar, presented their selection of the ‘Best Seventy’ wines in Israel. Guests gathered from every part of the wine business, to receive a card with two QR codes on it. One was to download the Hebrew version, and the other was for the English one.
Yair Gath is the wine critic for Israel Hayom and Gal Zohar is a sommelier of international renown. Both tasted over 300 wines blind to arrive at their selection. The New Israel Wine Guide fills the void left by the passing of Daniel Rogov, whose annual wine guide became a regular purchase for wine lovers. Since his death in September 2011, there has been no guide, publication or critic that has managed to replace him.
The new Derech Ha’yayin wine store is situated on Hashalom Road, in Tel Aviv, just off the Ayalon Highway. It is tenth branch of Derech Ha’Yayin and it is the newest, largest and most impressive of the chain of wine shops.
At the event, Adam Montefiore introduced the authors. He said true success would be measured if the project was continued. Then Yair Gath and Gal Zohar said a few words. Zohar mentioned how Gath had originally approached him with the idea to produce the guide. Finally Uri Shaked spoke and introduced everyone to the new Derech Hayayin.
In the guide, only thirteen wines succeeded to receive 89 or more points and they are listed below in alphabetical order. Most successful was Tzora Winery, with three wines receiving 89 points or more.
Carmel Kayoumi Shiraz 2008 90 points Flam Noble 2008 90 Lewinsohn Garage de Papa 2010 90 Tzora Shoresh 2012 90 Yatir Forest 2009 89+ Adir A 2010 89 Clos de Gat Ayalon Valley 2008 89 Golan Heights Yarden Syrah Avital 2008 89 Margalit Cabernet Franc 2010 89 Montefiore Red 2012 89 Tzora Misty Hills 2010 89 Tzora Neve Ilan 2011 89
Vitkin Petite Sirah 2009 89
