Two Israeli wineries have been included in Oz Clarke’s Pocket Wine Book 2010. Domaine du Castel and Yatir Winery are both listed for the first time signalling more recognition for the advances of Israeli wine.
As far as wine recommendation goes, Castel’s Grand Vin and Yatir Forest are both awarded two stars. ‘C’ Blanc du Castel and Yatir Cabernet Sauvignon are each awarded one star. Two stars equates to: “An excellent wine in its category – one especially worth seeking out.” One star is for: “A particularly good wine in its category.”
In a small section covering Israel at the beginning of the book, Clarke mentions the following wineries: Castel, Yatir, the Yarden label of the Golan Heights Winery and Carmel’s Upper Galilee wines. He cites Clos de Gat and Margalit as the best non kosher wineries.
Oz Clarke, like so many of the world’s preeminent wine personalities, is from Britain. His Pocket Wine Book is in a different format to Hugh Johnson’s, with listings according to the alphabet instead of by country. Thus Yatir finds itself sandwiched between Yarra Valley and Yellow Tail!
Ex-actor Oz Clarke, is one of the most important wine authors and an entertaining TV personality, bringing wine into the home. He is known for his phenomenal palate, irreverent style and enthusiasm. His books on Bordeaux, Grapes & Wines and his Wine Atlas will be on the shelves of many wine lovers. However it is wine educational programs on television for which he is most well-known.
(This story first appeared at http://www.wines-israel.co.il/len/ascrolling%20news/187444.php)
From ynetnews.com:
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Adam Montefiore
Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik
Israeli world-class wines – it’s now official!
For the first time ever, two Israeli wineries, Domaine du Castel and Yarden (Golan Heights Winery), have been awarded the coveted four star awards
Adam Montefiore
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2008 has been published and it contains good news for Israel. For the first time ever, two Israeli wineries, Domaine du Castel and Yarden (Golan Heights Winery), have been awarded the coveted four stars. Apart from Chateau Musar from Lebanon, no other Eastern Mediterranean winery has received four stars, which are awarded only to the finest wineries in the world. According to the book, the four stars are awarded for a wine or winery that is “grand, prestigious and expensive.”
Furthermore no less than four wineries merited three stars for their best wines: Yatir, Flam, Margalit, Galil Mountain and Carmel. Three stars are awarded to wines regarded as “well known and highly reputed.” This reflects great credit on the new quality of Israeli wines and the strength in depth. The first three Israeli wineries in the rankings are: Castel (****); Yarden (**>****) and Yatir (***). In total, there are twenty Israeli wineries listed.
Continue reading Ynet: Israeli world class wines, it’s official
