The best Merlot ever made in Israel.

 

Yarden, Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, 2004: Showing as splendidly as ever! Dark garnet toward inky black, full-bodied, with its once firm tannins and generous spicy wood now well integrated and showing soft and caressing. Opens to reveal a tempting array of blackberry, raspberry, plum and cassis fruits, those supported nicely by hints of smoky cedar wood and chocolate, all leading to a gently spicy and notably long finish. Simultaneously complex, concentrated and elegant. Drink now–2018. Score 93 (Daniel Rogov)

 

Yarden, Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, 2001: My most recent tasting not holds firmly. Deeply aromatic, reflecting its 14 months in mostly new French barrels with generous spicy oak, that in harmony with ample but seamless tannins, all coming together in a dense but plush and luxurious wine. Full-bodied, showing appealing aromas and flavors that open in layer after layer, those including blackberries, near-jammy plums, chocolate, fresh herbs and, on the long finish, a rising hint of Oriental spices all with a light herbal bitterness, that offset comfortably by a hint of orange peel. Drink now–2014. Score 94.  (Daniel Rogov)