At a glance

Producer

Clos de Gat

Region

Judean Hills, Israel

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Moderate ($40-$60 USD)

Tasting profile

Aromas of ripe dark fruits, blackberries, pepper, smoked meat, subtle herbs, and earthy mineral notes. Flavors layered with dark cherry, plum, licorice, and spicy undertones. Medium to full body with firm tannins and fresh acidity.

Evolution: Fruit will soften and integrate, tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and graphite will emerge over next 5-8 years.

At peak: Balanced complexity, silky texture with persistent finish and refined spice/earth character.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to High acidity providing good freshness and balance

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained and well-structured

Alcohol

Moderate to High (14-15%) typical of mature syrah from Judean Hills

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage due to excellent tannic structure and acidity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Approaching early maturity with graceful evolution

Current condition

The wine is drinking well now with tannins still integrating; gains complexity over next 3-5 years.

The synergy of firm tannins, good acidity, and concentration from the 2017 vintage, combined with Clos de Gat's meticulous viticulture in the Judean Hills terroir, supports a steady aging curve reaching peak complexity between 2025-2030. The wine’s structure allows graceful evolution over 10+ years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled or roasted lamb, beef brisket, hearty stews, game meat, and mature hard cheeses. Rich Mediterranean herbs complement the wine's profile.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open complex aromatic layers.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Clos de Gat employs integrated pest management, water-efficient drip irrigation, biodegradable packaging materials, and solar energy use in the winery.

Clos de Gat has a strong commitment to sustainability through eco-conscious viticulture and winery operations, though lacks international organic certification. The relatively small estate size facilitates careful resource management, lowering environmental impact compared to industrial-scale producers.