At a glance

Producer

Tzora Vineyards

Region

Judean Hills, Israel

Grape variety

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$50

Tasting profile

Red berry and plum aromas with notes of earth, spice, and a touch of cedar; medium to full mouthfeel with balanced tannins and a lingering finish

Evolution: Will develop more complex tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, and tobacco with age

At peak: A harmonious, complex wine with integrated fruit and savory layers

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, medium acidity providing good freshness

Tannins

Medium to firm tannins, polished but present

Alcohol

Approx. 14.0%

Aging potential

10-15 years total, can age gracefully up to about 2032

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Approaching early maturity, suitable for drinking now but will improve with further cellaring

Current condition

Well-structured and vibrant with developing complexity

The 2017 vintage in the Judean Hills was very favorable, leading to ripe fruit with good acidity and tannin structure. The wine needs a few years post-vintage to fully integrate its components, then will maintain quality for approximately 10-15 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted lamb, grilled beef, game meats, hearty vegetable stews, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow the wine's tannins to soften and aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Tzora Vineyards practices sustainable farming with emphasis on water conservation, solar energy use, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Packaging is eco-friendly with lightweight bottles and recyclable materials.

The producer demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability through organic viticulture, renewable energy usage, and sustainable packaging. While exporting internationally adds carbon costs, their approaches mitigate overall footprint effectively.