At a glance

Producer

Golan Heights Winery

Region

Golan Heights, Israel

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-90 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, notes of cedar, tobacco, graphite, subtle oak spice, pronounced structure, youthful grip.

Evolution: Over next 3-5 years, develops silkier texture, gains notes of cigar box, leather, earth, and dried herb, with gradual integration of oak.

At peak: Elegant tertiary profile with softened tannins, flavor complexity reminiscent of top-tier cool-climate Cabernets.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, well-balanced

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, structure for long aging

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (approx.)

Aging potential

10-15 years; best enjoyed 5-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2032

Optimal window

2024 to 2034

Current status

Approachable but youthful

Current condition

Structured, primary fruit still dominant, tannins integrating

The high-altitude, volcanic soils of El Rom Vineyard yield a structured Cabernet Sauvignon with the concentration and phenolic ripeness required for long aging. It matures especially well in bottle as tannins resolve and flavors integrate, delivering peak complexity between 2026-2032.

Food pairing

Best with aged beef, lamb chops, grilled venison, hard cheeses, or richly sauced Mediterranean dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Beneficial to soften tannins and open complex aromatics in this youthful, structured red.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Golan Heights Winery implements integrated pest management, reduced agrochemical use, solar energy projects, advanced irrigation for water conservation, use of lightweight glass and recycled packaging; dedicated biodiversity corridors in vineyard estates.

While not officially organic or biodynamic, Golan Heights Winery is among Israel’s leaders in sustainability, pioneering water-saving drip irrigation, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly packaging. Increased carbon footprint is unavoidable for most international consumers. Overall, the wine achieves strong—but not world-leading—sustainability credentials, scoring a 7 given commitment to evolving best practices and certification under ISIO.