Kristin C

8.9

Light red, medium-light body, floral and slightly mossy notes on the nose, very tart cherry on the front palate, smooth finish — 2 months ago

Iris Wormington

9.2

Easy to drink, medium bodied and extremely minimal tannins. Had with lemon ricotta pasta — 3 months ago

ESF

9.2

wanted to love this more, becoming overpriced, had their first release... still solid quality just not solid value — 4 months ago

Andy B

9.4

Bright, delicious. A NZ sauv blanc! — 3 years ago

Ted

9.0

The wine is still incorrect. Red licorice immediately upon opening. It hung around the whole bottle. Dark fruit. Very enjoyable. — 2 months ago

with Jeni

Scott Kahn

9.0

This is a beautifully balanced example of a Garnacha-cariñena blend from the DO adjacent to Priorat. Crafted by the children of Mogador and Mas Martinet - and at a much better price point — 3 months ago

ESF

9.2

wanted to love tbis more - don't think it has the longevity of other vintages — 4 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.0

From a 375ml.
PnP a bit tight, but luxurious dark fruits,
tannins prevalent but chewy.
Lots of Blue/Black fruit and muddy gravel. Loamy, calls for protein.
Some comments said this was drying. I get that, but not to the point of being unpleasant. Chasing LdH ‘04 is a tough act to follow. This previously garage wine 90-10 Merlot/Cab Franc definitely treads the blacker, more treacly edge.
Not heavy, but black. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Jerusalem Heights Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot 2023 – Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon · 50% Merlot that expresses the rugged power and elevation-driven intensity of the Judean Hills rather than classic Bordeaux balance. Cabernet brings structure, dark fruit depth, and firm backbone, while Merlot contributes mid-palate weight, savory flesh, and dark plum richness. This is not a plush or polished style, it leans muscular, serious, and expressive of place. Elevated intensity, concentration, and tension suggest strong aging potential, with the wine expected to show even greater harmony by 2028+, though approachable now with air.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, cassis, and dark blackberry. Savory notes of dried herbs, black pepper, cedar, and warm stone. Subtle earthy undertones with hints of tobacco leaf and dark cocoa. The profile leans deep and structured rather than sweet or fruit-forward.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins and a dense core. Structured, slightly angular on opening, softening with air. Fresh acidity keeps the power in check while maintaining lift. Long, savory finish with persistent dark fruit and spice. Built for food and cellaring.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, ribeye steak, roasted duck, slow-braised meats, mushroom-driven dishes, aged hard cheeses, and Middle Eastern spice-forward cuisine. Benefits from decanting 1–2 hours.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is not a crowd-pleasing, plush red, it’s a serious, punchy expression that rewards patience and attention. I love how it shows its regional muscle and personality instead of chasing polish. A bottle for slow evenings, hearty food, and watching a young wine stretch into its future potential.

Did You Know?
The Judean Hills sit at higher elevations with limestone soils and strong diurnal shifts, producing wines with firm structure, savory character, and excellent aging capacity. Cabernet and Merlot here often show more tension and mineral grip than their softer New World counterparts. — 2 months ago

Donald Williams

9.2

Course 1 wine, perfect with the Caprese salad. Salty sea breeze, yellow fruits ripe citrus. Lovely. — 3 years ago

with Bonnie