Yarden 2021 Merlot Galilee Israel

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Yarden’s 2021 Merlot is a smooth, full-bodied red from the volcanic soils of the Golan Heights (Galilee), offering ripe red & black fruit, balanced oak spice, and earthy herbal notes. Drinkable now but with good structure to develop well over the next 5-10 years. Great for pairing with hearty fare or sharing by the fire. Key Specs & Origins Attribute Detail Winery / Producer Golan Heights Winery — “Yarden” label, flagship of the estate.  Vintage 2021   Variety 100% Merlot  Region / Appellation Galilee / Golan Heights, Israel — vineyards on the volcanic plateau, high altitude, cool nights, rocky soil.  Kosher for Passover. Oak / Aging Aged ~18 months in French oak barrels (around 40% new oak)  Alcohol / Stats ~14.5% ABV; TA ~5.6 g/L; pH ~3.60  Tasting Profile Component Flavor / Aroma Notes Appearance Deep ruby / garnet color, with a little youthful brightness at the rim. (Typical Merlot intensity from Golan)  Nose / Aroma Aromas of ripe red & black berries (plum, black cherry), blueberry; hints of orange marmalade; earthiness; spices; subtle herbal / fresh herb undertones.  Palate / Taste Rich berry fruit core; plum, dark cherry; some coffee/chocolate in background; oak spice (vanilla, cedar); earth / minerality; orange peel/herbal lift; smooth texture, good weight.  Finish Medium-long: berry fruit lingers with oak and spice; gentle tannins; earth and herbal notes fade gradually, leaving a warm, slightly spicy aftertaste.  What Makes It Special Terroir influence: Volcanic soils, elevation, wide temperature swings (warm days, cool nights) give the wine structure, freshness, and balance between fruit and acid.  Well-balanced oak: Use of French oak — some new, some not — adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit.  Food-friendliness: Full-bodied but not overbearing; enough structure to pair with robust dishes.  Aging potential: Although approachable now, the wine is built to evolve in bottle for several years.  Rich, fruit-forward and smooth — appealing for both those new to Israeli wine and connoisseurs. Oak and spice add nuance; herbal & earthy notes give it character beyond pure fruit. Good value for a wine with complexity, origin, and aging. Drinking Window & Pairings Now: Great with decanting or letting it breathe, so that secondary aromas open up. Drink-by: Likely stays excellent for 5-10 more years from vintage (i.e. into ~2028-2031 depending on storage) given its balance. Food Pairings Grilled lamb, beef, or game meats, especially with herb sauces (rosemary, thyme) Mushroom-based dishes (stroganoff, mushroom risotto) Roasted root vegetables, eggplant dishes, food with tomato sauces Mild to medium aged cheeses — Gouda, Gruyère, Manchego

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