The 2003 CABERNET SAUVIGNON EL ROM VINEYARD YARDEN is one of Golan Height’s specialty wines, from a vineyard planted in 1983-1985, which more or less dates it to the winery’s founding. There were 1,000 cases produced. This bottle, obtained directly from the winery, shows a bit better than the first bottle I saw. The extra cellaring didn’t hurt either. It shows more elegantly than the “basic” Cabernets, and has better balance. It has a nice, lingering finish, both flavorful and gripping. It seems to just have better breeding and more finesse, even if the differences are sometimes subtle. Its graceful demeanor makes it a pleasure to drink and it has become quite charming, enough so that I have to bump it up a little in score. As before, though, while it evolves nicely for the short term over a couple of hours, it does not really reward extended aeration in the way a wine in this price category should. This would probably be my pick over the ‘03 basic Cab disregarding price and style issues, but that the basic Cab is certainly a far better value. Drink now-2014. Golan Heights is Israel’s semi-mythical winery, the one that pretty much kicked off the quality revolution that people are now talking about. Its best wines are among Israel’s best, although the wide range of products and lack of focus can make it somewhat unpredictable. These are all Kosher (not Mevushal).Importer: Yarden, Inc., New York, N.Y.; tel: (212) 997-9463

A crisp, minerally style, delivering luscious flavors of raspberry, blueberry and red plum. The lively finish features touches of mint and dark chocolate. Powerful. Kosher. Drink now through 2012. 1,027 cases made.??–KM??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add