The 2006 SYRAH was probably the most successful of the “regular” wines this issue, although the Cabernet Sauvignon gives it some competition. Laced with vanilla notes, it also shows good Syrah typicity, hints of game and has a certain sexy quality. Bright and light, without a lot of mid-palate concentration but with some intensity of flavor on the finish and a hit of tannin at the moment, it is a pretty nice regular bottling at its price level. Drink now-2011. Recanati, one of Israel’s larger wineries, makes all Kosher wines. The Yasmin lineup is also Mevushal. The regular bottlings—the “Diamond” series, because of the diamond on the label—is the next step up, followed by the Reserves and the Special Reserve. The “reserves” are where the best intersection of quality and price begins—they are reasonably priced and structured like moderately serious wines. Well made in general, they provide some easy drinking bang for the buck. This, in fact, is the best collection I’ve seen from Recanati. The Special Reserve is actually special and justifies that big, fat bottle, and the regular reserves are pretty nice values.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

Ripe and smoky, with dark plum and kirschlike flavors. A touch cloying on the finish. Kosher. Drink now. 250 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add

Concentrated, ripe and full with aromas and flavors of raspberry, kirsch, mocha and soft pepper. Round in the mouth with a solid, lingering finish loaded with spice. Drink now.——L.B.(4/1/2010)—— 86