The 2007 YATIR FOREST is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot, and 7% each Merlot and Malbec, aged for 12 months in French oak. Well, that hit the spot! Velvety in texture and clinging to the palate, it is complex and earthy, a bit of game showing, fairly deep and pointed, with fine fruit and good aging potential. Brooding at first, becoming ethereal as it airs out and caressing the palate in an utterly sensual fashion, it seems both intense and graceful at the same time, a hard feat to accomplish. This is a Yatir Forest that should merit its reputation and its price tag, and it has some upside potential, too. It was just a joy to drink. It was interesting this year to compare the Yatir Forest to its Northern high end sibling, the Carmel Limited Edition reviewed this issue. Their styles were quite similar and so were the quality levels; I had a minor preference here, largely on aromatics, which may yet evolve with a little time, but if you can’t find one, buy the other. Both were very fine performances. There were 25,000 bottles produced. I think it will be approachable soon, but give it a couple of years to settle down. Drink 2012-2020. Yatir, one of Israel’s best know boutiques, does have an importer, but not all of these may make it into the USA marketplace. In particular, I’m advised by the winery that the Shiraz will not be sold in the USA.Importer: Royal Wine Corp, Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118.