A charry, full-bodied red, this offers layers of grilled plum, currant and singed-cedar flavors, with ganache, peppery spice and richness midpalate, firm but smooth tannins, and mineral and forest floor aromas lining the finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–GS??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add

A stunning and balanced Cab, the El Rom Vineyard boasts ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis aromas and flavors, dusted with accents of cedar, cocoa powder and cigar box spice. Round and hedonistic in the mouth with seductive dark fruit and a mocha-driven finish, this wine is approachable now but can also stand some years in the cellar.——L.B.(4/1/2012)—— 91

The 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON EL ROM VINEYARD YARDEN, like the comparison between the 2003 and 2004 “basic” Cabs, is a step behind the 2003, not quite as graceful, a little fuller in the mouth, but a little more herbaceous, which nuance I did not always appreciate. It might be worth noting that the alcohol spikes here to 15% compared to the 13.9% of the 2003, although I didn’t see a problem with heat. The wine does hold decently to the next day, perhaps in part because of its extra year of youth. This is a nice enough wine, but frankly you can save a lot of money and be just about as happy with the 2003 or 2004 “basic” Yarden Cab, granting that they are in a somewhat fruitier, sweeter style. 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