The 2009 SAUVIGNON BLANC, from the Northeastern Negev and a vineyard next door to the winery, was aged for 3 months in used French barrels. It had a sour lemon ball note on the finish on opening that made it mouthwatering and gripping, but not particularly pleasing. Some time focused this wine nicely and allowed it to integrate its parts. With the modest oak treatment well under control, it is only modestly aromatic relative to what normally comes from this grape, which will please some, but likely not make fans of hard core sauv blanc enthusiasts, who often seem to revel in herbaceous aromatics. An interesting comparison comes from Yatir’s owner, Carmel, which makes a less expensive Sauvignon Blanc, reviewed this issue, that I liked as well, although for different reasons. They are very different visions of Sauvignon Blanc, the Yatir being sterner, rounder and deeper, more impressive in some ways, but not as expressive as the grassier, more aromatic Carmel. This did eventually grow on me, though. Drink now-2012. The pricing for the Yatir whites has not yet been set, although Yatir does have an importer.Importer: Royal Wine Corp, Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118

Tropical fruit flavors, with canned peachy notes, fill this soft white. Kosher. Drink now. 500 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Israel / Negev Select to Add