The single vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Tzora Vineyards 'opens with a deep nose of plums and freshly turned earth' and 'goes on to show spicy oak and gently caressing tannins in fine balance with peppery blackcurrants and blackberries,' writes Israeli wine critic Daniel Rogov in his Guide to Israeli Wines 2010.
According to Rogov, this boutique wine has a 'long finish, with tannins rising comfortably, an appealing note of saddle leather.' Earning a score of 90 ('exceptional in every way'), this red wine blend - 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot - can be drunk now or cellared through 2015.
Tzora Vineyards, rated at 4 stars ('consistently producing high-class wines') by Rogov was founded by Ronnie James and produced its first wines from Tzora grapes in 1993, a release of 1,500 bottles.
An autodidact and pioneer in the field of winemaking in Israel, James quickly learned the fine points of winemaking and understood that the location of the vines (terroir) and the techniques used in viticulture are critical to the quality of the wine produced and the elements that give grapes their life, flavor, color, and aroma.
Ronnie then chose and planted his vines in areas he foresaw would produce the best possible wines in the future. James passed away in 2008, but his successor Eran Pick has maintained James' devotion to the concept of terroir.
Tzora wines are named after the vineyards from which the grapes grow: Givat HaHalukim, Neveh Ilan, Shoresh, and Judean Hills area wines.
Today, production stands at 80,000 bottles. Investors have given the winery enough capital to invest in state-of-the-art equipment. A new winery is currently being planned.
All of Tzora's wines have been kosher since the 2002 vintage.
