The Yatir Forest is on the edge of the Negev desert in southern Israel. I have had this wine before and thought it was labelled Negev but this 2012 vintage is labelled Judean Hills. I am not sure where the boundaries of the wine regions are. According to the label, this is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petite Verdot, and 9% Tannat. Inky purple in color. The nose has cassis, plums, char and baking spices. On the palate, this is more boysenberry with black cherries over a gravelly char. Slight tannins. Nice finish. This took some time to open and then kept opening all evening. It seems to need about three to five more years and then should be good for another ten to fifteen. It will work well with middle eastern foods, grilled meats and also roasted fowl or vegetables.
