In the financial paper Calcalist, respected wine critic, Shlomo Papirblat, has named his top ten Israeli wines. They are as follows:

1. Yarden Katzrin 2004, Golan Heights Winery

2. Castel Grand Vin 2007, Domaine du Castel

3. Yatir Forest 2006, Yatir Winery

4. Sycra Merlot 2006, Clos de Gat

5. Carmel Limited Edition 2005, Carmel Winery

6. Recanati Special Reserve 2006, Recanati Winery

7. Eliad 2007, Chateau Golan

8. Flam Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006, Flam Winery

9. The Cave 2005

10. Superior Cabernet Sauvgnon 2006, Barkan Winery.

Seven out of ten are kosher, including the top three wines.

Five of the top wines are produced by small wineries, five by large commercial wineries.

Seven of the wines are Bordeaux style blends, two are Cabernet Sauvignons and one is a Merlot. Interestingly there is no Syrah/ Shiraz on the list. Three of the list come from the Judean Hills, two from the Golan Heights, and the rest are mainly from the Upper Galilee.

Shlomo Papirblat is one of the more knowledgeable and respected wine journalists in Israel, so his views are always of interest.

(This post first appeared on wines-israel.com and is reprinted w/ permission)