The aromatic and complex Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon El Rom offers a rich mix of different characteristics. Fresh cherry and berry notes are accompanied by traces of cassis, earth, cocoa and potpourri. Nuances of fresh herbs lead to an organic background that sensually completes the taste. The wine combines elegance in body with good concentration and a lasting finish. The 2004 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon El Rom is now ready to enjoy. This means, based on past vintages, that the wine will get even better over the next 5 to 8 years and will be very good to drink for around 15 years (possibly even longer) from the bottling date. We enjoy this wine especially on festive occasions with a good meal, which ideally consists of prime rib, slowly roasted over charcoal, or beef Wellington or lamb neck.
The harvest
A cold and wet winter, with rainfall a third higher than usual, preceded a cool March and April. After a warm May, moderate temperatures set in for the 2003 season. These unusually stable temperatures and weather conditions led to the longest wine harvest in our history: 17 weeks. Due to the optimal conditions and relaxed pace of harvest, each individual area of the vineyard was harvested at the peak of its ripeness and flavor. The 2004 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon El Rom was produced from three Cabernet Sauvignon areas of the vineyard. This ten acre area was planted between 1983 and 1985. The vineyard is located at 1100 meters (3600 feet) above sea level, resulting in relatively cool conditions. Because of this, it is difficult to get the canopy open enough to maximize sunlight on the vines. If the fruit was just a little too shaded, aggressive herbaceous notes can dominate. The soil on this side is relatively deep, which results in quite vigorous growth, especially in years with late spring rains. The grapes from the upper area were harvested on October 19th and the grapes from the two lower areas on November 9th. The wine matured for about 18 months in small French oak barrels, about 70% of which were brand new.
Manufacturer / Producer: Golan Heights Winery, Katzrin, Israel
Growing area / region: Galilee - Golan - Vineyard El Rom / Galilee - Golan - Vineyard El Rom (Galil)
Expansion / Sweetness: red, dry, kosher / red, dry, kosher
Alcohol content: 15% vol. contains sulfites
Rogov score 94
