The Syrah variety, (also known as Shiraz), is an early riper, known for being of high quality in the Yatir region. The grapes, from low vine crops and several plots are characterized by an exceptionally high concentration of color and flavor. The wines develop a typified aroma that combines blackberry flavors with shades of smoke and earth. At the same time, the wine is relatively soft with a refreshing tang and a medium body that is not heavy. We, at Yatir, believe that wood flavors do not complement the range of flavors in our Syrah wine at all, which is why the wine gets aged only in old and neutral barrels for approximately one year and is marketed after an additional aging period of two years in the bottle. Experience has shown that Yatir Syrah ages wonderfully and culminates after a period of 5-10 years from the time of its vintage.
Vintages: 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
The wine is comprised of Syrah 92%, Tannat 2%. The grapes derive from several plots of Yatir Forest ranging in elevation between 680-820 meters. The soil is clay & chalky. he wines from the different vineyards aged separately in oak barrels (older barrels only), for a period of one year before the creation of the final blend.
Tasting Notes: Displaying deep purple hues. Aromas reminiscent of fresh raspberries with slight smoky notes. A silky, elegant wine with fruity flavors.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2014 Vintage: The winter of 2014 was mainly dry with two significant bouts of rain. The spring was marked by some wintery downpours, which led to a total precipitation of 277 mm – slightly above the annual average. The summer and fall seasons were comfortable, without any significant heatwaves. The harvest, which was of excellent standard, commenced at the beginning of August with Viognier grapes, and was completed with the Petit Verdot at the end of September.
The wine produced from 100% Syrah grapes, coming from several vineyards at altitudes of between 680 - 820 meters above sea level in Yatir Forest. The wines from each vineyard were aged in separate barrels for a year before creating the final blend. The wine was bottled in February 2015 and kept at the winery for a further two years to mature in the bottle. The wine will continue to age for between five to ten years.
Tasting Notes: Displaying a deep purple color. Smoky aromas possessing hints of fresh raspberry. Fruity in flavor, with a velvet and elegant texture.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2013 Vintage: Rainfall in the vineyards in 2013 were 248 mm, slightly less than the average, with most of the rainfall occurring in the first half of the winter. The accumulation of cold bouts (important for the consistency of early growth sprouting) is common place in our region. The ripening period (May-August) was relatively easy, with not too many heatwaves, and with cool nights. The harvest, which was earlier than usual, began in early August with Viognier, and was completed with the harvest of the Petit Verdot grapes at the beginning of September. The average yield was slightly higher than normal (900 kilo per dunam). The grapes were of high quality and of naturally high acidity.
The wine is comprised of 91% Syrah, 5% Merlot and 4% Viognier grapes, from several vineyard plots in the Yatir Forest, situated at altitudes of 680 and 820 meters above sea level. The composition of the varieties varies from one year to the next, depending on the nature of the vintage, and in order to accentuate the Yatir character and quality and the uniqueness of the region and its vineyards. The wines from the different vineyards were aged separately in oak barrels for one year before the final blend was created. The wine was bottled in February of 2013 and was left at the winery for an additional year and a half - to further age in the bottle. Suitable for further aging for a period of five to ten years.
Tasting Notes: the wine’s color is purple, enriched with an aroma of ripe raspberries, beets and tapenade. It has a fruity flavor that is silky and elegant.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2011 Vintage: the winter in 2011 was low on precipitation and on cold spells (175 mm. of rainfall. A considerable amount fell in the spring). The spring that followed was cloudy and colder than average. The growing season was exceptionally comfortable and moderate. The ripening of all grape varieties was slower than usual but linear and continuous – with no delays. Harvesting was delayed by three weeks on average and was completed on Sukkoth Eve (October 12) – the latest date in the history of the Winery.
The wine is comprised of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier grapes, from several vineyard plots in the Yatir Forest, situated at altitudes of 680 and 820 meters above sea level. The wines from the different vineyards were aged separately in oak barrels for one year before the final blend was created. The wine was bottled in February of 2012 and was left at the Winery for an additional year ~ to further age in the bottle. Suitable for further aging for a period of five to ten years.
Tasting Notes: the wine’s color is deep purple, with an aroma that is reminiscent of ripe raspberries, beets and cassis. It has a rich fruity flavor combined with acidity and balanced astringency. Over the years, the wine will become rich and complex.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2010 Vintage: the amount of precipitation was normal for the region. Most of the rain fell at the end of the winter and at the beginning of spring. Blossoming and flowering took place early that year, however an August heat wave deferred the ripening process. Harvesting of the red varieties was completed by the end of September.
The wine is comprised of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier grapes, harvested from several vineyard plots in the Yatir Forest, situated at altitudes of 680 and 820 meters. The wines from the different vineyards were aged separately in oak barrels for one year before the final blend was created. The wine was bottled in February of 2011 and was left at the Winery for an additional year or so to further age in the bottle. Suitable for further aging for a period of five to ten years.
Tasting Notes: the wine’s color is deep purple, with an aroma that is reminiscent of ripe raspberries, beets and roasted chestnuts. It has a rich fruity flavor, combined with acidity and balanced astringency. Over the years, the wine will become rich and complex.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2009 Vintage: the winter was arid, lacking rain (only 70% rainfall of the average amount). Most of the rain fell at the end of the winter and at the beginning of spring. There was a 15% decline in crops, compared with the previous year and the ripening process was deferred by 7-14 days. Harvesting of the red varieties was completed by the end of September.
The wine is comprised of 99% Syrah and 1% Viognier grapes, harvested from several vineyard plots in the Yatir Forest, situated at altitudes of 680 and 820 meters. The wines from the different vineyards were aged separately in oak barrels for one year before the final blend was created. The wine was bottled in March of 2010 and was left at the winery for an additional year or so to further age in the bottle.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2008 Vintage: it was a less than average rainy winter in our region - 140 mm. of rainfall in the Ramat Arad vineyard and 210 mm. in the Yatir Forest. The last significant rain fell in January, leaving the vineyard soil be very dry during the spring, which led to moderate growing of the vines. August was relatively comfortable, without any serious heat waves. The ripening of the grapes was steady and efficacious in all the vineyards. Harvesting of the red varieties was completed in mid-September.
The wine is comprised of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier grapes, harvested from two vineyards in the Yatir Forest, situated at altitudes of 680 and 820 meters above sea level. The wines from the different vineyards were aged separately in oak barrels for one year before the final blend was created. Only the use of old barrels reduces the impact of the wood on the wine and intensifies its unique fruity nature. The wine was bottled in February of 2009 and was left at the winery for an additional year ~ to further age in the bottle.
Yatir Forest Vineyards 2007 Vintage: – the winter that preceded the 2007 harvest had below than average rainfall, with 370 mm. of rain. The months of spring and the first half of the summer were free of any extreme heat waves. August, however, was a hot month, with multiple heat waves. Some of the varieties, such as Merlot and Shiraz, ripened early, while other varieties had delayed ripening, through the end of September.