2009 Tzora Vineyards Red Judean Hills Israel (Kosher)

SKU #1085398 89 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Judean Hills red blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and the rest Syrah, aged for 12 months in French oak. Initially unimpressive, this really benefited from some 40 minutes of aeration. The longer it was open, the more I liked it, its juicy fruit coming to the fore and becoming simply delicious, while it showed better and better structure and support for the fruit. After opening without much mid-palate concentration, it fleshed out a bit in the glass, also showing increasing intensity and focus to go with its nice, velvety texture. In a region not particularly famed for good pricing, it is well slotted in that regard as well. It is tightly wound at the moment, with that burst of fruit on the finish and an agreeable texture. In the short to mid-term, this offers a ton of value and might win some consumer affection over the Shoresh. In the long run, they will likely separate more as this lacks the mid-palate concentration to develop in a distinguished fashion in the cellar. At the moment, though, it still has some potential to improve. There is underlying power. Drink now-2018. (12/ 2011)

K&L Notes

Additional comments from Wine Advocate's Mark Squires: "Tzora's lineup here is the best dry lineup I’ve yet seen from the winery, and the best news of all is that they are generally quite reasonably priced as things go in this region. If you like their styles, these offer some value for the money." (12/11)