Yarden’s 2021 Merlot is a smooth, full-bodied red from the volcanic soils of the Golan Heights (Galilee), offering ripe red & black fruit, balanced oak spice, and earthy herbal notes. Drinkable now but with good structure to develop well over the next 5-10 years. Great for pairing with hearty fare or sharing by the fire.

Key Specs & Origins

Attribute	Detail
Winery / Producer	Golan Heights Winery — “Yarden” label, flagship of the estate.
Vintage	2021
Variety	100% Merlot
Region / Appellation	Galilee / Golan Heights, Israel — vineyards on the volcanic plateau, high altitude, cool nights, rocky soil. Kosher for Passover.
Oak / Aging	Aged ~18 months in French oak barrels (around 40% new oak)
Alcohol / Stats	~14.5% ABV; TA ~5.6 g/L; pH ~3.60

Tasting Profile

Component	Flavor / Aroma Notes
Appearance	Deep ruby / garnet color, with a little youthful brightness at the rim. (Typical Merlot intensity from Golan)
Nose / Aroma	Aromas of ripe red & black berries (plum, black cherry), blueberry; hints of orange marmalade; earthiness; spices; subtle herbal / fresh herb undertones.
Palate / Taste	Rich berry fruit core; plum, dark cherry; some coffee/chocolate in background; oak spice (vanilla, cedar); earth / minerality; orange peel/herbal lift; smooth texture, good weight.
Finish	Medium-long: berry fruit lingers with oak and spice; gentle tannins; earth and herbal notes fade gradually, leaving a warm, slightly spicy aftertaste.

What Makes It Special

Terroir influence: Volcanic soils, elevation, wide temperature swings (warm days, cool nights) give the wine structure, freshness, and balance between fruit and acid.
Well-balanced oak: Use of French oak — some new, some not — adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Food-friendliness: Full-bodied but not overbearing; enough structure to pair with robust dishes.
Aging potential: Although approachable now, the wine is built to evolve in bottle for several years.
Rich, fruit-forward and smooth — appealing for both those new to Israeli wine and connoisseurs.
Oak and spice add nuance; herbal & earthy notes give it character beyond pure fruit.
Good value for a wine with complexity, origin, and aging.

Drinking Window & Pairings

Now: Great with decanting or letting it breathe, so that secondary aromas open up.
Drink-by: Likely stays excellent for 5-10 more years from vintage (i.e. into ~2028-2031 depending on storage) given its balance.

Food Pairings

Grilled lamb, beef, or game meats, especially with herb sauces (rosemary, thyme)
Mushroom-based dishes (stroganoff, mushroom risotto)
Roasted root vegetables, eggplant dishes, food with tomato sauces
Mild to medium aged cheeses — Gouda, Gruyère, Manchego

Domestic - Merlot