Our first RCC Israel was held on June 5th, 2016*. The food was excellent. My very abbreviated and informal notes on the wines were as follows:

Ella Valley Vineyards, Vineyards Choice , Petite Syrah, 2008 – died in the glass within 5 minutes – but it was likely a bad bottle. Need to retry.

Carmel Limited Edition, 2008 – still improving in my opinion. Got a couple of years in the tank for sure.

Shiloh, Secret Reserve , Merlot, 2008 – was OK but not mind blowing – probably moving into drink up.

Hevron Heights, Special Reserve, 2009 –  Can’t tell if this is still way too young, or it’s just not good. Was very closed – but besides that seemed a bit bitter – and not in a good way. Kept on waiting for it to improve – but ultimately, couldn’t invest any more time….

Yatir, Syrah, 2009 – to me was the biggest disappointment- drinkable but on the way out. Way past due.

Segal, M.A.S.C., 2009 – this one is a puzzler. A very heavy wine that probably needs more time. I can’t understand though why people would pay that price for it – but it is probably too early to really pass judgement.

Gvaot, Gofna, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 – one of the top 2 of the night. Wonderful.

Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Kerem Yonatan, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 –  – this one was not for me. Over the top all around.

Flam, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 –  – for me, the other of the top 2. I simply can’t find anything wrong with this wine. It is absolutely perfect. Has it reached peak yet? Probably not – which is downright scary.

Gvaot, Chardonnay Cabernet, 2014 – – solid as expected. Not sure it is RCC worthy though.

Gat Shomron, 24K, Iced Wine, Gewürztraminer, 2011 – WAY too sweet for me – without much depth of flavor. While there was a touch of acidity left there – it was not enough to balance it out. and had i had it with desert I would have totally lost out on the amazing delicate flavors of that ridiculously awesome Pana Cota.