Jezreel Valley Winery was established at Kibbutz Hanaton in 2012 by Yehuda Nahar and Yaakov Ner David, and has operated there ever since with the accompaniment of winemaker Yossi Hachmon. From the beginning of its path it has focused on localness and emphasizes Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah, Carignan and Argaman. It is a pleasure to follow it over the years and witness its development. It is impossible to mistake its improvement curve, as well as the good taste of the leading figures behind it.
The wines constitute a blend between respect for localness and varietal identity on the one hand, alongside a pragmatic worldview that does not necessarily adhere to wines in the spirit of the “Old World”. Thus, for example, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah find themselves paired in a blend (Jezreel, Megiddo 2024). Wine lovers as well as less experienced drinkers will know how to appreciate the wines, and the clear emphasis on accessible prices leads to wines that provide good to excellent value for money. Cheers!
Jezreel, Alpha 2024
Syrah, Argaman and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coastal Plain (Givat Nili). 10 months of aging in French oak barrels. On the nose concentrated red fruit, a touch of spices. Medium body. 13.5% alcohol by volume.
How much? NIS 88.
Critic’s note: Good fruit, fairly rich, not overly loaded. The Cabernet provides structure, the Argaman fruit and spices and the Syrah a spiced touch. Pleasant and delicate acidity. Flavors that move toward the round and the mainstream while exercising great caution from spilling into the New World of wine in its exaggerated contexts. Wine for every meal and every drinker. Excellent value for money.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).
Jezreel, Nahalal Red 2024
How much? NIS 88.
Critic’s note: Elegant fruit, not overloaded, dominant spices, relatively thin body compared to the previous wine. Distinct Mediterranean character without any pretension. Will accompany lamb dishes well – from kebab, through ribs and up to stew.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent).
Jezreel, Rosé Derech Hayam 2024
How much? NIS 98.
Critic’s note: Dominant aromatic profile, good balancing acidity, enjoyable aromatics and good dryness. These are not the thin and very dry Provençal rosé wines. The fruit profile here is more present, alongside pleasant florality, and the dryness is evident but not quite as sharp. Very tasty alongside food from the sea (crudo, calamari and fish).
Value for money: 3/5 (Not bad).
Jezreel, Megiddo 2023
How much? NIS 110.
Critic’s note: A blend between the dominant of the Bordeaux varieties and one of the central varieties in the Rhône Valley. The very concept removes the wine from the realms of traditional winemaking. So too is the result. A wine that leans toward the mainstream with a fruity and round appearance that speaks to a wide audience. On the other hand, this is not a typical, predictable and boring Israeli Cabernet-Merlot. The Cabernet gives its share in structure and fruit, the Syrah adds other fruit, prickly seasoning and interest. The result, even if it will appeal also to the less experienced among the readers, is good and worthy. A wine that will successfully carry good steaks as well as beef stews.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good. Local quality equivalents cost another NIS 15-20).
Jezreel, Chenin Blanc 2024
How much? NIS 110.
Critic’s note: Wonderful fruit and good acidity; real complexity alongside airy freshness; a delicate but tangible mineral note and a very high gastronomic coefficient. A charming Chenin Blanc that will accompany fish and seafood with great success.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Jezreel, Argaman 2023
How much? NIS 175.
Critic’s note: Argaman is a variety that was developed in the past in Israel by crossing the Portuguese Souzao and the Spanish Carignan. Although it was born here, few wineries use it. The current wine is clearly full-bodied, holding ripe red and black fruits, with a tangible spiced layer. This is a powerful, rich and complex wine, with a fairly long and impressive finish, that manages to avoid excessive extroversion. Very suitable for beef- and lamb-based stews, as well as aged cuts on the bone in slow roasting on a charcoal grill.
Value for money: 3/5 (Not bad. Cheaper than flagship wines of comparable quality from large wineries).