A Special Reserve Cabernet from the Judean Hills, bottled by one of Israel's first boutique wineries. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, dry, structured, and built to age.

Katlav Winery was founded in 1998 by Yossef Yttach in the hill village of Nes Harim, west of Jerusalem. Named for the strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne) that grows wild in the surrounding forest, Katlav was one of the original wave of Israeli garagiste wineries — small lots, hand-sorted fruit, and minimum 24 months of barrel aging on the reds. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve is a textbook example of what the Judean Hills can do with the variety: structured fruit, lifted acidity, and that quiet limestone-and-pine character of the region.

Tasting notes

Deep ruby-garnet color, dense at the core. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry, layered with cedar, graphite, dried herbs, and a faint hint of dark chocolate from extended oak. The palate is full-bodied and dry — concentrated black fruit, firm but ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, savory finish carrying espresso and tobacco leaf.

Pairing

Classic Cabernet pairings: grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, lamb shoulder with rosemary, or a Shabbos cholent rich enough to handle the tannins. Also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses or dark chocolate. Will reward another five years in a cool, dark cellar.

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