If you’re looking for something truly special that exemplifies the best of what Israel has to offer, you must try a wine from one of the prestigious wineries of The Judean Hills Quartet. This week’s featured wine is a delicious red blend from Tzora Vineyards, aptly named “Judean Hills” to reflect the vineyard’s location where the grapes are grown.
Tzora’s “Judean Hills” red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, all cultivated on terraces in mineral-rich, rocky limestone soil. The region’s classic Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for producing high-quality fruit. Cold winters allow the vines to rest and prepare for the next growing season while also eliminating lingering pests—crucial for healthy bud development when warmer weather arrives. The combination of hot, sunny days and cool evening breezes during the long summers further enhances the grapes’ quality, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful wine.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, “Judean Hills” boasts a medium-to-full body with a delightful interplay of fruitiness and spice. It features rich flavors of dark blackberries from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, complemented by a hint of ground black pepper from the Syrah. With a structured balance of tannins and acidity and an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 13.5%, this wine is enjoyable now or, if stored properly, will continue to develop over the next five years, evolving into a fuller-bodied, more complex wine.
Tzora Vineyards was founded in 1993 by the late Ronnie James. Though he excelled in the art of winemaking, his true passion lay in tending to the vines—a skill he passed on to his son Dor, before his untimely passing in 2008. In 2006, Ronnie recruited Eran Pick to assist as winemaker. Sharing Ronnie’s deep appreciation for the vineyard and the philosophy that wine should reflect the land from which it comes, Pick went on to become Israel’s first Master of Wine. Thanks to Dor, Eran, and the dedicated team at Tzora, Ronnie James’ legacy continues to thrive.
The Judean Hills 2022 (red) is available both online and at select wine shops. I purchased my bottles at the Princeton Corkscrew, where they’re currently celebrating their Anniversary Sale with 15% off cases. The owner, Laurent Chapuis, offers a great selection of Wines from Israel and is happy to assist if you’re looking for Kosher wines for Passover. Be sure to tell him ISRAEL WINE GIRL sent you!
Ronnie James (1945-2008);May his memory be for a blessing
Israel Wine Girl 
Leave a comment