Hayotzer Genesis Shiraz 2021

Color: Ruby-purple
Aroma: Blackberry and plum, with hints of black pepper and licorice
Taste: Firm tannins with well-balanced acidity
Body: Medium to full
Aging: 12 months in oak barrels

About the Wine:

Hayotzer wines are crafted in an “Old World” style, which emphasizes growing high-quality grapes and using traditional—primarily French—winemaking techniques. These methods typically produce wines that are lighter in body, with greater acidity and minerality, compared to “New World” wines.

This week’s featured bottle is the Hayotzer Genesis Shiraz 2021, part of the winery’s entry-level Genesis series. The grapes were sourced from three vineyards located close to one another in Israel’s Galilee region. After fermentation, the wine was racked, barreled, and aged in oak for a minimum of 12 months.

The result is a soft and smooth Shiraz, rich in ripe plum flavors, with a signature spicy finish. There’s a touch of earthiness that adds depth and complexity to the profile.

About the Winery:

Hayotzer Winery is owned by the Shor family—pioneers of winemaking in Israel and founders of one of the country’s oldest and largest wine producers. Hayotzer was established as a boutique label, designed to express the creative artistry of its acclaimed, world-class winemaker.

The Shor family’s winemaking roots trace back to 1848, when Yitzhak Galina, a Ukrainian immigrant, recognized the potential for producing ritual wines in Jerusalem’s Old City. At the time, the region was under Ottoman rule, and an alcohol trade license was required. Galina partnered with his brother-in-law, Baruch Shor—who held the necessary license—and together they launched a winery. Grapes were grown by Arab farmers in Hebron and transported to Jerusalem, where Jewish vintners processed them. The collaboration was mutually beneficial and thrived peacefully.

Today, in the wake of the events of October 7th, the winery has reported some damage to its vineyards in northern Israel due to rocket fire. Nevertheless, they remain resilient, continuing their mission of crafting expressive and high-quality wines.

About the Winemaker:

The name “Hayotzer” means creator in Hebrew—a tribute to the winemaker as the artistic force behind each bottle. Just as a director shapes a film or a writer crafts a novel, the winemaker authors the wine’s story.

At Hayotzer, that creator is Philippe Lichtenstein, a French-born winemaker who studied at the University of Montpellier. With experience in the vineyards of Provence and Corsica, Lichtenstein eventually made his way to Israel, bringing with him a deep respect for French winemaking tradition. His passion lies in Mediterranean varietals—grapes well-suited to Israel’s climate and terroir. His silhouette even graces the labels of Hayotzer bottles, a quiet nod to the hand behind the wine.

Where to Find It:

We picked up our bottle of Hayotzer Genesis Shiraz 2021 at Total Wine in Cherry Hill. It’s also widely available through most kosher wine retailers and select boutique wine shops.