Color: Deep purple
Aromas: Blackcurrant, ripe plums
Flavors: Blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry, blackberry, olive, earth, oak, warm spice
Body: Dry, medium to full-bodied
Tannins: Soft, yet structured
Finish: Balanced
About the Wine
This medium-bodied “entry-level” Cabernet Sauvignon offers an inviting aroma of ripe plums and a medley of juicy blackberries, raspberries, and cherries on the palate. Its soft, approachable tannins contribute to a smooth and easy-drinking experience. While accessible, it still offers enough structure and depth to satisfy more seasoned wine enthusiasts.
About the Winery
The story of Carmel Winery begins with the visionary support of the Rothschild family, whose deep-rooted passion for winemaking helped transform the Israeli wine industry.
When discussing the world’s most prestigious wines, Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux, France, is often among the first mentioned—its bottles regularly command prices upwards of $900.
The estate, located in the village of Pauillac, has been owned by the Rothschild family since the mid-19th century. It was purchased in 1868 by Baron James Mayer de Rothschild, and after his death ,passed to his sons: Alphonse, Gustave, and Edmond.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the youngest son, was a passionate Zionist who offered significant financial support to Jewish settlers in what would soon become The State of Israel. He actively promoted the development of agriculture and industry, and his contributions to the wine industry were especially profound.
After commissioning a study on the feasibility of reestablishing vineyards in the region—a practice with a 2,000-year history—he funded the planting of vineyards in 1882. Two major wineries soon followed: Rishon LeZion (1890) and Zikhron Ya’akov (1892). These became the foundation of what we now know as Carmel Winery.
Although Rothschild didn’t visit the region until 1887, when he finally saw the land, he believed he had discovered the “Bordeaux of the Middle East.” Enthralled by the potential, he ensured that classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc were planted. He continued to visit and support the wine operations until 1925, when he was 80 years old.
While it took nearly a century for Israel to emerge as a world-recognized wine-producing region, Carmel Winery was at the forefront of that transformation. Today, Carmel is one of Israel’s largest and most influential wineries, exporting to over 40 countries. The winery manages numerous vineyards across the country—from the Galilee and Golan Heights in the north to the Negev Desert in the south—and harvests approximately 25,000 tons of grapes annually.
In the past decade, Carmel has expanded its wine portfolio beyond its approachable “entry-level” offerings to include premium wines that align with Baron Rothschild’s original vision. These include the acclaimed Single Vineyard Series and Mediterranean Series, showcasing the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
About the Winemaker
Yiftah Peretz has served as Carmel’s chief winemaker since 2018. He graduated from the prestigious Viticultura de Enologia in Italy where he studied the science of winemaking. He gained hands-on experience at several Italian wineries before returning to Israel in 2006 to join the Carmel team. Bringing a deep understanding of both winemaking and viticulture, Peretz leads a team of five skilled winemakers, each with extensive international and domestic experience. Under his guidance, Carmel continues to innovate while honoring its rich heritage.
Where to find:
We picked up our bottle of Carmel Selected Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 at the Shop Rite in Cherry Hill. Carmel Wines are available at many wine stores and online sites.
Israel Wine Girl 
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