Zion Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Color: deep ruby
Aroma: blackberry, plum, black cherry
Taste: fruit-forward, subtle oak, high acidity, grippy tannins
Body: full
Finish: sharp, crisp

About the Wine

The 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Zion Winery is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested in Israel’s Judean Hills, a region renowned for quality and value. This wine offers rich aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and cedar. With its well-structured, fruity, and velvety profile, it’s simply delicious.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety that originated in Bordeaux, France, during the 17th century as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. By the 18th century, it had earned a reputation for producing powerful wines and became the cornerstone of Bordeaux blends.

The grape reached the U.S. in the mid-1800s, thriving in Northern California. Its international reputation soared in 1976 during the famed Judgment of Paris, when California Cabernets triumphed in a blind tasting against top French wines.

With terroir similar to Napa, Israel also enjoyed its own Cabernet Sauvignon breakthrough. In 1987, Golan Heights Winery’s Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 1984 won a gold medal and the prestigious Winiarski Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. This recognition put Israel on the global wine map and marked the beginning of its modern winemaking era.

About the Winery

Zion Winery was founded in 1848 by Rabbi Yitzhak Galin in Jerusalem’s Old City—an incredible 100 years before Israel became a state and 12 years before Theodor Herzl was even born.

A religious Jew whose family had immigrated from Ukraine, Galin recognized the need for locally produced wine in the Holy Land. Though Ottoman restrictions prevented him from obtaining a license, his brother-in-law Baruch Shor had one, allowing the venture to begin. They purchased grapes from Hebron farmers, made the wine in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, and launched under the name Shor Family Winery. Later, as naming trends shifted, the winery was renamed Zion to honor its deep connection to Jerusalem.

In 1982, Zion Winery relocated to the outskirts of Jerusalem, modernized its facilities, and began producing dry, classic wines. Today, it remains one of Israel’s largest family-owned wineries.

About the Winemaker

Since 1992, Zvika Shor has led Zion’s winemaking, succeeding his father, Moshe Haim Shor z”l. Although he grew up learning the craft in the traditional father-to-son way, Zvika also pursued formal training. He studied at Soreq Winery, completed coursework at the Wine Academy in Ramat Gan College, and participates in Israel’s national winemaking forum organized by Victor Schoenfeld, exchanging ideas with the country’s leading vintners.

Under his leadership, Zion Winery expanded beyond winemaking to grape growing. Today, the winery cultivates vineyards across Israel, giving it flexibility and diversity in production.

Where to Find

This Shabbat, let’s keep Jerusalem in our thoughts and prayers by bringing a bottle of Zion wine to our tables. Zion wines are available at Total Wine stores and online at kosherwine.com. (Purchases through this link help support the mission of Israel Wine Girl.)