Tasting Notes🍷
- Color: Deep, dark purple 💜
- Aroma: Blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, ripe cherry, violet, lavender, and black pepper 🌸🌿
- Taste: Ripe berries and black cherry, beautifully complemented by warming spice 🍒🌶️
- Body: Medium ⚖️
- Finish: Well-balanced and satisfying, with lingering fruit and spice ✨
About the Wine
This week’s featured wine is a Syrah crafted from grapes grown in Israel’s Upper Galilee, located in the country’s northwestern corner. This region is defined by dramatic mountain ranges reaching up to 3,300 feet above sea level and a diverse mix of soils—including limestone, flint, terra rossa, and basalt—all of which contribute to the wine’s complexity and character.
The Upper Galilee’s climate is ideal for Syrah: warm summer days, cool nights throughout most of the growing season, and a short winter that often includes snow and frost. These conditions allow the vines to rest and recharge, resulting in balanced, expressive fruit.
Galil Mountain Syrah displays rich blackberry notes with a subtle hint of earthiness—a gentle reminder that what you are drinking is truly special. Wine has been cultivated in this region for over 2,000 years, and this bottle carries that sense of history with every sip.
Young, fresh, fruity, and approachable, this Syrah is easy to enjoy and versatile at the table. Priced under $20 and earning 89 points, it pairs beautifully with dinner, appetizers, or a quiet evening of relaxation. It is part of the winery’s BAR line—“bar” meaning “nature” in Hebrew—which reflects Galil Mountain’s commitment to working in harmony with the land.
Why You’ll Love This Wine ❤️
- A true sense of place: Expresses the Upper Galilee’s mountain terroir with ripe fruit, freshness, and subtle earthiness ⛰️
- Approachable yet expressive: Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, offering depth without heaviness 🍇
- Food-friendly versatility: Perfect with dinner, small plates, or enjoyed on its own 🍽️
- Exceptional value: Under $20 with an impressive 89-point score 💰
- Sustainably made: Part of the BAR (“nature”) line, reflecting a commitment to the environment 🌱
About the Winery
Galil Mountain Winery was established in 2000 as a joint venture between the world-renowned Golan Heights Winery and Kibbutz Yiron. The winery cultivates six vineyards throughout the Upper Galilee and is deeply committed to environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
Galil Mountain has earned accreditation from the rigorous LODI RULES program—one of the most respected sustainability certifications in the wine world—and is among the few wineries outside California to achieve this honor.
LODI RULES originated in Lodi, California, just south of Sacramento, an area home to some of America’s oldest documented vines, many over 100 years old. In 1991, local farmers united to establish sustainable practices designed to ensure grapes could continue to be grown on their land for generations. In 2005, this effort became the LODI RULES certification program, which today includes more than 1,200 wineries across California, Washington State, and several in Israel.
Galil Mountain Winery—along with Golan Heights Winery—was proud to be among Israel’s first members, truly pioneering sustainable winegrowing in the region.
About the Winemaker
David Bar-Ilan was appointed Head Winemaker at Galil Mountain Winery in 2024. He is widely respected for producing innovative, high-quality wines that beautifully express the terroir of the Upper Galilee.
Before joining Galil Mountain, Bar-Ilan served as lead winemaker at Tulip / MAIA Winery for over a decade, crafting some of Israel’s most acclaimed wines. He holds a Master’s degree in Viticulture from the Hebrew University and brings international experience to his work, including time spent honing his skills in Australia.
Where to Find This Wine
Galil Bar Syrah 2024 is available at many wine retailers and can be found online at Kosherwine.com.
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