Some wines tell a story — and then some wines live their story. The 2023 Flam Classico is exactly that: a reflection of place, people, and the beautiful evolution of time.
About the Wine
The 2023 Flam Classico is a Judean Hills Bordeaux-style blend composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. Each variety is hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented separately to preserve its individual character. After fermentation, the components are carefully blended and aged for 10 months in oak barrels, allowing the wine to harmonize while still expressing the contribution of each grape.
The Classico is a cornerstone of the winery’s production — made year after year — yet, as Gilad Flam shared, it is always a work in progress. It evolves. Just as people do.
In the 2023 vintage, Petit Verdot comprises 7% of the blend. In 2024, that number increases to 25% — a testament to their constant refinement and willingness to adapt.
Gilad once reflected that the Classico he and his brother Golan made at age 27 is not the same wine they craft today at 53. They are not the same people — and so the wine is not the same. It has grown alongside them. That philosophy — embracing change, responding to each vintage, and evolving with life’s challenges — is one of the reasons this wine remains among Israel’s most beloved.
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby, vibrant and inviting
Aroma: Fresh berries layered with Mediterranean spices, soft vanilla, and subtle oak
Taste: Bright acidity with firm tannins, unfolding into flavors of dark berries, plum, and a touch of chocolate
Body: Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied
Finish: Smooth, silky, and slightly spicy, lingering long after the last sip
About the Winery
Founded in 1998 by brothers Golan and Gilad Flam together with their mother Camelia, Flam Winery was built with the vision of producing world-class Israeli wines that authentically reflect the Judean Hills terroir.
Nestled in the heart of the Judean Hills, overlooking the Jerusalem Mountains, the winery is one of the most breathtaking and peaceful settings in Israel. Surrounded by vineyards and natural beauty, it feels as intentional and serene as the wines themselves.
The brothers grew up immersed in wine. Their father spent his career at Carmel Winery, and winemaking was woven into their childhood. Golan studied oenology in Italy and gained experience in Tuscany and Australia, refining his focus on elegance and balance. Gilad studied law, bringing business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to the venture. Together, they built something from nothing — driven by passion, vision, and family unity.
Today, Flam produces approximately 180,000 bottles annually and stands as one of Israel’s leading boutique wineries.
Flam Winery is also a proud member of the Judean Hills Quartet, alongside Domaine du Castel, Sphera, and Tzora Vineyards. Together, these wineries are dedicated to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines and promoting the Judean Hills as a world-class wine region.
**A Note About the Label
In 1999, a winemaker Golan had worked with in Italy offered invaluable advice: “Never cheap out on your labels — even if money is tight.” He connected them with an Italian designer who traveled to Israel, tasted their wines, and created the elegant label that still adorns their bottles today.
At a time when they were young and just beginning, that label gave them the presence of an established winery. Perhaps it was a small but meaningful gift that helped shape their future — a future in which they truly became what the label suggested: refined, respected, and enduring.
About the Winemaker
Golan Flam was quite literally born into the world of wine — in Stellenbosch, South Africa, during his family’s time there for his father’s specialization in wine production. You could say wine runs in his veins.
He grew up spending summers working at Carmel Winery, where his father served as Head Winemaker. After studying Agricultural Economics in Israel, Golan pursued formal oenology studies in Italy, gaining hands-on experience in Tuscany and developing a deep appreciation for elegant, balanced wines. He later traveled to Australia, where he learned to work with warm-climate vineyards — knowledge that would prove invaluable back home in Israel.
When he founded the winery with his brother and mother, Golan’s vision was clear: to craft wines that are fresh, refined, balanced, and expressive of place.
One sip of the 2023 Classico, and it’s clear he has achieved exactly that.
❤️ Why I Love This Wine
🍷 It evolves — just like we do. Every vintage reflects growth, change, and intention.
🌿 It expresses the Judean Hills so beautifully. You can taste the sunshine, the earth, the care.
👨👩👦 It’s rooted in family. There is something deeply moving about siblings building a dream together.
✨ It balances power and elegance. Structured, yet graceful. Bold, yet polished.
💬 It carries philosophy in every sip. The idea that wine — and life — are always a work in progress.
And after visiting the winery and meeting Gilad, I can say this with certainty: the warmth, humility, and integrity behind the Flam Family is as beautiful as the wine itself. One sip of the 2023 Flam Classico, and you understand why it continues to be one of Israel’s most treasured bottles.
This isn’t just a favorite.
It’s a wine I return to — again and again. 🍇🍷✨
Israel Wine Girl 
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