A rich, full-bodied Israeli Merlot that reminds us why this classic grape has captivated wine lovers for centuries.
🍇 Tasting Notes
Color: Deep, dark ruby with rich purple hues
Aroma: Ripe berries layered with subtle herbs, vanilla, and dark chocolate
Taste: Rich flavors of black cherry, plum, ripe red berries, and warm baking spices
Body: Full-bodied
Finish: Smooth, elegant, and lingering
🍷 About the Wine
The 2021 Shiloh Shor Merlot is a beautifully crafted red wine from Israel’s Judean Hills. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels before bottling, this Merlot has continued to develop with each passing year, becoming even more balanced and expressive.
One of the best things about this wine is its value. While many people think of Merlot as an inexpensive everyday wine, that stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after wines are made primarily from Merlot grapes.
Need proof? France’s legendary Château Pétrus in Bordeaux’s Pomerol region is considered one of the finest Merlots in the world, with bottles often selling for several thousand dollars. While Shiloh Shor Merlot won’t cost you anywhere near that amount, it delivers the same signature characteristics Merlot lovers appreciate—rich dark fruit, depth, elegance, and a silky finish—at a fraction of the price.
For anyone who still remembers the famous “Anything but Merlot!” line from the movie Sideways, I have just one suggestion: pour yourself a glass of Shiloh Shor Merlot and see what you’ve been missing. 🍷
🍽️ What Should You Serve With It?
This full-bodied Merlot is wonderfully food-friendly. It pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted brisket, lamb chops, hearty beef stews, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses. It is also an excellent choice for Shabbat dinner, complementing everything from herb-roasted chicken to slow-cooked beef.
The artwork on the bottle is equally meaningful. It features a stylized ancient bull representing the Tribe of Joseph, whose descendants settled in the very region where Shiloh Winery stands today. In biblical tradition, the bull symbolizes strength, leadership, and power. Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became two of Israel’s largest tribes, making this symbol a fitting tribute to the area’s rich history.
Awarded 88 points by the Decanter World Wine Awards, the 2021 Shiloh Shor Merlot is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to discover the quality and character of Israeli wines.
🏞️ About the Winery
Shiloh Winery is nestled among the rolling hills of Judea and Samaria, near the ancient city of Shiloh. More than 3,000 years ago, Shiloh served as the spiritual and political center of the Israelite nation, housing the Tabernacle before Jerusalem became Israel’s capital. Today, the area is once again flourishing—this time as one of Israel’s premier wine-producing regions.
The vineyards benefit from warm sunny days, cool mountain nights, and rocky limestone soils that allow the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving their natural acidity. These ideal growing conditions help produce wines known for their richness, balance, and complexity.
Visitors to Israel should consider adding Shiloh Winery to their itinerary. The winery’s beautiful tasting venue overlooks the surrounding mountains and offers guests the opportunity to experience exceptional wines while taking in the breathtaking landscape.
And if you stop by, don’t forget to tell them Israel Wine Girl sent you! 😊
👨🍳 About the Winemaker
Head Winemaker Amichai Lourie has guided Shiloh Winery since 2005 and is widely recognized as one of Israel’s most accomplished winemakers. Under his leadership, Shiloh wines have earned praise from respected international critics, including 95 points from Decanter, 93 from Wine Enthusiast, 92 from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and 90 from Wine Spectator.
Interestingly, Amichai began his career in construction before turning to winemaking. He credits that experience with teaching him patience, precision, and attention to detail—qualities that are evident in every bottle produced at Shiloh.
His philosophy is simple:
“If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
Today, Amichai works alongside his son, Avinoam Lourie, continuing a family tradition dedicated to producing world-class Israeli wines.
📍 Where to Find It
Shiloh produces an outstanding portfolio of wines that are available through many wine retailers and online at KosherWine.com. (Use IWG5 for a discount)
If you’re looking to experience not only Shiloh but many of Israel’s exceptional boutique wineries, I highly recommend joining the Blue White Wines Club.
Founded by Nadav Glucklich, Blue White Wines was created to connect American wine lovers with Israel’s thriving wine industry. Working closely with a team in Israel, Nadav curates quarterly shipments that showcase the diversity of Israel’s wine regions and the talented winemakers behind them. Several membership options are available, and every bottle is 100% Israeli and kosher-certified.
For more information, visit www.BlueWhiteWines.com or email Support@BlueWhiteWines.com. Don’t forget to tell them Israel Wine Girl sent you!
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