GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY YARDEN MERLOT 2021

Established in 1983 by eight kibbutzim and moshavim, Golan Heights Winery cultivates 600 hectares across 28 vineyards divided into 500 blocks, where volcanic soils, extreme Mediterranean climate shifts, and elevations from 400 to 1,200 meters define the terroir. Head winemaker Victor Schoenfeld (since 1992) sources this flagship Yarden Merlot from central and northern Golan Heights plus one Upper Galilee site known for two decades of outstanding Merlot production. The 2021 ages 18 months in 40% new French oak, bottled kosher for Passover (non-mevushal) with ripe plum, dark cherry, chocolate, and herbal notes reflecting the volcanic minerality and elevation of Israel's premier wine region.