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Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot 2014, Judean Hills

Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot 2014, Judean Hills

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Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot 2014, Judean Hills

Our second foray into the world of Israeli wines, the Har'el Merlot comes hot on the heels of the Syrah, which hit the ground running when we brought it in last year. From top producer Clos de Gat, this sumptuous Merlot is aged in new French oak for 15 months, resulting in a super-powered aroma of compote berry fruit and herbal notes. To taste, it's equally potent, but with a velvety texture and full bodied palate that makes it a lot more than a one hit wonder. Try it with grilled lamb, Mediterranean vegetables or strong cheese.

Buy this if...you're looking to increase your red wine repertoire.

With your eyes closed this could be a good St Emilion. With your eyes open, it's a pleasant deep red with a hint of russet. Lovely... Pretty smooth. I enjoy the provenance of the wine; prophecy fulfilled. Overall, classy. It is expensive, but worth it. Paul

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£17.95

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Percentage Alcohol

14.0

Region

Judean Hills

Grape Variety

Merlot

Country

Israel

Style

ArrayFull-Bodied Red, Oaked Red

Vintage

2014

Food Match

ArrayCheese (Strong), Lamb, Mediterranean

Vegetarian

£17.95

Meet The Producer
Customer Reviews
Food & Wine Match

The Producer

Clos de Gat is situated in foothills of the Judean Mountains, bordering Israel's biblical Ayalon Valley. An ancient 'gat' (Hebrew for winepress), pre-dating the Roman period, is located in the grounds of the modern winery, set in the heart of the Clos de Gat vineyards, covering 19 hectares. After months of painstaking analysis of diverse plots of land, owner Eyal Rotem planted a selection of noble grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Chardonnay, with small, experimental amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

The Winemaker

Eyal Rotem is the eponymous owner, viticulturalist and winemaker who concentrates on carefully matched grape varieties to specific plots, low yields, natural yeasts and subtle use of oak to bring out the best in the wines. The red wines are made using both open and closed stainless steel, temperature controlled fermentation tanks. After barrel ageing the wines are transferred to settling tanks for several weeks prior to being bottled unfiltered.

The Region

The Judean hills and valley, with Jerusalem nestling in the middle, are often likened to the rolling Tuscan hills, and have supported grapevine cultivation for thousands of years. The combination of thin topsoil on limestone-bedrock, coupled with an ideal micro-climate makes it possible to grow grapes of outstanding quality. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, sunny days and the higher altitude allows for fresher styles.

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Lamb Sosaties

Sosaties scream out for a red wine, so give a medium bodied red with lots of fresh fruit and spice a go. Israeli Merlot will be a beautiful match.
Full recipe

Baked Stuffed Aubergine With Walnut and Roquefort

With a lot of strong, rich flavours in this baked dish, you need to match the salty cheese with acidic tomato, savoury aubergine and nuts. Try a medium to full-bodied red with enough fruit flavour to contrast with the saltiness in the cheese. We'd recommend the Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot.
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Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

This robust, flavoursome cut is nicely balanced by the punchy, herby sauce. Skirt needs a relatively well-structured red to soften the meat flavours, so plump for oaky Garnacha or new world reds but remember not to go too full-bodied or risk drowning out the green sauce. The Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot will be a fine match.
Full recipe