YATIR CREEK 2016 & MOUNT MASA WHITE 2017 are Launched at Exclusive NYC Event

Editor's Note: Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of attending a master class and tasting event for Yatir's wines. We were delighted by the experience and know that our readers will enjoy their fine wines.

Yatir, one of Israel's most highly-acclaimed wineries announced the U.S. debut of its celebrated Yatir Creek 2016 and Yatir Mount Amasa White 2017 at a private launch and tasting event on Tuesday, September 10.

Yatir wines (yatirwinery.com/en) are distinguished by vibrant freshness and the masterful fusion of carefully crafted varietals. The winery was founded less than 20 years ago but has emerged as one of Israel's best. Using state-of the-art technology, the winery releases about 150,000 bottles a year. The boutique winery works only with select vineyards that showcase the unique terroirs of Israel's Yatir Forest in the southern tip of the Judean Hills. Yatir's award-winning wines consistently earn high critical praise on the international stage - including scores of 90 points or higher for the past nine seasons from Wine Advocate.

Yatir Winery continues to intensify the innovation trend with the aim of extracting the finest wine from the vineyard, by planting new varieties, moving from small barrels to wood and concrete containers, creating new blends (all mixes) with the aim of creating and bringing the winery's unique terroir into special and unique wines.

Especially for the Jewish New Year, Yatir is proud to present the new "Yatir Creek" vintage 2016 and Yatir Mount Masa White 2017, which perfectly express the regional and redundant character. The new wines join the well done Yatir portfolio from Yatir Mount Masa Red (which is a best seller from Yatir portfolio). Yatir Rose, Yatir Peti Verdo, and the flagship wine, Yatir Forest.

YATIR WINES

The long-anticipated Yatir Creek 2016 is a sophisticated wine displaying a deep purple color and aromas reminiscent of black cherries, cassis, and toasted almonds. Possessing fruity, succulent flavors, the grainy tannins leave a slightly salty and pleasantly bitter finish - a perfect pairing with meat dishes like casseroles and steaks. Yatir Creek is made from 76% Syra, 12% Tannat, and 12% Malbec grapes harvested at elevations of 650-900 meters above sea level, where the soil is clay and chalky. Aged in large oak barrels for 12 months and matured in the bottle for two years, it will mature and cellar well for five to 10 years.

Also showcased was Yatir Mt. Amasa White 2017, a complex and balanced wine that expresses the character of the growing region of several Yatir Forest vineyards at an elevation of 680-780 meters above sea level. The limited oak-barrel aging process allows for the fruity character of the grapes to be the leading player in the wine's flavor profile. A blend of 52% Chenin Blanc, 39% Viognier, and 9% Roussanne, this elegant white displays golden, pale-greenish hues and aromas hinting at melon, papaya, peach, and pear. Ripe, fruity flavors are integrated with acidity and a pleasant, refreshing bitterness on the finish. Its full body pairs well with food and can be enjoyed alone or as an aperitif.

"We are proud to be planting in vineyards from an ancient region, where wine presses existed more than 3,000 years ago and today make the best wines from Yatir's special region," says Yaakov Ben Dor, Yatir Winery's general manager.

"Today at Yatir Winery we are integrating state-of-the-art winemaking and technology within a man-made forest in the heart of the desert, to produce award-winning wines. Though it seems unlikely, this area in Israel provides an excellent environment for wine making. Due to Israel's warm Mediterranean climate, the grapes have no trouble ripening. As the vines age, yields will decrease, and our wines will become more nuanced," says Eran Goldwasser, who oversees Yatir's vineyards and production, and is one of Israel's most innovative and respected wine professionals.

The milestone introduction of these exciting new releases was a high note at the first-ever Grand Tasting Event in New York City, presented by Wines of Israel. Eran Goldwasser will be on hand via video for a wine portfolio master class.

Yatir Winery's invitation-only launch, and master class also featured light kosher refreshments and a presentation by Yatir's export manager, Etti Edri. The event took place on September 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Union Park Events, 5-7 East 17th Street (near Union Square).

About Yatir

The Yatir region in the Judean Hills has produced some of Israel's most prized grapes for winemaking since the ancient days of the Judean kingdom. Today, at a time when the 2,500-year-old Israeli wine industry is drawing more critical and commercial acclaim than ever before, winemakers from this area of the Negev are producing outstanding wines that stand up to some of the finest in the world.

Yatir Winery was established in the year 2000 as a joint venture between local growers and the Carmel Winery, who recognized the extraordinary potential of the Yatir region. Its first wine was released in 2004. Yatir's knowledgeable growers and winemakers are committed to excellence every step of the way - from growth and cultivation to harvest, fermentation, aging, and bottling - employing the most cutting-edge technology and equipment available to the industry today.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Yartir Winery

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