Tel Shifon Winery is a relatively new name in the Israeli wine industry. Located in Kibbutz Ortal, its vineyards are sourced from two plots in Tel Shifon in the Golan Heights, planted in 2010 and 2012. Originally, these vineyards served what was formerly known as the Ortal Winery, led by the talented Ilan Zaffrani. In 2020, entrepreneurs Ofer Meiri, Dado Tzur, and Raviv Tzahi acquired the Ortal Winery and transformed it into Tel Shifon Winery. Winemaker Yossi Sidon professionally leads the winery, with the guidance of consultant winemaker Itay Lahat. The volcanic soil of the Tel Shifon vineyards, accompanied by five basalt hills, yields excellent qualities. Fundamental data alongside meticulous and thoughtful work results in highly successful wines.
The review encompasses six wines from two series: the basic "Tel Shifon" and the higher-end "915," all of which offer good to excellent quality, providing exceptional value for money.
The Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc from the "915" series are particularly outstanding, as is the Syrah from the same range. The two basic wines, Blanc and Rouge blends, offer great value for money. Overall, the review reflects a winery where commendable work is done, making it fascinating to follow its continued development. Cheers!
Tel Shifon, Blanc 2022
72% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Roussanne, and 8% Chardonnay. Partly fermented and aged for 5 months in French oak barrels on its lees. The rest in stainless steel tanks. Golden color. Aromas of tropical fruit and citrus. Light-bodied. 12.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 99.
Best paired with: Fish and seafood.
Reviewer's Note: Excellent acidity, freshness, pleasant fruit, and aromatic hints. Accessible among Tel Shifon wines in the current tasting.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (good).
Tel Shifon, Rosé 2022
45% Syrah, 35% Sangiovese, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sangiovese aged in old oak barrels. The rest kept at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. Slightly orange-pink color. Floral nose. Light to medium-bodied. 13% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 99.
Best paired with: Picnics, pasta, and tapas.
Reviewer's Note: Abundant yet not overwhelming fruit, balanced acidity, good dryness, lightness, and gastronomic qualities.
Value for money: 2.5/5 (realistic).
Tel Shifon, Red 2021
65% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc from Tel Shifon vineyard. Part aged in 3000-liter French oak barrels and the rest in large oak barrels. Total aging: 16 months. Dark red color. Red fruit nose. Light-bodied. 14% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 99.
Best paired with: Carpaccio, minute steak, and grilled meats.
Reviewer's Note: Excellent red fruit, balanced, prominent finesse, nuanced seasoning, earthy touch. Very high gastronomic level. An excellent bistro wine with outstanding value for money.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (excellent).
Tel Shifon, 915, Sauvignon Blanc 2022
100% Sauvignon Blanc from Tel Shifon vineyard. Aged for nine months in 400-liter French oak barrels, on lees. Deep golden color. Tropical fruit and herbal aromas. Light to medium-bodied. 13% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 125.
Best paired with: Fish, seafood, and shellfish.
Reviewer's Note: Relatively light, dominant acidic profile, mineral sensation. Worth waiting at least half an hour after opening and not drinking it too cold. Chilliness closes the wine's qualities. A worthy Sauvignon Blanc with a character coefficient.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (good).
Tel Shifon, 915, Syrah 2021
100% Syrah from the western part of Tel Shifon vineyard. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and malolactic fermentation in 400-liter French oak barrels, 20% new. Aged for 16 months. Dark red color. Red fruit with black pepper notes on the nose. Light to medium-bodied. 14% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 125.
Best paired with: Steaks and stews.
Reviewer's Note: Relatively light, excellent fruit, abundant seasoning, velvety elegance, pleasant acidity, earthiness. A quality, full-of-character Syrah.
Value for money: 4/5 (very good).
Tel Shifon, 915, Cabernet Franc 2022
100% Cabernet Franc from a plot in the winery's vineyard. Brief fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then 16 months of aging in French oak barrels, 10% new. Dark red color. Peppery nose. Medium-bodied. 13% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 125.
Best paired with: Aged beef cuts on the bone.
Reviewer's Note: Ripe but balanced fruit, precise seasoning, mineral and earthy notes, provocative touch. An exceptionally balanced, high-quality wine that provides excellent value for NIS 125.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (excellent).