He believes that a bottle of wine should express its origin. "When you taste wine produced by Yatir, it should have a Yatirean character, and that should be different from any other region in the world.'' Do you have a soft spot for any one wine variety? At the moment Shiraz and Petit Verdot.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is the most important variety in the Rhone Valley in France. The warmer Australian climate produces Shiraz that is sweeter and riper tasting. Having experienced Australian wine growing do you agree, and how would you compare them with the crop from Yatir's vineyards? "Yes, that's true. Ours seems to be in between these two types."

As to his personal vine collection, at the moment "is small and humble one" he says. His favorite non-Israeli wine? "Truly can not answer that. As in food, I enjoy the diversity. In general I prefer well made 'old world style' wines."

What's the most memorable bottle of wine you've ever consumed? It was not a bottle, it was a barrel tasting of Penfolds Grange 1996 (Australia) after its first racking in June 1996, at the winery.

Yatir winery produces three labels, Yatir Forest which is their premier label, Yatir that currently is a blend of Cabernet /Merlot /Shiraz, and a Sauvignon Blanc produced only in small quantities for local consumption at the moment.

Back in the tasting room Yaacov suggested that we taste the 2002 Yatir, and the not yet released 2003 Yatir. Here are some tasting notes.

2002 Yatir
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (15%) and Shiraz (10%). Has a perfect balance, and delicious black fruit. Rich and perfumed with anise and allspice, it has succulent black plum notes, some lively acidity on the finish, and simply delicious fruit. It is very dark purple red, supple, with just enough intensity, rich, but not particularly heavy. Aged 12 months in French oak with 13.5% alcohol, this wine is elegant with lingering finish.