Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Pinto Winery – Chardonnay 2023
Negev – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
Single-varietal 100% Chardonnay from desert-grown vineyards in Yerucham, Mitzpe Ramon, and Omer in the Negev. Hand-harvested fruit, vinified to highlight freshness, mineral lift, and the unique tension created by extreme diurnal swings and arid, high-stress conditions. Modern Israeli white wine that prioritizes terroir clarity over oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green pear, white peach, and saline minerality, with subtle herbal undertones and toasted almond. Bright citrus energy leading into a gentle savory finish.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied with notable acidity, clean texture, and a crisp, persistent line. Lean, mineral, and refreshing rather than creamy or buttery.

Food Pairings
Grilled white fish, pan-seared shrimp, falafel with tahini, halloumi, Mediterranean salads, roast chicken with herbs.

Verdict
A fresh, Chablis-leaning take on desert Chardonnay, combining brightness, salinity, and place-driven character. Elegant, modern, and quietly impressive, especially for its extreme growing conditions.

Did You Know?
Israel pioneered advanced drip-irrigation technology, allowing vineyards to thrive in the Negev desert. This innovation is now used in top wine regions worldwide.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine instantly reminded me of a Chablis-style expression, subtle flavors, mineral lift, and a delicate finish. A very elegant Chardonnay at an accessible price point, and a surprising standout from an unexpected place.
— a month ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

Moa winery, Malbec 2018. From the Negev desert at elevatuon of 800 meters, a perfumed Malbec. Medium body, balanced palate with young red fruit notes — 3 years ago

barak heller hayun

9.2

midbar (🏜️ in hebrew) winery 100% grenache from mitzpe ramon.

20% whole cluster fermentation.
6 months in old oak.

the new winemaker in the winery was an assistant to Claudio Fenocchio in piedmont. and it shows.

14.5% abv yet so drinkable.


pale ruby 👀

mostly sour red 🍒with a splash of jam and a bit of dirt 👃

medium body.
medium plus acidity.
low tannins.

lovely 👄of tart red cherries, dried 🍓, raspberry, smoke, tar, that jam splash and a bit of earth, with stones and cranberry crushed in the mix.

medium - 🎯

what a lovely lovely silky surprise.
blind tasting i was feeling french tenderness of pinot noir(but that would be too expensive for my wine club) or maybe gamay. but it had the italian elegant boldness. i was confused and quite shocked finding out this 💎 is local.

paired ok with 'all purpose' green sauce made from green leftovers, lime peel, olive oil and garlic (nyt cooking) mixed with pureed 🥔 and my mom's turmeric grilled white fish.

such a great wine! — 4 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A wine from the Negev desert. A fruity Chenin with a pleasant acidity, medium body, notes of melon. — a year ago

Sagee Aran

9.1

Ramat Negev Winery Exodus white blend. 70% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Semion. 10 month in Oak.
From the Negev desert.
Very crisp and some vanilla notes. — 2 years ago

Sagee Aran

8.9

A nice Sangiovese blend from the Negev desert, Israel. Good balance, noticed fruit and freshness — 4 years ago

Harvey Raben

8.9

Appealing blend primarily of Rhone varieties with Viognier leading the way. Good acidity and a variety of flavors that meld well together. — 2 years ago

barak heller hayun

9.1

🏜️ wine.
70% merlot
30% cabarnet sauvignon

2 years in oak.

a medium + body of candied cherry, plum, orange rind, butter with a little vanilla and chwing tobacco.

high acidity
medium well integrated tannins.

lovely expression, and i assume it's still quite far from it's peak. — 2 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

Galai Estate wineCasa Negev 2018, Merlot blend.
Needs to stabilise for about 30 minutes. — 4 years ago

Sagee Aran

8.9

2018 vintage. A delicate merlot from the desert. Round, smooth, tasty. — 5 years ago