Some 2,000 years ago, in what today is Israel’s arid Negev region, the Nabateans -- an ancient people who
were masters at coaxing vegetation from the dry sand, rocks and hills -- brought forth grapes from the desert.
In this tradition, in 1995, the Zadok family planted 30 dunams of vineyards in the shadow of Tel Nitzana in the
Western Negev near the Sinai border at the Kadesh Barnea Moshav. Brilliant sunshine, cold nights, mineral-rich soil and drip irrigation combine to produce some of Israel’s best grapes in a most improbable location.
In 2000 the boutique Kadesh Barnea Winery was born specializing in rich, full-bodied wines which showcase the distinctive, unique taste of Negev grapes.
There are three wines from Kadesh Barnea.
Gilad - a meritage blend of Petite Verdot, Merlot and Shiraz aged in American Oak Barrels. This is a “big” fruity-forward wine.
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - aged 18 months in 10% French and 90% American Oak. Deep, full-bodied and robust.
Reserve Merlot - aged 14 months in 10% French and 90% American Oak Barrels -- a very hearty yet smooth Merlot with very ripe fruit.
Everything at Kadesh Barnea is Estate Grown and Bottled, Non-Mevushal and O-U Certified.
Reviews
Kadesh Barnea 2005 Gilad
"We all like a good deal, and when I found Kadesh Barnea's 2005 Gilad for under $15, I had to try it. An unusual blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah, this wine born in the Negev desert is a powerhouse. Toasty oak, tobacco and ripe cherry aromas lead to jammy fruit flavors, reminiscent of cherry pie. With its nicely integrated tannins and long finish, this wine would go great with my mom's famous (only made on Pesach) meat borscht soup."
Gary Landman The Jewish Press March 26th, 2009
95
RATING
GOLD MEDAL Kadesh Barnea 2006 Estate Bottled Merlot
"Deep garnet violet color. Rich aromas of baked plum, floral honey, butter roasted nuts, and marinated peppers. A silky smooth entry leads to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body of plum pie, caramel, sweet pepper, and delicate spice. Finishes with a long, chewy fruity berry and toasty, nutty praline fade with highly polished tannins. A delicious and seamless Merlot that is sure to please on its own or at the table. Impressive!"
World Wine Championships Beverage Testing Institute May 2008
94
RATING
GOLD MEDAL Kadesh Barnea 2006 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon
"Garnet with a red brick cast. Baked cassis, caramel, marinated sweet pepper, vanilla and honey aromas follow through of a soft, supple entry to a fruity medium-to-full body with nice layers of dark chocolate, cigar box, and delicate spices. Finishes with a long, jammy fade with moderate balanced tannins. A supple and flavorful cabernet that will excel at the table with prime rib."
World Wine Championships Beverage Testing Institute May 2008
90
RATING
Kadesh Barnea Estate Bottled "Gilad," 2005
Deep ruby black color Dark berry, dried flower, mint, nougat, and pepper aromas and complex and inviting. A round, soft, satiny entry leads to a fruity medium-full body of ripe boysenberry, apple, and plum jam flavors with lovely creamy vanilla and praline accents. Finishes with a long, sweet spice and sandalwood fade with white toffee and cream notes. A fruity, well balanced and instantly gratifying wine with a deep core of fruit; serve with a creamy blue cheese.
World Wine Championships’ Kosher Competition,
November 2007
87
RATING
Kadesh Barnea 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Offers a spicy aroma, with ripe flavors of blueberry and boysenberry. This medium-bodied red has a broad, supple texture and good fruity length on the creamy finish. Kosher. Drink now."
The Wine Spectator February 2008
87
RATING
Kadesh Barnea 2004 Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep garnet with a brick rim. Melted chocolate, baked berry and pepper, and cardboard dust aromas. A round, soft entry lead to a fruity medium body of baked berries, peppers, and roots vegetables with a dusty, hay undertone. Finishes with a buttery caramel, berry and dusty spice fade.
World Wine Championships’ Kosher Competition,
November 2007
86
RATING
Kadesh Barnea 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
"The 18 months of aging in 90% American oak really shows in the forward flavors and aromas of vanilla and mocha. Some black fruit shines through on the palate in the form of cassis and black cherry. Balanced and round, though generally light weight."
Wine Enthusiast April 2008
84
RATING
Kadesh Barnea 2005 Gilad Dry Red Wine
"The Gilad is a lively wine with plenty of forward fruit. Flavors and aromas of rhubarb and red berries dominate, while hints of vanilla, pepper and licorice show the wine’s subtle complexity despite the light body and somewhat tart finish."
Wine Enthusiast April 2008
B+
RATING
Kadesh Barnea Reserve Merlot, 2004
"Made from grapes grown in the western Negev, near the Egyptian border, this Medium-bodied, dark garnet-colored wine has flavors and aromas of cassis, red cherries and mixed berries. Drink now-2009."
Gamliel Kronemer
the Jewish Week, March 18, 2007
Medals
Gold Medal Kadesh Barnea 2006 Estate Bottled Merlot
World Wine Championships, Beverage Testing Institute May 2008
Gold Medal Kadesh Barnea 2006 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon
World Wine Championships, Beverage Testing Institute May 2008
Gold Medal Kadesh Barnea Estate Bottled "Gilad" '05
World Wine Championships’ Kosher Competition November 2007
Silver Medal Kadesh Barnea Cabernet Reserve ’04
World Wine Championships’ Kosher Competition November 2007
Silver Medal Kadesh Barnea Cabernet Reserve ’04
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition April 2007
Silver Medal Kadesh Barnea "Gilad" Blend ’05
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition April 2007
Silver Medal Kadesh Barnea Merlot Reserve ’04
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition April 2007
Bronze Medal Kadesh Barnea Reserve Cabernet ’04 The International Eastern Wine Competition May 2007
Bronze Medal Kadesh Barnea “Gilad” ’05 The International Eastern Wine Competition May 2007
Bronze Medal Kadesh Barnea Reserve Merlot ’04
The International Eastern Wine Competition May 2007
Read more about Kadesh Barnea Winery at www.kbw.co.il
Introducing Israel’s Kadesh Barnea Winery
