Clos de Gat Ayalon Valley 2018 vs Lismore Syrah 2018
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £37.99 | £37.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Clos de Gat | Lismore |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon | Syrah |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Clos de Gat Ayalon Valley 2018
Clos de Gat Ayalon Valley is a bold, structured red from the foothills of the Judean Mountains in Israel, crafted by owner-winemaker Eyal Rotem from 19 hectares of limestone-rich vineyards bordering the historic Ayalon Valley. Founded in 1998 around an ancient Roman-era wine press, Clos de Gat produces wines of genuine depth, regional character, and Mediterranean soul. Why You'll Love It This is Israeli fine wine at its most compelling — concentrated, elegant, and built to age. Rotem's uncompromising approach — handpicking, open-tank fermentation, 18 months in new French oak, and bottling without filtration — results in a wine that rivals the best of Bordeaux in structure while remaining unmistakably rooted in its Middle Eastern terroir. Outstanding quality for the price. Vineyard & Production Grown in a Mediterranean climate on limestone-rich soils in the Judean foothills, the grapes are handpicked following rigorous selection and gently crushed before fermentation in open tanks. The wine is aged for approximately 18 months in new French oak barrels, racked periodically to refine texture and complexity, then bottled unfiltered to preserve purity and concentration. Tasting Notes Deep and expressive, the Ayalon Valley opens with aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and Mediterranean herbs, lifted by subtle toasty oak. On the palate it is concentrated and well-balanced, with fine, integrated tannins, earthy complexity, and a long, elegant finish. Perfect Pairings Ideal with Mediterranean cuisine — grilled or roasted meats, slow-cooked lamb, hearty casseroles, and mature hard cheeses. Also excellent alongside Middle Eastern mezze or a classic roast. The Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot — Judean Mountains, Israel
Lismore Syrah 2018
Lismore Estate Vineyards, located in the scenic Cape South Coast of South Africa, is the creation of Californian winemaker Samantha O’Keefe. Combining a passion for cool-climate viticulture with exceptional terroir, Lismore produces hand-crafted, boutique wines that are elegant, complex, and expressive. The estate is renowned for Syrah and Chardonnay that reflect their origin with finesse, minerality, and vibrant character. Vineyard The Syrah is made from 50% Greyton fruit planted in heavy schist soils (decomposed shale) with no irrigation, and 50% Elgin fruit grown in sandstone and shale soils. Both regions are among the coolest in South Africa, providing strong diurnal temperature variations that promote balanced ripening, aromatic intensity, and vibrant natural acidity. The vineyard management emphasises low yields, hand-tended vines, and strict canopy control to enhance varietal expression and a true sense of place. Winemaking Grapes were hand-picked at optimal ripeness. 40% of the fruit underwent whole-bunch fermentation in large 5,000-litre vats, with gentle pump-overs twice daily, allowing long extraction to develop structure and fruit concentration. The free-run wine was drained off, and the remaining grapes pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. Malolactic fermentation took place in 225, 300, and 500-litre French oak barrels, of which 15% were new. The wine matured for 12 months, developing finesse, complexity, and layered aromatics. Tasting Notes Dense and smoky black olive aromas open to cassis, blackberry, and cherry, with subtle hints of white pepper, ground herbs, and the floral perfume of crushed violets. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet elegant, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a long, structured finish. A classic, cool-climate Syrah with depth, balance, and a true sense of terroir. Grape Variety 100% Syrah
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