by Yair Koren
Although picking began in late July, the 2006 vintage in Israel lasted until mid November, illustrating the enormous differences in microclimates in this small country. Yields were very low, particularly in the Judean Hills and Samson regions.
The winter had not been as cold as usual and the customary rains finished early. Spring arrived early and, as a result, bud break was uneven in places. In spite of an unusual rainy spell in April, the growing period was uneventful. The hot spells were never extreme and until harvest there were none of the hot, dry, south-easterly winds known as Hamsin that often cause damage. In addition, nights were also cooler than usual, which moderated the average temperature. During the war in Lebanon that broke out in July, vineyards in the Galilee could not be tended in the crucial month before harvest, which were delayed in the northern wineries.
Extremely rare in Israel, where there is generally no rain in the growing season, rain during the later part of harvest afflicted the northern areas. Victor Schoenfeld, chief winemaker at Yarden, Golan Heights Winery, reports that near perfect conditions prevailed until almost the end of the vintage when, on the 15th, the first of five October rains struck. The precipitation, five times the October norm, delayed until November the final harvest. Dr. Gil Nir, Carmel s viticulturist, reports that the red grapes, particularly those from the Upper Galilee, were showing good intensity of flavour and colour.
