Boutique Wineries - Re-tastings 

 02.05.2009
At a press-tasting yesterday(Thurs 30 May) at Chloely's restaurant, non-blind re-tastings in the company of the winemakers. My notes with overall great consistency from previous tastings, mostly within the last 4 - 5 months.

Best
Rogov

Chateau Golan, Rosé, Royal Reserve, 2008: Made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes, partly developed in stainless steel and for a short while in used barriques. Pale towards blushing pink in color, medium-bodied, with appealing red and black berries, strawberries and red currants, those on a spicy background. Plenty of good acidity here. A more than usually complex rosé. Drink now-2011. Score 89.

The Cave, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2005: Full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing a moderate dose of spicy cedarwood, all in fine balance with fruits and acidity. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, those vinified separately before the final blend was made near bottling time. Dark garnet toward royal-purple in color, with currant, blackberry, spices and hints of bitter orange peel all coming together as a long and coherent whole. Drink now–2011. Score 90. K

Trio, Secret, Cabernet Sauvigjnon, 2007: Garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full-bodied, reflecting its 12 months in barriques with notes of spicy and vanilla-rich wood. Silky tannins part to reveal a generous array of wild berry, currant and bitter citrus peel notes all in fine balance with spicy notes that run through the medium-long finish. Best 2010–2013, perhaps longer. Score 90.

Yatir, Blended Red, 2005: Showing precisely as at earlier tastings. A blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (37%, 36%, 15% and 12% respectively). Aged in oak for 12 months, this still-young wine shows firm tannins nicely balanced with lightly spicy wood. Starts with a rich blackberry nose and then goes on to aromas and flavors of wild berries, currants and anise, all on a gently herbal background. Drink now–2012. Score 90. K

Maor, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2004: Dark but somewhat dull garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with chunky country-style tannins, opens to show red currant, strawberry and raspberry fruits on a background of grilled herbs and tobacco. Drinking nicely now but not for further cellaring. Score 87.

Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: Showing beautifully. Almost inky-black in color, offering a generous mouthful of currant, cherry, blackberry and blueberry fruits, those matched by layers of sweet spices. Big, broad and intense but yielding on the palate to show grace and elegance, and closing with a long, fruity finish. Drink now–2016. Score 92.

Saslove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserved, 2005: Made from organically raised Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Kadita vineyard, oak-aged for 24 months in French and American oak, full-bodied with firm but gently mouth-coating tannins parting nicely to reveal traditional Cabernet aromas and flavors of black currants and blackberries. The fruits supported nicely by complex notes of mocha, bittersweet chocolate, Oriental spices and Mediterranean herbs, all of which play nicely on the palate and lead to a long and generous finish. Drink now–2012, perhaps longer. Score 91.

Somek, Carignan, 2004: Oak-aged for 20 months in French barriques, medium-bodied, with generous black fruits, spicy oak and vanilla, a softly tannic wine that opens nicely on the palate. Plenty of spicy wood here, but that well integrated and, on the long finish, hints of orange peel and chocolate. Drink up. Score 88.

Flam, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006: Oak-aged for about 16 months, a full-bodied, gently tannic and concentrated blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet, with soft, near-sweet tannins and notes of spicy wood, opens with a mélange of black cherry, blackberry and currant notes, and reveals hints of red berries and brown spices. Long, broad and elegant. Approachable and enjoyable now, but will show its elegance best from 2011–2015. Score 92

Pelter, T-Selection, Cabernet Franc, 2006: Ruby toward royal-purple in color, full-bodied, with silky tannins and a gentle hand with the oak. Showing gorgeous plum, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors on a background of sweet spices and, coming in on the finish, a tempting hint of semi-sweet chocolate. Long and generous. Drink now–2012. Score 92.

Clos de Gat, Merlot, Har'el, 2007: Royal purple towards black, muscular, with bold tannins and spicy oak integrating nicely. Made entirely from Merlot grapes, aged in barriques for 14 months. On first attack near-sweet plum and cocoa aromas and flavors, those yielding to notes of currant jam and licorice. A solid finish on which arise notes of citrus peel. Drink now–-2015. Score 92

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2006: A blend focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, those flushed out with Petit Verdot and Malbec. Firm, solid and intense, dark garnet in color, full-bodied and opening to show a generous array of blackberries, black cherries, currants and dark chocolate. Dense, rich and complex, with hints of near-sweetness that toy comfortably on the palate, with tannins that grip comfortably and in fine balance with wood and fruits. Long and generous, muscular and intense but with a distinct note of elegance. Drink now–2013. Score 92. K