Two Mini-Verticals: Tabor's Mes'cha and Sea Horse's Antoine 

 28.03.2009 

 By: Daniel Rogov

Among my other tastings in recent days two mini-verticals, one at the unveiling of Tabor's 2005 Mes'cha and the other in my own tasting room of Sea Horse's newly released Antoine wines.

Best
Rogov

Tabor, Mes’cha, 2005: Dark garnet with orange and purple reflections, full-bodied with once firm tannins and generous oak now settling in nicely and showing in fine moderation and in fine balance with fruits. A concentrated wine, opening in the glass to reveal red currants, wild berries and red licorice, those with light overlays of herbal and cigar tobacco. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Shiraz and 10% Merlot, aged partly in 2000 liter casks and partly in 225 liter barriques for 18 months. Long, generous and elegant. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2014. NIS 140. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 22 Mar 2009)

Tabor, Mes'cha, 2003: My earlier tasting note holds firmly: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot (75%, 15% and 10% respectively), this deep-garnet, medium to full-bodied wine reflects its 18 months in oak with tannins and spicy wood integrating and opening to reveal black currant, berry and plum fruits on a background of spicy wood and Mediterranean herbs. Generous, well balanced and long. Drink now–2011. Score 90. K (Re-tasted 22 Mar 2009)

Tabor, Mes'cha, 2002: About one year ago I wrote that this wine was in a "drink up" phase. At this re-tasting a major surprise, for the wine is now showing fresh and still youthful. Not merely bottle or palate variation, for I have now re-tasted twice – once at the winery's tasting and then again today in y own tasting room.A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this medium to full-bodied red shows firm but well-integrated tannins with spicy oak and generous currant and blackberry fruits, those matched by hints of spices, earthiness and tobacco on the finish. Drink now-2010. Score 90. K (Re-tasted with consistent notes 22 and 25 Mar 2009)

Sea Horse, Antoine, Tete de Cuvee, 2006: Full-bodied, with still gripping tannins waiting to settle in. Reflecting its oak-aging for 18 months with generous but soft and spicy cedar notes, showing tempting bittersweet chocolate and a cigar tobacco note that underlie red berry and currant fruits. A blend of 74% Syrah and 13% each of Grenache and Mourvedre, with an appealing bitter herbal hint rising on the long and so-far muscular finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010-2015. Score 91. (Re-tasted 25 Mar 2009)

Sea Horse, Antoine, Tete de Cuvee, 2005: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Made entirely from Syrah grapes, this full-bodied wine spent 16 months in used French barrels and now shows deep garnet-toward-royal-purple color with gripping tannins in fine balance with gentle oak. Opens on plumy and leathery notes that yield to blackberries, spices and red licorice. A long, generous finish with a tantalizing bitter note. Drink now–2011. Score 90. (Re-tasted 25 Mar 2009)