Sea Horse Fellini 2007 Released Two More Tasting Notes 
 19.08.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Among other wines scheduled for tasting today was the just released 2007 Fellini of Ze'ev Dunie's Sea Horse Winery.
Be aware that I have a charming but somewhat sneaky assistant! Five flights of five wines each, all various blends, the flights pretty well matched with similar Israeli, Australian and French blends, so she snuck in two more Sea Horse wines – the 2005 Camus and the 2005 Gaudi.

What pleased me enormously was that I immediately recognized each of the Sea Horse wines. I have often said that one of the most important aspects of a boutique winery is that each wine reflects the signature of the winemaker. These most certainly do that. Also pleasing was that in each case my previous tasting notes and predicted drinking windows for the wines held firmly.

Best
Rogov

The New Release Retasted

Fellini, 2007: Dark garnet with green and orange reflections, a blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, now showing heady, near-sweet tannins and near-sweet cedarwood in good balance with fruit and natural acidity. On the nose and palate generous black fruits complemented by notes of bittersweet chocolate, freshly cured cigar tobacco, and on the long finish, a hint of red licorice. Drink now–2015, perhaps longer. Score 91.

Two Older Releases Retasted

Camus, 2005: This almost inky-garnet, full-bodied blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah reflects its 12 months in French oak with a gentle layer of spicy wood, that well balanced by generous but yielding tannins and on the nose and palate smoky blackberries and currants, Oriental spices and hints of game meat. Soft, round and well focused with the tannins, rising on the long, supple finish along with appealing hints of leather and black pepper. Drink now–2011. Score 90.

Gaudi, 2005: Garnet toward purple, this blend of Carignan, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%, 30% and 40% respectively) reflects its eight months in oak with medium body, soft tannins and a personality best described as round. Easy to drink, but with just enough complexities to make it interesting . On the nose and palate plum, currant and wild berries along with hints of spices and licorice. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 88.