Two for Dinner: Four Wines on the Table 
 23.08.2009 
 By: Daniel Rogov

Two for dinner this evening. Four wines and eight glasses on the table, each of the wines re-tasted this morning and then set aside for later drinking pleasure. And pleasure there was…

Best
Rogov

Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: Drinking beautifully, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, both from the Kadita vineyard in the Upper Galilee is showing full-bodied, remarkably rich and with fine balance and structure. Opens as it did in its youth with earthy currants and black cherry fruits, and then goes on to reveal notes of raspberries, mocha and chocolate. Generous tannins here but those now gently caressing, giving the wine both roundness and elegance, all leading to a super-long finish on which one finds at one moment a note of anise and another a hint of saddle leather. At its best now but this one will hold its peak comfortably until 2015. Score 94.

Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2004: Medium- to full-bodied with soft, near-sweet tannins and spicy wood well balanced by black currant, wild berry and black cherry fruits. Round, generous and long. Drink now–2012. Score 91.
Karmei Yosef, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bravdo, 2003: A well-balanced, well-structured blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Still young but already showing ripe, generous and mouth-filling aromas and flavors of plums, currants, black cherries and berries, with hints of minty spice and wood. Elegant and graceful wine. Drink now-2011. Score 91.

Karmei Yosef, Merlot, Bravdo, 2004: Oak-aged for 12 months, with 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, this medium-bodied red shows appealing smoky oak and moderately firm tannins well balanced with cassis, blueberry and black cherry fruits. On the long finish hints of anise, sweet cedar, sage and tobacco. Drink now–2011. Score 90.