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Cabernet Sauvignon (Israel) 1996 Yair Margalit

6/98. Bought on release from the winery June-98 for $27.
Yair Margalit, the pioneer of Israeli boutique wineries has just released his 1996 vintage (his first vintage was 1989). About 1000 cases of 85% Cabernet 15% Merlot make up his wine this year.
COLOR: Dark purple-red, perhaps a touch lighter than on previous years.
NOSE: Open and forward. Plenty of easy and young red fruit with not much complexity beyond that.
TASTE: Again, strangely forward and easy to drink. Refreshing acidity counters the fruit with almost no perceived tannins. Very lovely on the palate, but in the mono-fruit simple style.
LENGTH: Nothing there really.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Seems lighter than previous vintages. Ample upfront simple fruit, very good acidity (rare in Israeli wines!), very weak tannins.
OVERALL: Very-good wine for enjoying over the next few years. In a 'normal' country this kind of wine would sell for $10 or less. Alas...
MARK: 16/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Maybe.


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Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.