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Cabernet Sauvignon (Israel) 1996 Yair Margalit

3/99. Bought at the winery, June-98 for $27.
Yair Margalit was (I think) the first boutique winery in Israel. His first available wine [and one of his very best] was the 1989 vintage. Unfortunately he is not always consistent and in recent years his wines tend more towards the short term and the simple fruit appeal.
COLOR: Dark, but looks a bit less so than most Israeli Cabernets.
NOSE: Pleasant but simple raspberry-like fruit. Nothing faulty or derogative there, but no real depth or complexity.
TASTE: After about half an hour in the glass, the wine drinks smoothly as if it were much older than its young age. Sweetish fresh fruit on the palate without too much weight or structure. Drinks quite nicely though a touch too sweet for a simple quaff to accompany food.
LENGTH: Nothing really there.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Light bodied (though not thru lack of alcohol) and pretty. No complexity or subtlety here. Pleasant light fruit that is not sticky or jammy. Nice acidity and I'm glad the tannins are soft as befits this light-hearted wine.
OVERALL: Very good. A nice wine all in all but I know Margalit can make better stuff.
MARK: 16/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? No.


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Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.