2/2000. Bought at the winery Apr-98 for $30.
Tonight, to accompany a tasty spaghetti bolognese, we opened a bottle of my favorite Israeli wine. The 'Chateau du Castel' is a 75% Cab 25% Merlot blend, made in the Judea Mountains by the boutique winery owned by Eli Ben-Zaken.
COLOR: Pretty dark ruby red, though not as dark as some local Cabernets.
NOSE: Very Bordeaux-like nose. Very different from the heavy, fruity [and good!] nose of the top-end local Cabernets. There is a much wider spectrum of aromas here. Some of them obvious, some of them not. Lots of fruit of course, but also flowery scents mixed with wood bouquet, earthy elements, etc. Reminded me of a good 'Crus Bourgeois' Bordeaux more than anything else.
TASTE: Again, quite different on the palate. Fruity and tasty, yet more 'composed' and stylish than the lush and mouthfilling top Cabernets that are made here. Sophisticated fruit, adequate though not fantastic winyness, but plenty of personality. Nice acidity and discernible though not obstructive tannins.
LENGTH: Medium-short but pleasant aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium-bodied, stylish and elegant. Poised yet expressive with multi-dimensional aromas and flavors. Still somewhat young with slightly rough edges that will surly smooth away with time. Nicely balanced too.
OVERALL: A really fine wine. Not a 'great' wine, but very interesting and uniquely individual. Will probably further improve in 2-4 years.

MARK: 17.5/20.

BUY MORE? Yes.

Reach Me? yak@yakshaya.com

Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.