Recent articles
2023 Domaine du Castel 'C' Blanc du Castel, Israel, Judean Hills, Wine Review
This is 100% Chardonnay grown in the Judean Hills just west of Jerusalem. Deeper golden in color, clear and bright. The nose is nice with lemons, roasted almonds and a touch of buttered popcorn. Medium to full bodied. Good balance. On the palate, lemons and spice with a touch of melon. Good finish. It seems like this went thru partial (or maybe full) malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine is approachable but will likely mature over the next three to five years. Drink over the next ten. This is nice on its own but will work well with Matzoh Ball soup.
2019 Opus One, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
2018 Opus One, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
2017 Opus One, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
2016 Opus One, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
2015 Opus One, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
This is a blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec from Napa. Perhaps the "weakest" of the 8 vintages tried at this tasting, it is still an outstanding wine. Ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with cassis, black cherries, tobacco, spice and an interesting minerality. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, cassis, cherries, spice and a slight caramel note. Long finish. Nice on its own or with food. This worked well with vegetarian Lasagna. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.