Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.0

This is a truly great Italian Merlot that needs time to shine. It is too young and does not show its full potential. It has a dark purple color, the nose is lovely and elegant, full of character with layers of black fruits and sweet spices, plums marmalade, black cherries, and sweet anis. Full body, fruity, nice acidity, well integrated tannins. Very young, needs time to evolve. My score 90, drink 2017-2028 — 10 years ago

Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.3

1998, A true legendary wine, it needs still time to show its full quality and character. Tasted double blind. I guessed it was a Pauillac from early 2000s but did not think it was such an iconic wine :-)
Lovely garnet color, complex nose, yet a bit tight, full of black current, coffee, dry leaves, mineral and iron, full body, rich layered, complex, tannins are velvety and smooth after 2 hours. And the finish was long. My score 93, drink to 2026. Would love revisit in 5 years. — 10 years ago

Alec Jeffery

9.0

Nose a little closed, decanting helped, cherry and black fruits, soft tannins, a little short on the aftertaste, not rich enough for a top score. Worth seeking out. — 10 years ago

Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.0

A lovely performer in the problematic 2012 vintage, this Saint Julien blend of 65% CS, 32% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, has a deep purple color, a tempting compressed nose full of black fruits, dark cherries, black pepper, licorice, coffee and stone notes, full rich round body, with acidity that will carry this wine for a couple of decades and a long lasting finish. My score 90, drink to 2033 — 10 years ago

Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.1

1996, This 1996 blend of 61% CS and 39% merlot, showed beautifully and justifying the 19 years of cellaring.
A truly deep rich and elegant wine. Lavish red appealing color, lovely nose, leather, black cherries, black current, wet soil, mineral, medium to full body, with soft round tannins, smooth, deep, complex, lovely acidity to balance, and a delicious finish, with hint of sweetness. A truly lovely wine. My score 91, drink to 2019. — 10 years ago

Max Bozoghlian

Owner/Wine Director Carlito's Gardel

9.2

Should merit a higher score after a few years in the cellar. — 11 years ago

Michael Zari

10

Wow! If the score is about perfection, I have never had a better merlot, even Petrus. Just saying! — 12 years ago

Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.0

2003, Lovely wine, new world in style, rich intense and lavish. Deep garnet color, tempting nose of licorice, black cherries, leather, wet soil, chocolate, black rip plums, full body with well integrated rich round tannins, lovely acidity that is quit surprising for the extra warm vintage, long delicious dry yet ripe finish. A truly delightful wine, that is underrated in my humble opinion. My score 90+, drink to 2018, perhaps even longer. — 10 years ago

Scorewine

Wine writer http://www.israelwines.co.il

9.5

Amazing Merlot!!! Pure pleasure - an extraordinary mix of power freshness and complexity. A masterpiece. Those who know me, know that I don't easily grant 5 stars. But here each star is well deserved!!!

My score 95, drink 2014-2028!

The wine is almost black in color, the nose is seductive and essentially you fall in love with this wine from the first sniff. The aromas are rich and concentrated, plum, black cherry, sweet spices, licorice, coffee, chocolate, blueberry jam and much more. Body is full, chewy, rich intense , rich and extracted, a rare combination of fruit forward and freshness, the tannins are round, smooth and caressing, the light acidity keeps you addicted. The finish is long, and addictive.. Impossible to stop drinking it — 10 years ago

Lowell Su

9.8

Perfectly balanced Bordeaux. Shoulder height was a slightly low and the cork wasn't in best condition leading to a not perfect score for me. Otherwise the merlot and Cabernet danced together well in flavor and blend. — 11 years ago