Castel Petit Castel

Romazini: 3/5 Stars

Elegant and spicy second wine of Domaine du Castel. Kosher for passover.

Robert Parker: 89/100 Points

Vintage 2007: The 2007 PETIT CASTEL is on release the relative bargain in Castel's otherwise pricey lineup-not that it's cheap. On release, this bottling, which comes from the same vineyard, usually seems little different than the Grand Vin, the main difference being that it is usually not as well positioned for the longer haul. This is a touch herbaceous, tinged with green pepper and olives, elegant and gripping at the moment. The first attack, however, is impressive in its ability to deliver flavor and fruit. There isn't a lot of depth here, but as between this and an older Grand Vin, there isn't much to choose from at the moment. It should come around fairly quickly. Drink now-2017.

Domaine du Castel-on everyone's short list in the "Best of Israel" debate-is a boutique winery with a very French orientation. The reds are elegant Bordeaux ringers, and increasingly the Chardonnay resembles Burgundy. They are never the biggest or the most powerful, but they are always among the best crafted and most refined. Castel does need to be careful not to skimp too much on mid-palate concentration. On the whole, the wines have also shown remarkable consistency, granting that Israel's vintages are more consistent than not. The next test is whether they can continue to develop in the cellar, getting better in time rather than merely holding. At this price level, that is a fair expectation. There is some evidence that this may happen in newer vintages, but there is still something to prove in that regard.

The Winemaker

The Petit is a blend of the wines which were not used for its big brother. Again the blend will be mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest, in order of importance is Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak barrels.