Like many others, I today received a notification from Domaine du Castel to the effect that they have formally released their 2007 Grand Vin. The wine is now making its way to wine shops in Israel and in other countries. The wine may also be ordered directly from the winery and deliveries can be arranged both in and out of Israel. Those outside of Israel who want the wines for Passover should order as soon as possible.

Prices are as follows for the Castel wines:

Grand Vin, 2007 Case of 12 bottles US$636
Grand Vin, 2007 Magnum US$135
C Blanc du Castel, 2008* Case of 12 bottles $432
C Blanc du Castel 2008* Magnum
Petit Castel 2007 Case of 12 bottles US$347

The price of shipping 12 bottles to Europe is US$93
The price of shipping 12 bottles to the USA is US$ 183

The notification also states that the above prices are ex cellar and apply only to shipments. More than that, if the wine is delivered in Israel, tax will apply. (I assume that the tax referred to is VAT)

Further information on shipping and an order form can be obtained by sending an email to <!-- e -->castel@castel.co.il<!-- e --> or by sending a fax to 972-2-570-0095. The winery can be reached by telephone at 972-2-5342249.

*For those to whom it is of importance the 2008 wines are kosher by Heter Mechira

My tasting notes for the wines follow.  For those not fully familiar with Castel which started as a micro-winery, the Domaine du Castel grew gradually and now produces approximately 100,000 bottles annually. Since the release of a mere 600 bottles of his first wine in 1992, owner-winemaker Eli Ben Zaken—who now works with his son Ariel—has consistently made some of the very best wines in the country. The winery, with its exquisitely designed barrel room holding more than 500 barriques, is located on Moshav Ramat Raziel in the Jerusalem Mountains. The winery relies entirely on grapes grown in the area, mostly in its own vineyards, some in vineyards under its full supervision. Grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Chardonnay.

The winery produces three wines annually. The first, Grand Vin Castel, is an often superb Bordeaux-style blend; Petit Castel, not so much a "second label" as a parallel-produced wine is meant for earlier drinking; and “C” which has often been one of the most exciting Chardonnay wines produced in Israel. The winery produced a first kosher version of its Grand Vin in 2002, and from the 2003 vintage all of Castel’s wines have been kosher. Production is currently about 100,000 bottles annually.

No-one has questioned but that the Castel wines have consistently been among the very best in the country. What has been questioned in recent years is the age-worthiness of some of the red wines cellaring well but not for as long as was predicted and hoped for. Recent advance and re-tastings show that with continued development in both production techniques and bottling facilities, the cellaring potential of more recently released wines may well reflect a dramatic increase in aging potential.

Best
Rogov

Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2007: The by now traditional Grand Vin blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, that flushed out with Merlot Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Full bodied, dark and well extracted, firm on opening but yielding comfortably in the glass to reveal gently caressing tannins, notes of spicy oak and generous blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry fruits, those supported by notes of mocha, orange peel and black olives. On the super-long finish a tempting note of licorice. Long, generous and coherent. Drink now-2015. Score 92. K

Domaine du Castel, Petit Castel, 2007: As always a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. Oak-aged for 16 months, showing soft tannins integrating nicely with spicy cedar wood notes. On first attack red plums and a hint of garrigue, those yielding comfortably to currants, wild berries and a note of bitter citrus peel. Wood and tannins rise on the finish at this stage. Despite that, drinking very nicely now-2013, perhaps longer. Score 90. K

Domaine du Castel, C Blanc du Castel, 2008: Shining gold in color, opens with a seductive creamy and vanilla nose, those going on to reveal smoky oak notes. Full-bodied Chardonnay that seems to float on the palate and in the glass opens to reveal apricot, pear, fig and melon aromas and flavors, those supported by finely-tuned acidity and a generous mineral overlay. The longer this sits in the glass themore it shows its depth, complexity and elegance. Drink now-2014, perhaps longer. Score 93. K