My most recent visit to Castel was on 28 Feb 2005, there to do primarily advance and barrel tastings. My tasting notes follow. Continuing on an earlier, lighter note, I must comment that even the espresso coffee that I was offered was excellent!

Best,
Rogov

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Not yet a final blend at this tasting but already showing deep garnet in color with orange and purple reflections, full-body and the kind of balance and structure that bode well for the future. Raspberries, blackcurrants, vanilla, chocolate all here on first attack, those followed by plums and a gentle influence of the wood. On the finish berries, licorice and tobacco. Destined for complexity and elegance. Tentative Score 92-94. K (Tasted 28 Feb 2005)

Grand Vin Castel, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Still tight because of its youth, but with the clear potential for focused elegance. Deep garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins integrating well. On first attack currant, plum, spices and an appealing earthy-herbal overtone and a finish on which you will find white chocolate and a hint of mint. Perhaps Castel's best red ever. Best 2007-2012, perhaps longer. Tentative Score 93-95. K (Re-tasted 28 Feb 2005)

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 2002 (Kosher Edition): My earlier tasting note holds firmly: Full-bodied, bold, concentrated, and with layer after layer of aromas and flavors that linger on. Look for currants, cherries, plums and spices on first attack, those yielding nicely to cedar, minerals and tobacco leaf. Still showing some rough edges because of its youth, but with balance and structure that bode very well for its future. Best now-2009. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 28 Feb 2005)

Castel, Petit Castel, 2003: Softer, smoother and more approachable than the Grand Vin of this vintage. Medium- to full-bodied, with forward black fruits, soft tannins already integrating nicely and a pleasing array of currant, wild berry and earthy-herbacoueness. Mouthfilling and moderately long. Drink now-2008. Score 90. K (Tasted 28 Feb 2005)

Castel, "C" Chardonnay, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Still embryonic in form but already showing the potential for elegance and agining potential. Light golden in color, full-bodied, with fresh citrus, melon and tropical fruits. Creamy and long on the finish, another triumph for this wine. Best 2006-2011. Tentative Score 92-94. K (Tasted 28 Feb 2005)

As much out of curiosity as anything else, during my visit we also sampled a bottle of the 1992 Grand Vin. My most recent tasting note, of 9 Sep 2004 holds firmly.

Castel, Grand Vin Castel, 1992: This very first wine released by Castel, more Italian than Bordeaux in style, was delicious and complex, but now after a full decade is well past its prime. Still showing dark fruits but reflecting only a shadow of its once fine balance, the wine drinks well when first poured but then quickly fades in the glass. If you have any left on hand, drink up. No longer scoreable. (Re-tasted 28 Feb 2005)