Following are my tasting notes. Wines preceded by the symbol ~ and with prices noted are scheduled to be released in the next few weeks

Best,
Rogov

Grand Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (Barrel Tasting): Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and destined about 18 months of oak aging, this full bodied, deep garnet colored and still firmly tannic wine already shows the promise of elegance. Look for aromas and flavors of black fruits, citrus peel, chocolate and Mediterranean herbs. Best starting in 2007. Tentative Score 88-90.

Grand Reserve, 1999: Medium- to full-bodied, and with surprisingly moderate tannins and wood influence considering that it was aged in a combination of new and old oak barriques for an extraordinarily long 32 months. Showing somewhat better than at an earlier tasting, now revealing currant, raspberry and black cherry fruits. Pleasant but lacking complexity. Drink now. Score 86.

Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Dense royal-purple towards black, full-bodied, deeply tannic and with generous wood influence but with balance and structure that bode well for the future. As the wine develops look for spicy blackcurrant, cassis, chocolate and a light overlay of cigar tobacco. Best 2007-2009, perhaps longer. Tentative Score 88-90.

Reserve, Syrah, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Full-bodied, with generous dusty, smoky oak and firm tannins but those well balanced with black fruits, chocolate and earthy-animal aromas and flavors. Needs time to settle down but with a promising future. Best 2007-2010. Tentative Score 87-89.

~Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 : Deep garnet towards black, medium- to full-bodied and reflecting 14 months in small oak barrels with vanilla, spicy wood and an appealing of spicy black fruits. Firm tannins here but good balance bodes well for the future. NIS 72. Drink now-2008. Score 89.

Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000: Dark garnet red, medium-bodied and reflecting its 24 months in oak with now soft, well integrated tannins and appealing currant and blackberry flavors. Perhaps a bit too acidic. Drink now. NIS 72. Score 86.

~Mostly, Sauvignon Blanc, 2004: Dark straw in color, portions of this medium-bodied blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (75% and 25% respectively) were oak fermented and aged sur lie before the final blend was made. Generous melon, pear and citrus fruits backed up nicely by light herbaceousness. Drink now-2006. NIS 63. Score 87.

Mostly, Shiraz, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Dark ruby towards garnet in color, this blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (65%, 15% and 20% respectively) was aged primarily in new barrels. Medium- to full bodied, with plum, currant and berry fruits backed up by appealing hints of earthiness and freshly tanned leather. Best 2006-2009. Tentative Score 87-89.

Mostly, Merlot, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Garnet towards royal purple in color, this medium-bodied blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon shows soft tannins integrating nicely, a judicious hand with oak and appealing red currant and wild berry fruits. Soft, round, generous and moderately long. Tentative Score 86-88.

Just, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 (Barrel Tasting): Dark royal purple, developed in French and American oak for 8-9 months. Already showing good balance between spicy wood, soft, well integrating tannins and wild berry, currant fruits. Look for hints of vanilla and Mediterranean herbs on the finish. Best 2006-2009.Tentative Score 86-88.

~Just, Sauvignon Blanc, 2004: Light straw colored, light- to medium bodied, clean, crisp and refreshing, with pineapple, green melon and citrus fruits on a generously acidic and spicy background. Drink now. NIS 49. Score 86.