After two months underground studying for the CA Bar Exam, I am back online.
Celebrated the exam's conclusion with a bottle of 2003 Yarden El Rom Cabernet, that I had purchased in Israel at the Yarden Winery. I didn't have the greatest expectations for this bottle for a few reasons. First, I wasn't sure if it would survive the trip across the world, even though it has been stored in my cellar ever since. Also, I was worried about the sugary goodness that plagues (I think) younger Yarden cabs.
The was thick and black, and smelled very much like the regular bottling. It did have a liqueur element to it but the most remarkable thing about the smell and taste is the intensity. This wine really tasted like two or three bottles of regular cabernet compressed into one. The El Rom must be a remarkable vineyard and I see why they are making a single vineyard version. 2003 wasn't my favorite Yarden vintage in general, even though they were quite proud of it. I can't wait to try to the 2004 El Rom. This is certainly one to seek out.
2003 Yarden El Rom Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium sweet aromas of cherry and blackberry with some oak and spice. The wine is pretty much black and extremely viscous. Peppery flavors upfront but they yield to eastern spice. Very smooth even though it's still quite tannic, but it goes down a little too quickly for an expensive bottle. One of the more potent bottles of kosher wine I have had occasion to drink-- much more masculine than the top tier Bordeaux. Drink over the next 5 years, but very good now.
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