Ad-Hoc Septet (BYOB)

at my home
Tasted Wednesday, September 17, 2025 by Yagil with 42 views

Introduction

about a week before I called for a spontaneous Ad Hoc blind tasting, of BX varieties based mature quality wines

Flight 1 (1 Note)

  • 2023 Greenlife Sauvignon Blanc 87 Points

    New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

    pronounced aromas of juicy lime, grapefruit, wet-stone.
    typical to NZ SB.
    Med palate, juicy, high acidity, lacks complexity, but pleasant and mouth feeling as daily light but expressive SB.

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Flight 2 (1 Note)

  • 2013 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    Appearance: Deep ruby with slight garnet rim.
    Nose: Intense and elegant, showing black cherry, blackberry, graphite, tobacco leaf, and Mediterranean herbs. Hints of violet and spice.
    Palate: Medium-full bodied, refined tannins, vibrant acidity. Flavors of dark fruits, balsamic notes, cocoa, and savory mineral tones.
    Finish: Long, structured, with freshness and earthy complexity.
    Drinking beautifully now, but still has development potential.

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Flight 3 (1 Note)

  • 2016 Blankiet Estate Prince of Hearts 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    opened 3 hours prior to tasting, just for tasting 30ml
    Appearance: Deep ruby with youthful highlights.
    Nose: Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, with hints of graphite, cedar, and subtle spice.
    Palate: Medium to full-bodied, polished tannins, balanced acidity. Flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cocoa, and a touch of tobacco.
    Finish: Smooth, elegant, lingering finish with mineral and savory notes.
    Style: Approachable now but structured enough to age another 8–10 years.

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Flight 4 (1 Note)

  • 2010 Domaine du Castel Grand Vin Judean Hills 91 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    Opened 2-3 hours prior to tasting for verifying quality and getting some air.
    Appearance: Deep ruby with slight garnet rim.
    Nose: Ripe blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
    Palate: Full-bodied, concentrated dark fruit, layered with tobacco, spice, and elegant oak integration.
    Texture: Fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity, long savory finish.
    Style: Bordeaux-like structure, polished and age-worthy.
    now it is drinking beautifully at peak maturity, with tertiary notes (leather, earth, dried fruit) adding complexity.

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Flight 5 (1 Note)

  • 2017 Domaine du Castel Grand Vin Judean Hills 93 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    Opened 2-3 hours prior to tasting for verifying quality and getting some air.
    Color / Appearance: Deep, inky purple; quite opaque.
    Aroma (Nose): Rich dark fruits — blackberries and cherries — overlaid with baking spices, graphite, smokey/leesy oak, a hint of leather.
    Palate: Full-bodied, powerful structure; firm, yet fine tannins. Flavors of black cherry, plum, dark berries; supported by spicy oak and dark chocolate / cocoa notes. Acidity holds it together, keeping it balanced.
    Finish: Long, clean finish, velvety smooth but with a certain assertiveness; lingering spice and dark fruit.
    Age & Potential: Still young; shows stiffness/tannic grip now. Best if allowed to mature for at least 5-10 years.

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Flight 6 (1 Note)

  • 2001 Domaine du Castel Grand Vin Judean Hills 93 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    Opened 2-3 hours prior to tasting for verifying quality and getting some air.
    Appearance: Deep garnet, showing some bricking at the rim.
    Nose: Mature bouquet with dried blackberry, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and earthy spice.
    Palate: Medium- to full-bodied, still balanced; dark fruit layered with dried herbs, graphite, and subtle oak.
    Texture: Tannins now resolved, silky mouthfeel, good freshness for the age.
    Finish: Long, elegant, with notes of spice, cedar, and dried fruit.
    👉 At this stage, the wine is fully mature — best enjoyed soon rather than cellared further.

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Flight 7 (1 Note)

  • 2024 Tzora Vineyards Or 93 Points

    Israel, Judean Hills

    Color: Pale golden, with bright yellow reflections
    Aroma: Tropical fruits (lychee, mango), maybe peach or pear; hints of honey and citrus blossom
    Palate: Rich but balanced sweetness, rounded mouthfeel; strong acidity to keep it fresh and lift the sweetness
    Finish: Long, with honeyed or sweet spice notes; lingering fruit; clean citrus or honeysuckle aftertaste.

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Closing

It end as a great soirée, excellent wines, great company and very tasty food.

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