Rogov's Ramblings
Wine Reviews

"Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1999 Region/Variety Israel -- Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Note Yekev Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1999: The first wine released commercially by this mini-winery (producing 1,500 bottles in all). A bit on the rustic side, with green olive and herbal flavors but with enough cherry and plum flavors coming in to add a positive dimension. Unfiltered, medium bodied and with moderate tannins, the wine should be drunk now or in the next year or two. NIS 85. ($20.00) Score 87 Tasting"
Date : 2001.04.17
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)

"Yekev Sde Boker, Merlot, 1999 Region/Variety Israel -- Merlot Tasting Note Yekev Sde Boker, Merlot, 1999: With good interplay between ripe currant, plum, spice and mint flavors, this well focused wine lingers nicely on the palate. Medium bodied and with smooth tannins, the wine is ready for drinking now. NIS 85. ($20.00). Score 87 Tasting"
Date : 2001.04.17
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)

"Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000 Region/Variety Israel Tasting Note Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000 (Advance tasting): On release this will be the third wine produced by this small Negev Desert based winery. Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this medium bodied red has soft tannins, and an ample array of plum, currant and spicy flavors, all with attractive overlays of vanilla and black olives that rise on the finish. The wine will drink well from its release until 2004. Anticipated release price NIS 85. Score 87. Score 87 Tasting"
Date : 2002.06.27
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)

"Sde Boker, Merlot, 2000 Region/Variety Israel Tasting Note Sde Boker, Merlot, 2000 (Advance tasting): Medium bodied, with a deep garnet color and soft tannins, this wine is generous in its plum, black cherry and spice flavors. Look as well for a hint of mint that develops on the palate. Well balanced and with great overall appeal, the wine will drink well from its release until about 2004. Anticipated release price NIS 85. Score 87. Score 87 Tasting"
Date : 2002.06.27
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)

"Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000 Region/Variety Israel Tasting Note Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000: Medium bodied, with gentle but ample tannins and flavors and aromas of blackcurrants, plums, vanilla and spices and with a nice herbal-olive flavor that comes in at the finish. Drink now or on the next year or so. NIS 85. (Re-tasted 3 Feb 2003) Score 85 Tasting"
Date : 2003.02.03
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)

"Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001 Region/Variety Israel Tasting Note Sde Boker, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001: Dark royal purple in color, this medium to full bodied red reflects its 23 months in oak casks with abundant vanilla, toasty oak and cedar flavors, those with currant and berry fruits. Overall good balance between fruits, tannins and wood but somehow the wine fails to come together as a fully harmonious whole. Perhaps better with a bit more bottle time, so give this one until mid-2004 before you start to drink it. NIS 80. Score 88. (Tasted 20 Oct 2003) Score 88 Tasting"
Date : 2003.10.20
Author : Daniel Rogov (drogov@cheerful.com)