Ella Valley 2004 - CS - Special edition - 60th Ann Harvest

Does anyone know anything about the above wine?

Is it just the regular CS?

There is no 2004 Vineyard's Choice, is this something like that?

Thanks

Menachem, Hi...

The vineyards of the Ella Valley Vineyards winery were first planted in 1997 and the first wine released was from the 2002 vintage and not at all 60 years ago. One therefore speculates that this is simply the regular 2004 release (indeed no other Cabernet Sauvignon wines from that vintage year were released by the winery) in order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. I've never noticed that on any of the labels I have (including two in my cellar at this moment), so I also wonder if this was not a special label, perhaps entirely for export.

At any rate, following is my tasting note for what I believe to be the wine in question. Whatever, a very appealing wine.

Best
Rogov

Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: Full-bodied, ripe and complex, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing currant and red plums along with intimations of anise, black pepper and spicy oak. On the finish hints of earthiness and freshly tanned leather. Round and long. Well crafted. Drink now–2011. Score 91. K

Might you be able to contact the winery?

on their website, 2004 has 2 Cabs - one with no designation, and one with the above designation (actually "Special Adition" - but you get the idea)

They are selling the Special Adition for a little more than the regular - interesting at least

Would love to clear this up.

Thanks,
Menachem

Menachem, Hi....

I just checked with the winery. Indeed there are two different Cabernet Sauvignon releases from the 2004 vintage. Next week I shall have a bottle of each at hand to put into my blind tastings. I shall report back after that.

Thanks for the tip-off.

Best
Rogov

Fantastic - can't wait

Are these released yet? Ella Valley seems to wait a long time with many of it's wines between bottling and release.

Thanks

DR - have you tasted this yet?

Thanks

Daniel, any news here?

Thanks

Menachem, Hi...


Thanks for the reminder. Thanks to the courtesy of the winery, I received a sample bottle of both the 2004 and the 2004 Anniversary edition, the regular edition for re-tasting and the second tasted for the first time. My tasting notes for both follow.

Best
Rogov



Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: My earlier tasting note holds firmly. Full-bodied, ripe and complex, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing currant and red plums along with intimations of anise, black pepper and spicy oak. On the finish hints of earthiness and freshly tanned leather. Round and long. Well crafted. Drink now–2011. Score 91. K (Re-tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 60th Anniversary Edition, 2004: Vinified separately from the regular release but a near-twin to that wine (see above). Full-bodied, dark garnet, with soft tannins integrating nicely with spicy wood and fruits. On the nose and palate blackcurrants, plums and blackberries, those supported nicely by notes of Oriental spices and black pepper along with a hint of earthy-minerality that comes in on the long finish. Drink now-2011. Score 91. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Thanks DR - very excited on both counts.

Love this winery. Perhaps my favorite, or maybe Yatir, or Castel . . . GHW?

oh, nevermind. Wonderful.

Do you know when the next vineyard's choice Cab is expected?

Do you know when the next vineyard's choice Cab is expected?

Not a clue at this stage.

Best
Rogov