Ah for Lenny Bernstein and "West Side Story". I have no idea whatever if the stars will be shining bright this night but I am attending the ashaka (unveiling) of Yatir Winery's 2005 Yatir Forest Wine. I've tasted this one on three occasions to date - once in barrel and twice in pre-release. Following is my most recent pre-release tasting note. Will be interesting to see how it compares now that the wine is going on the market. Will post twice again on this - on return from the tasting which will not be blind and then again in a week or so after a blind tasting in my own tasting room.
Best
Rogov
Yatir Forest, 2005 (Advance Tasting): A full-bodied Bordeaux blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot. A third aged in new and two-thirds aged in old wood barriques for 15 months, this deep royal-purple wine casts intense orange and green reflections. Soft tannins integrating beautifully and the intentionally gentle hand with the wood come together nicely to let the wine open with spicy berry and cassis aromas and flavors, those going on to show blackberries and an underlying and fascinating mélange of bitter herbs. Long, generous and destined for elegance. Drink now–2014. Score 93. K (Tasted 5 Feb 2007)