1797 | Israel, $50 to $100

"As tends to be the case, this is tighter, more focused, more powerful and a bit harder edged than the Petit Castel – not surprising considering that this is Cabernet-dominated and the Petit Castel is Merlot-dominated – but they still have similar styles. This is a moderately earthy wine this year – less earthy than the 2009 Petit Castel, though – with seductive texture and focus."