Domaine du Castel Grand Vin Non-Mevushal 2019

The grapes were handpicked and after fermentation the wine was aged 20 months in 100% new French oak. Full-bodied, bold, concentrated, and with layer after layer of aromas and flavors that linger on. Look for currants, cherries, plums, and spices on the palate, with hints of cedar. Serve with full-flavored beef or chicken dishes.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Domaine du Castel is an estate west of Jerusalem, at an altitude of 2,400 feet. Their vineyards are planted at a density of 6,700 vines per 2.5 acres and produce very small yields. The estate was established in 1988 as a hobby of winemaker Eli Ben Zaken. Eli was born in cosmopolitan Alexandria and educated in England, Italy, and Switzerland. When he moved to Israel, he first worked in agriculture and later in the restaurant business. Having no formal winemaking education, he was faced with a formidable challenge when he had to decide whether or not to turn Domaine du Castel into a formal business. But, Eli recalled how a sentiment voiced by Winston Churchill was very apt at this time and it spurred him into creating a successful winery business that Domaine du Castel is today: "were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial . . . was sure I should not fail" (Winston Churchill, May 1940).