Domaine du Castel Petit Castel Non-Mevushal 2020

The grapes were handpicked and after fermentation the wine was aged 16 months in French oak. Dark ruby color, medium-bodied, with notes of wild berry, spices, herbs and sweet cedar. Serve with medium-flavored veal or chicken dishes.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% 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.