Carmel Appelation 2009 and Tulip Just Merlot

[Isaac C]

Has anyone had the Carmel Appelation Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc 2009 and can they comment on it's drinking window?

Also, can anyone comment on the drinking window for the Tulip Just Merlot?

Thanks,
Isaac

[David Raccah]

Tulip Just Merlot has 2 to 3 years, but it is not for long term collating, and the tannins are soft enough to enjo now nd be happy, but further hat the wine will not improve much in the future.

David

[Adam M]

For what it's worth, I really liked Tulip Just Merlot when I tried it at the 2012 KFWE, but last Shabbat I drank a bottle and didn't like it at all the first day and then only liked it a little the second day. I paid over $25 so I don't consider this a good QPR at all.

[David Raccah]

Agreed the flam and tulip wines are over priced here, in Israel, they are cheaper. I thought the wines I enjoyed in srael, the tulip cab and merlot were fine, and had life left in them.

[Alexander F]

I paid over $25 so I don't consider this a good QPR at all.

Agreed. At this price you can get their Cab Reserve in IL.

[Yehoshua Werth]

Thought the Tulip Just merlot was very nice ..Yet again seems like everyone loves that $30 zone to start good Israeli wines..

Hoping people will start more like a @ $20 if they must yet Kadesh Barnea @ $17 is realy working here.

Like the Blanc Flam much better in the Drinking NOW yet the Red may turn a corner at some point cant tell.

[Isaac C]

Adam - I had the same exact experience as you - liked it at the KFWE but did not think it was worth the ~$30 it is selling for. Gave it a shot this shabbos and did not like it on Friday night, shabbos day it was better but still nothing special, and IMHO overpriced. I can think of plenty of wines for $30, even $15 that I would prefer.

[Gabriel Geller]

I know recall having tasted the Carmel Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. It was a quick-btw tasting at one of my competitors' shop and was served in a small plastic cup ( ). I recall it had soft and near-sweet tannins, very much ready for drinking now with overripe black fruit. I will eventually post a real TN once I'll have tasted it properly.

[Yossie Horwitz]

Tulip, Just, Merlot, 2010 - Drink now through 2014
Carmel, Appellation, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009: Drink now (give it some time in the glass) through 2016
Carmel, Appellation, Cabernet Franc, 2009: Drink now through 2015

[Jon Tabak]

Yossie - As a Cab Franc lover, what's your take on the 09 Carmel Appellation?

[Yossie Horwitz]

I liked it - it still needs some time in my opinion to open in the glass or a few months of cellaring but it should continue to develop nicely for another couple of years. That said, I don't find it in the league of the Ella Valley version.

[David Raccah]

The Carmel appelation CF is more a Cab in Franc clothing than the other way around, which at least is a bit OK. Either way, Ella Vally, Four Gates, Tanya, Gvaot, and Livni are the ones where money should be spent, others are a good step behind.

David