The 2004 The Cave “Non-Mevushal,” was, as with the Mevushal version, tasted twice. On opening, it was more vibrant, a bit fuller and fleshier, and more flavorful than the Mevushal version at a similar stage. In particular, it was more intense. It seemed livelier and brighter, with a somewhat longer, more succulent finish. The most obvious differences were its vibrancy and intensity even at the outset, when this version showed some drying tannins after twenty minutes or so, while the Mevushal version was far more approachable. I liked how this non-Mevushal version developed in the glass more, too, and as time went on the differences arguably became greater and more important. After being open a few hours, this still showed some intensity and focus, while the Mevushal wine had long since gone everywhere it was going to go, which perhaps sums up the key difference in a sentence. If this non-Mevushal version were truly distinguished, and something likely to develop well and improve over the course of a decade, the difference would be even more obvious over time, but the wine is fairly lean. As this wine came together, it had a rather elegant feel overall, and showed tasty, if a bit simple, red berry-nuanced fruit with just a hint of an herbal note, enlivened by the supporting tannins. The mid-palate is overly delicate. Drink now-2013.These upper level wines from a boutique owned by Binyamina are the same wine, produced in two different ways. Both are Kosher, but one is Mevushal and the other is not. Note that “Mevushal” is indicated only on the back label. “The Cave” refers to a cave quarried in Mount Carmel some 250 years ago and used to store wine intermittently since the 19th Century. Both versions of this wine have their good points, although neither is anywhere near as impressive as the massive bottle or the price tag. When I served these blind and mentioned the price tag, one startled taster said pretty accurately, "They are just simple bistro wines." Both bottlings are a bit on the lean and simple side. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot, aged for 24 months in new French oak.Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118

The 2004 The Cave Mevushal is elegant and rather charming at the outset, with simple red berry flavors cut with just a hint of an herbal note, some acidity and a modest, but pleasant, finish. I particularly liked how this showed initially when retasted from a second bottle. If you have to have Mevushal, this is a pretty good, if overly pricey, example. After being open for about three hours, the fruit developed a soft, appealing texture, but also a certain nuance that reminded me a bit of Beaujolais, with, increasingly, a touch of rubber, an annoying nuance missing from the non-Mevushal wine. It rounded into form quickly with air as the tannins resolved. Ignoring the price, it can be a nice, if entirely simple, drink. I would suggest, however, that unless you require Mevushal wines for religious reasons, you would be better served buying the non-Mevushal bottling. Drink now-2011.These upper level wines from a boutique owned by Binyamina are the same wine, produced in two different ways. Both are Kosher, but one is Mevushal and the other is not. Note that “Mevushal” is indicated only on the back label. “The Cave” refers to a cave quarried in Mount Carmel some 250 years ago and used to store wine intermittently since the 19th Century. Both versions of this wine have their good points, although neither is anywhere near as impressive as the massive bottle or the price tag. When I served these blind and mentioned the price tag, one startled taster said pretty accurately, "They are just simple bistro wines." Both bottlings are a bit on the lean and simple side. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot, aged for 24 months in new French oak.Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118

Mature-tasting, with red plum, smoke and raspberry flavors. The tannic finish is filled with coffee notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Kosher. Drink now. 400 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Israel / Galilee Select to Add