The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon “Alexander the Great” is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, the rest Petit Verdot (6%) and Merlot (4%), all harvested, the winery says, before dawn. The Cabernet was sourced from the vineyards of Kerem Ben-Zimra, as planted in 1983. It was aged for 36 months in oak, an 80/20 French/American mixture. This adds a layer or two of depth to the regular reserve reviewed this issue. It feels far lusher and more concentrated than that wine, which sometimes seemed a touch sharp. There are some nuances of herbs and a touch of game, which add some welcome complexity and balance out the oak and this wine seems to mingle earth, oak and acidity in a rather positive way – not that it is shy on the oak, with which the winery seems to be a bit too much in love. Overall, though, this is a very positive performance that is easy to admire, a pleasure to drink and worth a bit of cellaring. Frankly, the longer this was open, the more I liked it. It is a wine that should drink well and merit some contemplation, but it certainly isn’t obvious. It does show some hints of maturity now. Whether it is worth the big price spike...that’s up to you. Drink now-2017. Note that the 2007s are current – they were just submitted by the winery. Some of them received extended oak aging, which may partly account for their late submission.Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel: (718) 534-0118