This article was reprinted from an April 10, 2019 Wine Spectator feature. Prices are approximate.
5 Recommended Kosher Whites
Note: The following lists are selections of outstanding and very good wines from recently rated releases.
GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Chardonnay Galilee Yarden Katzrin 2016 Score: 91 | $39
Spicy aromatics yield to rich but fresh flavors of apple compote, honey cream and poached pear in the medium-to full-bodied white. Hints of vanilla, clove, mineral and floral dovetail onto the lengthy finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2020. 1,693 cases made.—Gillian Sciaretta
COVENANT Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain Lavan 2015 Score: 90 | $38
Well-structured, with concentrated apple, pear and melon flavors that are long and rich-tasting. Plush and spicy on the juicy finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2022. 250 cases made.—Kim Marcus
COVENANT Roussanne Lodi Mensch 2017 Score: 89 | $20
Succulent mango, apricot and peach flavors are restrained by a firm and juicy frame. An appealing whiff of dried pineapple lingers on the finish. Kosher. Drink now. 250 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec
GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Chardonnay Galilee Yarden 2016 Score: 89 | $23
A broad, medium-bodied white, boasting glazed pear, citronella, and honey cream flavors, edged with mineral elements. Almond paste, floral and baking spice details mark the finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2020. 10,930 cases made.—G.S.
GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Chardonnay Galilee Yarden Odem Vineyard 2015 Score: 89 | $25
Supple and aromatic in profile, with lemon oil, peach cream and floral notes cast together with baking spice and buttery undertones. The finish is spicy. Kosher. Drink now through 2019. 3,728 cases made.—G.S.
5 Recommended Kosher Reds
GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee Yarden 2014 Score: 91 | $33
A sinewy, full-bodied red, with balsamic acidity gliding through the black olive, currant and eucalyptus flavors. Spice, mineral and leather details gain traction into the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Kosher. Drink now through 2023. 23,486 cases made.—Gillian Sciaretta
GALIL MOUNTAIN Yiron Galilee 2014 Score: 90 | $32
Plush tannins structure this plump, full-bodied red, filled with cherry compote, plum pudding, Kalamata olive and licorice flavors. Details of currant, loamy earth and herb echo on the spicy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Kosher. Drink now through 2021. 12,031 cases made.—G.S.
GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Syrah Galilee Yarden 2014 Score: 89 | $28
Ripe cherry and raspberry coulis flavors have a floral edge in this supple, full-bodied red, infused with spice, licorice and hints of mineral on the plush finish. Moderate tannins. Kosher. Drink now through 2023. 4,196 cases made.—G.S.
RECANATI Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee 2017 Score: 88 | $17
A peppery, supple red, with earthy undertones to the currant and black cherry fruit. Spice and charred herb elements mark the moderately tannic finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2020. 12,500 cases made.—G.S.
RECANATI Merlot Galilee 2017 Score: 88 | $17
A toasty red, featuring a smoky spine that lingers through the dried cherry, brown bread and espresso flavors. Solid acidity and moderate tannins offer good structure, with herb and mineral notes detailing the finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2022. 8,000 cases made.—G.S.