Toast 2018 with these 11 Wines!
“Age and Glasses of Wine should Never be Counted”.
We present some of our favorite new wines from recent tastings, along with some classics that we have enjoyed over the year. As always, we are pleased to recommend a variety…some splurge worthy and some very affordable. We have shared our comments alongside some of the complex descriptions provided by true wine experts.
We consider Yarden to be the "royal family" of Israel’s wine production. This globally respected brand has grown over the years, and paved the way for so many smaller Israeli vintners to produce and ship wine all over the world. We were pleased to taste the following two selections, and highly recommend them. In fact, we have never met a Yarden we didn’t like!
Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 This wine layers ripe berry, cherry and plum fruit notes with spice, earth, toast and opulent oak. While ready to drink, Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon will age well for ten to fifteen years. It pairs nicely with festive beef dishes such as rib roast and steak. The 2012 wine was awarded 92 points as the Wine Enthusiast- Editors Choice
(Not mevushal) Approximately $32.99
Yarden Sauvignon Blanc 2016
The 2015 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc is produced exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes at the Golan Heights Winery in northern Israel. It is a light, almost transparent, colored wine. with flavors of lemons, apples, and cantaloupe. This wine is aged in French oak barrels for 2 months. It is medium bodied and dry. It is recommended as a wine to pair with pasta, fish or chicken.. Many reviewers call this a drinkable, lovely wine. We agree. (Not mevushal) Approximately $17.99
While on our trip to Kosherfest 2017, we learned of several new and exciting beverage and spirits brands. We discovered Bravdo Wines, Twin Suns, and Shirah Wine Productions as well as several other kosher wines nationally distributed by The River Wine. We have had our first opportunity to taste some of these new wines, and enjoyed every sip. Indeed, the soil of the estate where Bravdo wines are produced is known to have grown wine grapes all the way back to the time of King Solomon. Amazing!
Bravdo Merlot Samson, Israel 2013
In 1999, Professor Ben Ami Bravdo and his former student Professor Oded Shoseyov, both faculty members of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, decided to establish Karmei Yosef Winery that produces BRAVDO wines. The vineyards are located at the foothills of the majestic village of Karmei Yosef, on the way to Jerusalem. The Shoseyov family began growing grape vines on this land over 50 years ago. This selection is 100% Merlot, aged 12 months in oak barrels. It is a medium to full bodied, red. Pair with meats such as lamb or beef, or poultry. (Not mevushal.) Approximately $31
Twin Suns Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lodi California
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah…aged 12 months in French and Hungarian Oak barrels. This full-bodied red features layers of fruit complexity, and floral notes, Pair this one with poultry and roasted or grilled meats. (mevushal) Approximately $16
Contessa Annalisa Rosé
This light pink Rosé is from Italy and consists of 100% Merlot. It is dry, refreshing and crisp with notes of strawberry and summer fruit.. Pairs well with pasta, fish and cheese or as an aperitif. (mevushal) Approximately $8.00
2014 Shirah Wine Productions One/Two Punch
50/50 Grenache/Syrah The colorful label on this bottle exudes fun even before tasting the wine. This wine is a blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. It is a medium bodied and soft fruity selection, with notes of coffee, vanilla cloves and spice including coffee and vanilla. Drink now, or by 2020. Wine tasters scored this wine and excellent A-. (not mevushal)
Approximately $33
Herzog Selection Chateneuf Bordeaux and it’s only about $13 per bottle
This is one of our favorite white wines at any price– a light, semi-sweet fruity wine, with a bit of sparkle. We pair it with poultry, pasta, fish and appetizers. (mevushal)
Chen(In) white wine
This Chenin Blanc, dry white from California is fruity and light. We serve it chilled with poultry, dairy dishes and appetizers. What an amazing value! (mevushal) is Approximately $8-$9
And then, the most popular kosher wine in America – is actually from Italy. Bartenura Moscato, or as thousands have nicknamed it “@Bartenura Blue” and “Out of the Blue”. We at KosherEye prefer our dry reds and whites, but so many friends and family love their semi-sweet Blue. The pleasing taste of pear, tangerine, nectar and melon goes well with appetizers, poultry and dessert. However, according to its devoted fans, which is most everyone we know, and many in the hip-hop world, Blue is perfect anytime with anything. Approximately $12 -$15. (mevushal)
Barons de Rothschild Brut Champagne
This exceptional , dry and elegant champagne is produced by the prestigious Baron de Rothschild vineyard. It is made by blending wines aged at least 3 years, to offer rich, complex flavors, with subtle aromas of white fruit. Made from chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced in the Champagne region of France, it is highly recommended as a premium sparkler by Gabe Geller Royal wine expert..(mevushal )
Approximately $67.00
Freixenet Excelencia Brut Cava Freixenet is a crisp, dry, smooth sparkling wine. Brut Cavas are bubbly wines produced in Spain's Catalonia region. The aromas are of citrus and apple flavors. Reviews rave about this sparkler – as an excellent bubbly at a very affordable price. We enjoy drinking this “chilled and straight”, but also mixed into our favorite Champagne Royales and Sangrias. (mevushal) $15
What does mevushal and not mevushal actually mean as related to kosher wine? Click HERE to read the explanation.