I have tried to visit Elvi a few times over the years – always combining it with work travel – but it has never worked out. Each time I was in Spain for work, the Cohen family was not available. So when in the course of planning this year’s trips with my friend David Raccah … Continue reading Elvi Wines Visit – December 2024
Five new Portuguese releases from Kiddush Wines
Some new Portuguese imports have been hitting the Israeli market over the last year, and I thought it would be useful to review them all as a set. Until now, for the most part very few kosher Portuguese wines have been made. Usually, we get a steady stream of port – in the past the … Continue reading Five new Portuguese releases from Kiddush Wines
France – May 2024 – Part 3 – Hotel Wines
Note: I am embarrassed at how late this post is. It was 95% complete by mid-June. I just never got around to finishing and editing due to my work schedule and of course the ongoing situation here, which as I have noted, does not leave me in the headspace for writing. But as I have … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 3 – Hotel Wines
France – May 2024 – Part 2 – IDS
As I mentioned in my last post, until now I had only come to France once a year in November on a dedicated tasting trip, while my friend David of Kosher Wine Musings had come a second time in May. The IDS visit is a perfect example as to why I also needed to come … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 2 – IDS
France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
I have been doing these France trips with my friend David Raccah of Kosher Wine Musings for five years now. Until now, David has always come twice a year - in May and November - while I only joined for the November trip. This was mostly due to work scheduling issues, family commitments, etc., and … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
The story of a Muscat, held by time
Editor's Note: It is rare that I have a guest post on this site (I think there has only been one other). Ya'acov Oryah needs no introduction from me. He is a well known and highly respoected winemaker. I have written a number of detailed posts about his wines over the years. He is also … Continue reading The story of a Muscat, held by time
2021 Domaine de Montille
Right before Pesach, I had the opportunity to partake in a release event for the 2021 Domaine de Montille kosher burgundies. The event was a dinner held at The David Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv and was organized by their Israeli importer Shmuel Gottlieb of Geshem Spirits. Just a couple of words about Shmulik and … Continue reading 2021 Domaine de Montille
Seder 2024
Each year when thinking about the Seder wines, I try to come up with a list of wines that are both practical for each kos while being appropriate for the mitzvah, in that they are truly excellent wines that deserve to adorn my Seder table. In general, I am NOT makpid on all of my … Continue reading Seder 2024
RCC Israel #46 – Adar Bet 5784 – 50th Birthday Celebration
Wow - this is the latest I have ever gotten an RCC post out. Hopefully, this is getting posted no later than Rosh Chodesh Nisan. My last post was just super long and took me a while to put together – so hopefully things can now proceed at a normal pace. RCC Adar Bet this … Continue reading RCC Israel #46 – Adar Bet 5784 – 50th Birthday Celebration
France – November 2023 – Part 4 – Hotel Wines
This post will (finally) wrap up my trip with my friend David Raccah of Kosher Wine Musings to France this past November. I have to say the most fun part of each of these trips is the time that we get to spend together when we are NOT at formal tastings with other people. Its … Continue reading France – November 2023 – Part 4 – Hotel Wines