RCC Israel #6 – was in honor of Kislev was held on December 4, 2016.  @ firsts food-wise. 1 – we went chalavi (dairy/milchigs or whatever you prefer to call it)  – and that worked out wonderfully. Our chefs just continue to impress. 2 – I prepared one of the dishes  – the cheesecake. Firs time doing that sauce for this cheesecake – pretty happy with the result, though I would have loved to plate and sauce individually (we didn’t have 2 dessert plates and Bracha needed the plates for the other desert – which was also awesome. Chodesh Tov!

Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Brut, Rosé, 2010 – First time trying the new release of the Brut Rosé – In line with previous vintages. Citrus and strawberry with some muted toasty notes and nice acidity. Very nice though – it’s not really at all pink or Rosé in color….

Pascal Bouchard, Le Classique, Chablis, 2013 – Nice enough chablis – I personally don’t think it is worth the price that is demanded here in Israel – at all. Many local Chard’s way better for half the price.

Gvaot, Cabernet-Chardonnay, 2011 – past peak. While not dead – out of balance will little acid left.

Ramat Negev , Kadesh Barnea, Rosé, 2015  – A bonus bottle – seemed sweet and a little flat to me – perhaps this would have shown better a few months ago.

Flam, Mourvèdre, 2011 – This was a single varietal Mourvèdre that was never commercially released. I found it to be delightful. Light and fruity with such a fragrant nose. Super nice.

Binyamina, The Cave, Old Vines, 2010 – I think that most people who are honest (and who are OK NW fruit forward wine as a style) will tell you that this is a very good wine – the primary problem with it is it’s price. Paying over NIS 300 for a very good wine is crazy. The overripe jammy-ness of the fruit is mostly kept in check by the nice acidity and it’s a nice overall package – well made even – and should demand half the price. At this price one would expect MUCH more.

Ella Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 – Bad storage on this one.

Yatir, Petit Verdot, 2010 –  Great wine. Like a budget  mini-Yatir Forest. One of the best value buys around.

Recanati, Special Reserve, 2009 – I brought this bottle so perhaps I wasn’t totally objective but I thought it the best of the night. Great fruit and spice typical of the SR and again balanced by acid and still firm tannin. Just entering it’s window IMHO.

Carmel, Limited Edition, 2008 – Yes. LE ’08 again. No change here. I love this wine. Whenever someone asks to bring it – I end up saying yes regardless of how many times we have had it. You know why? Because I don’t have anymore! So keep ’em coming!

Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Single Vineyard, Syrah, Yonatan, 2007 – Wine has gone to the sweeter side IMHO. Time to drink up.

Shiloh, Port style ,Cabernet Franc, 2010 – This is another of Amichai’s experimental non-release bottles. It has an almost smokiness that I though was awesome.