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
General
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
What can you do?
It has been a long difficult month. In Israel we usually say about things that we have yet to do - “אחרי החגים” - after the holidays. We push off everything we haven’t gotten to – because the holidays in Israel are an intense period. This year of course, אחרי החגים didn’t really ever occur. … Continue reading What can you do?
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Sometimes I’ll start writing a post and then life being as busy as it is, I’ll put it aside to finish later. For me, that’s usually a bad idea. If it’s a specific-wine related post, by the time I get back to it, I often feel that its time has passed – or that the … Continue reading All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Can Israeli Wine Age?
In my last article, I spoke about aging wines and where the sweet spot is regarding aging, reaching peak, and value. I got a lot of questions regarding Israeli wines that are age-worthy, and so I thought I would go into a little more detail. It is important to remember a number of things when … Continue reading Can Israeli Wine Age?
Aging Wines, Worth the Wait?
Wow. It has been a VERY long time since I posted. I have been very busy both professionally and personally – starting a new position at my day job and my daughter getting married - and so I have had no free time to spend on writing. So, while I apologize, I do hope you … Continue reading Aging Wines, Worth the Wait?
Seder 2022
Finally, things in Israel at least have basically returned to normal. The airport is fully open, and people citizens and tourists alike are free to come and go as they please. Incredible! As I try to do each year, I will give you my strategy for wine selection for the Seder. If you are looking … Continue reading Seder 2022
Golan Heights Winery Merlot Through the Years
Over the last decade or so, there has been much discussion among oenophiles as to the direction that Golan Heights Winery has taken with its wines. Many feel that, as of 2009, there was a significant shift in style from more refined and restrained wines to a big opulent more fruit-forward style. There are those … Continue reading Golan Heights Winery Merlot Through the Years
Catching Up on Recent Israeli Vintages
It’s been way too long. I’m sorry for that. Life and work got in the way of writing. I’m still very busy, but I want to clear the decks before going out to France to taste, so I’ll briefly recap where we are in Israel wine-wise in this post and then maybe do one or … Continue reading Catching Up on Recent Israeli Vintages
A Return to Normalcy… I Hope
Finally, things are returning to some semblance of normalcy, and I was able to fly to the US. Primarily this was to visit my parents and my siblings, nieces and nephews, whom I had not seen in over a year. As we say on Pesach – if that is all I had gotten to do, … Continue reading A Return to Normalcy… I Hope