Most winemakers do not care what wine writers have to say about their wines (unless it’s positive of course). Nor should they. As I have noted numerous times, what makes my palate any better than theirs – or anyone else’s for that matter. But every once in a very long while I get sent wines … Continue reading ESSA Emunah and other odds and ends
Tasting Notes
Teperberg Winemakers and their Wines
It’s funny. I live in Beit Shemesh, which is about 35 minutes from Jerusalem and 45 minutes from Tel Aviv. By far the closest winery to me geographically is Teperberg – which is only a 6 minute drive (beating out Tzora, which is about 8 minutes away). But, I haven’t been there to taste wine … Continue reading Teperberg Winemakers and their Wines
France Trip 2022 – Part 5 – The Blind Tastings
This will be my final post about my most recent trip to France – but buckle up – it’s going to cover over 60 wines! Before I even get started, I have to thank my partner in crime, David Raccah of the Kosher Wine Musings blog. He does all of the logistics work for these … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 5 – The Blind Tastings
France Trip 2022 – Part 4 – 2021 JP Marchand Burgundies
As I previously mentioned, a good part of the tasting on this year's trip to France with my friend David Raccah was done in the hotel and the VAST majority was blind. In fact, there was really only one exception to tasting blind and that was the 2021 Jean-Phillipe Marchand releases produced by Taieb. This … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 4 – 2021 JP Marchand Burgundies
France Trip 2022 – Part 3 – IDS
The way this trip to France worked out, David and I visited a single producer each of the three days I was there and left the rest of the time for tasting in the hotel. On this last day, our trip outside the hotel was to IDS, which I consider a mandatory stop. There is … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 3 – IDS
France Trip 2022 – Part 2 – Royal
Really, the high point of my visit to France each year, besides hanging out with my friend David Raccah for a week tasting wine and eating good food, is getting to spend quality time with Menachem Israelievitch, head winemaker for Royal Europe. It’s not just that he’s a consummate professional, managing dozens of productions at … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 2 – Royal
France Trip 2022 – Part 1 – Bokobsa
Time for my posts on my annual trip to France with my friend David Raccah of kosherwinemusings.com. Like last time, we spent the entirety of this trip in Paris rather than visiting any specific wine-making area. The real benefit here is in our ability to taste a larger number of wines in the hotel, so … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 1 – Bokobsa
Ya’acov Oryah’s 2022 Releases
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a launch event for Ya'acov Oryah’s current releases. The event was held in Tel Aviv at the loft of Borgogne Corwn. This was a bit of a switch for me. I’m not usually invited to press-specific events with other wine and food writers. And specifically with … Continue reading Ya’acov Oryah’s 2022 Releases
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
Paris – November 2021 – Part 3 – Royal’s Truly Royal 2019 Vintage with Menachem Israelievitch
Finally, we are on to the main event. Honestly, the real reason I try to fly to France - besides hanging out with David - is to hang out for a day with Menachem Israelievitch and taste through Royal’s current French portfolio. It is truly the highlight of my trip each time. It’s not just … Continue reading Paris – November 2021 – Part 3 – Royal’s Truly Royal 2019 Vintage with Menachem Israelievitch