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
RCC Israel #42 – Kislev 5783
The last couple of weeks have been a bit crazy for me. My niece Zahava got married, and the entire family flew to the US for the wedding and sheva brachot week. (Shout out to my dear friends Yael & Donny, who hosted our entire family of seven while we were visiting for this trip … Continue reading RCC Israel #42 – Kislev 5783
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
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
RCC Israel #41 – Adar-1 5782
My next post on France is basically written – just editing now – but before I post that, I figured I would quickly write up this month’s RCC. I don’t like to postpone those as I take shorthand notes during those tastings, and if I wait too long I have a hard time reconstructing what … Continue reading RCC Israel #41 – Adar-1 5782