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
Bourgogne
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
Catching up on Burgundy – Domaine de Montille, le Hardi and other high-end kosher burgundies on the market
I got a lot of feedback after my last post, much of it prompting me to write more and not less during this difficult time. One reason I was presented was “Live life or the terrorists win.” That reason alone wasn’t really enough for me. Ultimately it can be used to justify about anything you … Continue reading Catching up on Burgundy – Domaine de Montille, le Hardi and other high-end kosher burgundies on the market
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
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
Paris November 2021 – Part 1 – IDS
A couple of years ago, I decided that to really get a feel for what is being produced in the kosher wine world, I needed to make a yearly visit to France to taste through as much as I could, as only a percentage of these productions gets exported to the US, and an even … Continue reading Paris November 2021 – Part 1 – IDS
Seder 2020
Wine writing is something that I take pleasure in ordinarily. It allows me to crystallize my thoughts about whatever topic it is that I am writing about. If I happen to be writing about specific bottles, as opposed to a general topic, it actually helps me to commit the notes to memory - as well … Continue reading Seder 2020
France Trip 2019 – Part 1 – Intro + Paris & Royal Wines
After NY, I flew to France for 4 days of wine and really, nothing else. I didn’t have a chance to visit the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre or anything else for that matter. If I wasn’t travelling (to or from wine) or eating (with wine) then I was sleeping (passed out from drinking wine). … Continue reading France Trip 2019 – Part 1 – Intro + Paris & Royal Wines
Mid October Trip to the US
Over the last year I have started visiting the US more and more - primarily to have the opportunity to spend time with my grandmother who is 94 and my parents and siblings who I see far too infrequently. I also usually get a chance to enjoy wines with friends that I also see all … Continue reading Mid October Trip to the US