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
Pinot Noir
France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
I have been doing these France trips with my friend David Raccah of Kosher Wine Musings for five years now. Until now, David has always come twice a year - in May and November - while I only joined for the November trip. This was mostly due to work scheduling issues, family commitments, etc., and … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
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
RCC Israel #46 – Adar Bet 5784 – 50th Birthday Celebration
Wow - this is the latest I have ever gotten an RCC post out. Hopefully, this is getting posted no later than Rosh Chodesh Nisan. My last post was just super long and took me a while to put together – so hopefully things can now proceed at a normal pace. RCC Adar Bet this … Continue reading RCC Israel #46 – Adar Bet 5784 – 50th Birthday Celebration
ESSA Emunah and other odds and ends
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
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 # 38 – Kislev 5782
For the first time in almost two years, we were able to hold a “normal” RCC at someone’s home rather than a restaurant. I have to say - it was great to be back to normal. While there are some benefits to going to a restaurant - certainly in terms of cleanup -- nothing beats … Continue reading RCC Israel # 38 – Kislev 5782
Ya’acov Oryah 2020 Portfolio Tasting
This is the last post that I “owe” from tastings that happened a couple of months ago. As we say in Hebrew – Achron Achron Chaviv – which can be roughly translated as last but certainly not least – Ya’acov Oryah. As always, let me start by saying Ya’acov is a friend, and while I … Continue reading Ya’acov Oryah 2020 Portfolio Tasting
Vitkin Wine Dinner at Herbert Samuel and July 2020 Winery Visit
This post has been a long time coming. Months actually. I returned from my last trip to the US at the very end of February and the very next open week night - I think it was March 1 – I attended another wine dinner at Herbert Samuel in Hertzlia, this time for Vitkin. I … Continue reading Vitkin Wine Dinner at Herbert Samuel and July 2020 Winery Visit
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