I often get asked how I choose the wineries that I write about. The answer since COVID at least has been the same - I write about those that invite me to taste. It’s really that simple - I’m easy like that. And so a few weeks ago, I got a text from Eli Shiran … Continue reading Shiran Winery 2021 Visit
Semillon
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
2017 Backoushe Winery The Tailor Semillon – and a possible future change in the way I score
It’s been a while since I wrote a straight wine review - months in fact. I am sorry for that. Not sure if that is going to change any time soon as I am really trying to evaluate whether or not to change my scoring system after some intense conversations on methodology with my friend … Continue reading 2017 Backoushe Winery The Tailor Semillon – and a possible future change in the way I score
RCC Israel # 35 – Shevat 5780
This month we had the opportunity to work with a chef whom I have been wanting to try for a long time - Amrom Pitterman. Each time I would try, he was busy or abroad, and so other arrangements were always made. But the stars aligned this month, and we were beneficiaries of five excellent … Continue reading RCC Israel # 35 – Shevat 5780
RCC Israel # 34 – Tevet 5780
This month we scheduled RCC to be New Year's Eve and took the opportunity to ring in 2020 with an appropriate 20 wines. Chef on duty was Avi Katz, who did a nice job overall with the food. A couple of highlights there were the potato soup with crispy lamb bacon, which was excellent - … Continue reading RCC Israel # 34 – Tevet 5780
The Great Experiment
Apologies for what will be a VERY long post – there was a lot to cover. Also - full disclaimer – Ya’acov Oryah is a friend. I don’t believe that impacts how I rate his wine, but it’s important for you to know that for the sake of transparency. “The true method of knowledge is … Continue reading The Great Experiment
Nathan’s French Food & Wine Evening
This past Monday night I was privileged to be invited to really special evening of wine and food organized by Nathan Grandjean of France. Nathan sells wine in France and Western Europe via his site Yavine.fr. He is super-knowledgeable and an all around great guy - so if you are ever in Europe and need … Continue reading Nathan’s French Food & Wine Evening
RCC Israel # 26 – Kislev 5779
Our chef's took a much deserved vacation this month so we were back at Kinor BaKikar. They do a nice job overall - though I'll probably look for other options for next time, just to change things up. Would have done that this time, but my wine schedule has been overwhelming with events this past … Continue reading RCC Israel # 26 – Kislev 5779
Ya’acov Oryah 2018 Releases
Before I start - a bit of a disclaimer - I consider Ya'acov Oryah a friend. That really does NOT impact what I think of his wines at all - but I think it's important to be up front about that when writing about wine and people expect objectivity. Now that that is out of … Continue reading Ya’acov Oryah 2018 Releases
RCC Israel #20 – and on the lack of age-able whites
And now we are out of the teens.... For RCC Israel #20 we decided to go dairy in honor of the upcoming Shavuot holiday. This is always a challenge as most wines that are age-able and RCC worthy are reds. That doesn't mean there aren't excellent choices for whites and Roses - there are and … Continue reading RCC Israel #20 – and on the lack of age-able whites