The Jewish Valentine Day (T”U Be’Av) celebrated on Monday, a long day at work, a farewell party for a good friend relocating to France – it has been a long and difficult week but at least, I found many reasons to uncork and enjoy several bottles of wine
The Jewish Valentine Day (T”U Be’Av) celebrated on Monday, a long day at work, a farewell party for a good friend relocating to France – it has been a long and difficult week but at least, I found many reasons to uncork and enjoy several bottles of wine.
Following are four recommendations, based on this week’s tasting – all are Israeli, new on the market, kosher and very enjoyable.
Dalton, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2012 – a new vintage with a new design – the Dalton winery revamped the Reserve label, adding a regal stag head to the logo. Personally, I think it is a nice and classy touch and the new label looks great. Serve chilled, the new Sauvignon Blanc is crisp with distinct grassy and lemony notes, generous balancing acidity and a slight bitter though pleasant aftertaste. I also tried the new Viognier Reserve 2012 which is very enjoyable..
If you happen to be up north in the Galilee this Friday, the Dalton winery will be holding a special wine tasting and unveiling of new single vineyard vinos. For additional details, contact: 04-6987683
Binyamina, reserve, Roussanne, 2012 – a couple of months ago I tried Tavor Winery’s version and when I heard that Binyamina is launching their version of a varietal Roussanne, I was really looking forward to the tasting. 90% Roussanne, 5% Marsanne and the balance Viognier come together nicely. Tropical fruit, sweet apricots, lemon zest and flowers on the nose and palate, good texture and a pleasant medium finish.
Golan Heights, Yarden, Malbec, 2010 – the first Malbec based wine from the Golan Height Winery and one of the few varietal Malbecs in Israel. Originally a French grape varietal that is showing excellent results in Argentina, Malbec is considered by many as the national Argentinean grape variety and accounts for many of the big and famous reds of Mendoza. The fact that the Golan Heights winery decided to place the wine in the Yarden label was already an indication of faith and quality and the result was quite impressive. A very enjoyable full bodied wine with notes of blue and black berry fruits, pepper, plums, sweet spices, herbs all leading to a long and satisfying finish.
Tulip, Reserve, Syrah, 2011 – from the 2010 vintage all of the Tulip wines are kosher, so if you are looking for a bottle to bring to your holiday hosts (assuming that they observe the laws of kashrut), Tulip reds would be an excellent choice. 95% Syrah and the balance Petit Verdot, 16-18 months in French oak result in a dark ruby towards purple vino suggesting generous notes of dark and ripe berry fruits, plums, roasted coffee beans and thyme leading to a long finish.
L’Chaim!
