Seeing Choice / WeeksEnd wine

b"sd
An amazing property of vision is how people can see the same sight and yet see differently.
After going through a challenge; to one it can seem they climbed a mountain and the one who succumbed can realize how all it would have taken is a simple redirecting of the will or desire.
What we see as good or pleasurable ;what we see as bad or suffering
can cause us to descend or awaken us to grow.Depends how we look at it.
Have a good one; H

Hi, Harry, shavu'a tov,

2010 Four Gates Pinot Noir.

A good week to all,

Isaac

Friday Night - Galil Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Shabbat lunch - Dalton Rose 2013

2010 Bravdo Coupage.

Surprised at how delicious it was, as bottles long past seems a bit off. A bit oaky, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.

Grreat week to all, and Chodesh tov and Shana Tovah.

hi; beit l carignan;had chilled it for awhile and the fruits were strongly felt.by day gamla hashemura rose '13,pretty color.being made from syrah thats what it tasted like. a craft beer from Israel, alexander,green was very enjoyable.h

August is for me the time to enjoy cold beer, red and white wine, etc. Nothing special- just the Simcha of Shabbos.

Friday night = Tulip 2010 Reserve Syrah & Domaine Netofa 2010 White (Chenin Blanc)
Saturday = Leftover!

Hi Harry.
First time in 2 months that the entire family got together for Shabbat.
It's great when our soldiers get some time off.
Friday night - GHW Yarden Syrah Tel Phares 2008 and Bravdo Shiraz 2011 (I was the only one who enjoyed the Yarden more than the Bravdo).
Shabbat lunch - Bravdo Chardonnay 2013.
Shavua Tov.
Zvi

Hi Harry
We enjoyed the prix 2012 Sauvignon Blanc MOSKOWitz vineyard
Also SHIRAh 2012 vintage white.
Both were delicious

Hi Harry,

Tzora Shoresh Blanc 2010 - Made of 85% Gewurztraminer and 15% Chardonnay. The nose is nice and spicy, though it doesn't follow through on the palate. The palate is dry, with a mix of tropical and citrus flavors. 14% AbV.

Alex Eli Pinot Noir 2010 - This Oregonean Pinot possesses a light body, with acidity that is too little for my taste. The fruit lacked focus. Although this bottling doesn't excite me, the wine is more than just drinkable. And having pointed out its faults, I'd add that stylistically it is closer to what Pinot should be than many of the other kosher Pinot bottlings. 13.1% AbV.

Best,
-> Pinchas

I'd add that stylistically it is closer to what Pinot should be than many of the other kosher Pinot bottlings.

Is Pinot typicity defined by the Burgundy version of Pinot?

Hi Harry shavua tov,

And Isaac, very good question you just asked. I don't know if that's what Pinchas means but IMHO no, Burgundy shouldn't be defining what Pinot should taste like.

Anyway, I just returned to Israel Sunday night from NYC after a couple weeks between California and NY where I enjoyed many great wines, mostly non Israeli, and this past shabbat was no exception.

Friday night:

Drappier, Carte D'Or Brut NV: This was the third time I've had this Champagne and it is one of my favorites. Yeasty with golden apples and lots of toasted brioche, with fine, gentle bubbles, this is a very nice and plush wine that turns every meal into a celebration. 12% Abv.

Joseph Mellot, Sancerre, La Gravelière 2012: This one was somewhat disappointing as I enjoyed the previous night an amazing kosher Sancerre, the Selection Bokobsa Sancerre Chavignol 2007 which was one of the best white wines I've tasted in my life. This one was rather uni-dimensional and very green, with a bit of lemon and green apple peels and stoney minerals.

Château Lacoste-Châtain, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2001: I was concerned with this wine but it was actually quite nice although very slighty over it's peak. Dark ruby in color with the edges starting to turn brick red, the nose features classic mature Bordeaux tertiary aromas of wet dirt and mushrooms along with red and black fruit such as cherries, plums and blackberries. Medium-bodied, the palate offers flavors of truffles, ripe raspberries, cherries and loamy dirt with touches of pipe tobacco, still fine acidity and integrated tannins drying the mouth a bit on the moderately long finish. 12.5% Abv.

Château Royaumont, Lalande-de-Pomerol 2003: I've had this wine last year and it hasn't much changed but this specific bottle was stored really well so this was a delight. Anyway drink up if you have any. 13.5% Abv.

Shirah, Bro-Deux 2010: This very popular wine has evolved really well since I last had it a year ago, well-made and balanced.

GHW, Yarden, Noble Sémillon Botrytis 2004: Great as always, paired really nicely with the dessert.

Shabbat lunch:

Dalton, Reserve Viognier 2012: This showed much better than my previous bottle but the 2013 is considerably even better.

Falesco, Marciliano, Cabernet, Umbria 2005: This excellent wine, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc is one of only two quality offerings for kosher red italian wine, and continues to evolve nicely and doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon.

Elvi, Clos Mesorah, Montsant 2010: WOW, this is a magnificient wine! A blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 30% Syrah, deep garnet towards royal purple with on the nose rich herbs, blackberries, raspberries with a hint of tar and olives. Full is a full-bodied with on the palate blackberries, plums, raspberries, cherries, fresh herbs, olives, tar and earthy notes along with notes of dried cranberries, graphite, and coffee, great balancing acidity and tannins that gently rise, coating the mouth on the long and elegant finish. Truly superb with impressive complexity and a somewhat feminine personality. 13.5% Abv.

Tabor, Adama, Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2007: A rather simple, semi-sweet wine, lacking in acidity but pleasant enough, would pair nicely with fruit salad.

Porto Cordovero, LBV 2005: Significantly more complex and interesting than the regular bottling of this wine, the LBV offers a fuller body with more extraction and layers of flavors. On the nose aromas of dried black fruits such as prunes and raisins as well as notes of burnt caramel, vanilla, chocolate and cinnamon. Full-bodied with much of the same on the plate with the addition of sweet licorice, sweet pecan nuts, jammy blackberries and blueberries with warm spices and a touch of chocolate covered coffee beans on the long and rich finish. Delicious.

Best,

GG

I'd add that stylistically it is closer to what Pinot should be than many of the other kosher Pinot bottlings.

Is Pinot typicity defined by the Burgundy version of Pinot?

Hi Isaac,

This is subjective, but to me--and I've seen Gabe's comment in the previous post--Burgundian style defines Pinot Noir. Sure, other regions can provide their interpretation of the style, but for me to enjoy a Pinot, it should be in that vein. What I mean by that is that it should possess the elegance and purity of expression exhibited by a decent Burgundian Pinot.

Best,
-> Pinchas

What I mean by that is that it should possess the elegance and purity of expression exhibited by a decent Burgundian Pinot.

Fair enough, although I hardly rarely see any current kosher Pinot being described in Burgundian terms. If I recall correctly, kosher burgundies were outrageously expensive, especially relative to their quality. But that was awhile back. Don't know the current reputation.

It would be interesting if Gabriel could give a positive indication/benchmark (whatever appropriate) of what Pinot should be.

BS"D

Shabbat = a delight after a trip to Herzog Wine Cellars the previous week and will give over tasting notes and pictures soon!

@ Wines lit up the table that I can say I drank more of in a shorter time than normal... They are both a style that excites me.

2008 Volcanus Petite Verdot - Spain

This wine needs a lot of time to open. Gabriel and I opened the bottle with Stacy and friends in the Store on Friday and after Air Rater and 30 mins plus in the glass it was closed like a door that shut and someone acted like a vault in Fort Knox. Meanwhile Friday night it was a delight. Big fruit a bit veggie and super floral nose that was NOT present in the store at all. Tannins backed of which with the Acid was a bit much for me until it opened. Yummy.


2010 Agua Dulce Syrah - California, USA

Thank you Craig... WOW Character, fruit and range yet without the over-extracted fruit and alcohol. Balance and style... Very smooth and worked oh; a little too much and glass and bottle were empty too fast. Looking to carry it soon

What I mean by that is that it should possess the elegance and purity of expression exhibited by a decent Burgundian Pinot.

Fair enough, although I hardly rarely see any current kosher Pinot being described in Burgundian terms. If I recall correctly, kosher burgundies were outrageously expensive, especially relative to their quality. But that was awhile back. Don't know the current reputation.

It would be interesting if Gabriel could give a positive indication/benchmark (whatever appropriate) of what Pinot should be.

I hear what Pinchas means and I tend to agree on "elegance and purity of expression" which matches indeed the main character of good Burgundy wines. What I meant was that there are some excellent Pinot Noir from different terroirs that can compete against Burgundy wine while still retaining faithfulness to the variety's characteristics.

Israel has a few examples of that, with IMHO the following wines being the best kosher PNs ever made in Israel: 2009 Gvaot Gofna PN, 2008 Yarden PN and 2008 Ella Valley PN. California is well represented with the Covenant Landsman PN as well as the Hajdu Makom PN and Four Gates has made some magnificent Pinot Noir as well with impressive cellaring ability such as the 1997 that I had the luck to enjoy over shabbat 10 days ago.

With regards to kosher Burgundy I've had last week as well the 2002 Aloxe-Corton Domaine Ravaut which was by far the best kosher Burgundy wine I've ever tasted and I've enjoyed as well a magnificent 2004 Château de La Tour Clos Vougeot made by Royal Wine's Pierre Miodownick, a 2005 Pommard and a 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin by J. - P. Marchand that were both more than decent with my preference quality-wise (not style-wise) going for the Pommard. Kosher Burgundy are still being made or have been made more recently with examples of 2010 Pommard, Aloxe-Corton and Gevrey-Chambertin (2010 wasn't as good a vintage for Burgundy as it was for the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux however it wasn't a bad year either and the best wineries have produced some very nice wines) from some well-known estates but I'm not aware of their availability in the USA but those are available for purchase in both France and Israel and unfortunately they're not cheap at all (about $70-90 a pop)...


P.S. Harry, now I know where you get your 06 Yarden Viognier from

Gabe and Pinchas,

Thanks. Stayed away from PN for many years, but recently took the plunge with 2010 Four Gates --- not a success. So I was interested in getting some perspective. Had the chance to load up on 2008 Yarden at a great price, but passed on it because of previous prejudices. It seems to have been a big mistake on my part.

Well, I'll just have to wait for some good PN at reasonable price point.

Isaac

Isaac, I'm sure you can still find the 2008 Yarden PN for less than $30 (there you go: http://www.fermentedgrapes.net/ ). As well, and while not on the same level of complexity yet varietally true and tasty, I recommend both the 2009 and 2010 PN from Galil Mountains Winery (GMW).

What I mean by that is that it should possess the elegance and purity of expression exhibited by a decent Burgundian Pinot.

Fair enough, although I hardly rarely see any current kosher Pinot being described in Burgundian terms. If I recall correctly, kosher burgundies were outrageously expensive, especially relative to their quality. But that was awhile back. Don't know the current reputation.

It would be interesting if Gabriel could give a positive indication/benchmark (whatever appropriate) of what Pinot should be.

I hear what Pinchas means and I tend to agree on "elegance and purity of expression" which matches indeed the main character of good Burgundy wines. What I meant was that there are some excellent Pinot Noir from different terroirs that can compete against Burgundy wine while still retaining faithfulness to the variety's characteristics.

Israel has a few examples of that, with IMHO the following wines being the best kosher PNs ever made in Israel: 2009 Gvaot Gofna PN, 2008 Yarden PN and 2008 Ella Valley PN. California is well represented with the Covenant Landsman PN as well as the Hajdu Makom PN and Four Gates has made some magnificent Pinot Noir as well with impressive cellaring ability such as the 1997 that I had the luck to enjoy over shabbat 10 days ago.
.
.
.

No disrespect intended, I just strongly disagree with the premise that the Israeli Pinots retain Burgundian characteristics. Although I didn't have Gvaot's offering, simply the fact that it was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, turns me off. I did have the Yarden and Ella Valley offerings, and they are very different stylistically. Napa has produced Pinots that are feminine in nature, but still don't fit the bill, especially when you consider the expression of the fruit. And as to the offerings from Four Gates, as much as I like Binyomin, his Pinots are a far cry from Burgundian in style. If the price is reasonable, I'd hope to try Hajdu's attempt. But I remain highly skeptical that the current crop of winemakers active in the kosher market can produce the Pinot I like, simply because, in my opinion, Pinot Noir requires specialization, as it is a completely different animal, so to speak, from all other varietals. I had hopes for AlexEli, but so far those haven't materialized.

Best,
-> Pinchas

Isaac, I'm sure you can still find the 2008 Yarden PN for less than $30 (there you go: http://www.fermentedgrapes.net/ ). As well, and while not on the same level of complexity yet varietally true and tasty, I recommend both the 2009 and 2010 PN from Galil Mountains Winery (GMW).

Gabe,

Seriously, you recommend Pinots with something like 15% AbV?

-> Pinchas

Pinchas, the 2008 Yarden Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir and 14% Abv, not 14.5% nor 15%. Same exact thing with the Galil Mountains's. The 2009 Gvaot Pinot Noir, as opposed to the 2010 and 2011 that have respectively 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot blended in, is 100% Pinot Noir and 12.5% Abv.

Pinchas, the 2008 Yarden Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir and 14% Abv, not 14.5% nor 15%. Same exact thing with the Galil Mountains's. The 2009 Gvaot Pinot Noir, as opposed to the 2010 and 2011 that have respectively 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot blended in, is 100% Pinot Noir and 12.5% Abv.

Gabe,

Don't take me that seriously . Besides, how can I drink Pinot from a winemake, like Shivi, that ever dared to blend it with Merlot and Petit Verdot.

-> Pinchas

Pinchas, I think we should go visit Gvaot winery together one day, and I'de be happy to share my last bottle of the 09 PN with you.

Hey, what about me?