Kosher Kings. Are Kosher Wines the Steals of this Era?

Kosher Kings. Are Kosher Wines the Steals of this Era? – Episode #297

August 21, 2007

Kosher wines have a cloud over their heads and to be honest they have deserved it up to about 3-4 years ago. Gary Vaynerchuk tastes what should be 3 serious Kosher wines!

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Comments on this episode(213) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: I’ve never had kosher wine….” by ulu ulu ulu ulu
“QOTD: I’ve never had any kosher wine. I don’t care about “kosherness”…” by Phredd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2002 Pardess Reserve MerlotIsraeli Kosher Wine
2003 Hevron Heights Syrah ReserveIsraeli Kosher Wine
2005 Covenant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (kosher)Other California Kosher

213 Responses

August 21, 2007

garyv
1st
August 21, 2007

LeatherPalate
BOOO YAAAA

LEATHER IN THE HIZZZeeeee
August 21, 2007

Jimmy
Wow, right behind Gary V, who is first
August 21, 2007

JSH
Not for me.
August 21, 2007

Withnail
This should be interesting
August 21, 2007

dmg
Top 10!!!
August 21, 2007

Palmer
I’m into kosher salt, kosher dill pickles and Hebrew National kosher beef hot dogs, so why not kosher wine? I’ll give it a whirl…
August 21, 2007

Canuckchuk
Wow. Always used to pass over Kosher wine, but have to drop those preconceptions…
August 21, 2007

Lukins
top 10? amazing..

Great show gary! Nothing wrong with having “Open Minds”
August 21, 2007

Glenn
come a long way from Manischewitz huh?
August 21, 2007

Sassodoro
11. So close.
August 21, 2007

Toke-Dawg
Great job Gary, but Pardess and Hevron Heights are made by the same producer, which many consider over-rated.
August 21, 2007

Toke-Dawg
Check out the stuff from some small up-and-coming Israeli producers like Ella Valley (kosher), Flam, Clos de Gat, and Bravdo (all not).
August 21, 2007

Robert F
Not sure what to think about kosher wines still. I probably wouldn’t even know if a wine was kosher since there’s no kosher wine section at my wine shop.

QOTD: Never had any kosher wine as far as I know.
August 21, 2007

Dusty
crazy finish to the show. clearly must be something different to keep ya that confused. QOTD: never had a kosher wine. might have to try it out, although my wine store has a very very limited kosher section.
August 21, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
By coincidence I’ve been appointed the seeker of kosher wine for an upcoming Bar Mitvah. I’m looking for wine no more expensive than $15 with any tax or shipping included. So far I have found the white–2005 Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc. But I now need a red in approx 50% of the amount of white. Same price range. The $29 and up you featured today are too much for this purpose.
August 21, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

How does a wine that smells like garbage and vomit rate 89 points no matter how good it might taste? I understand terrior and earthy, smelly socks and even worm heads….. but garbage and your date is puking? Not sure how that gets 89 points?

QOTD – no and after this episode, I do not think i will rush out to find one.

Grasshopper
August 21, 2007

garyv
Grasshopper because the noise was an issue but other parts were super super solid and I dont hate those wacky smells!
August 21, 2007

Rob B.
Nice show!!! Overrated — I missed what you said, were you talking about Chad again?
August 21, 2007

Alex Diaz
The last one i tried tasted like juice and not wine… i must say i hope this changes my view…
August 21, 2007

Toke-Dawg
Mr. Cabernet, try the Galil Mountain Cab, priced at 13.49 on kosherwine.com or the Recanati Cab, also around 12-13 bones. You can try posting on Daniel Rogov’s forum at http://stratsplace.zeroforum.com/zeroforum?id=1.
August 21, 2007

Sonnenuhr
RP scores the wine 92 and GV scores it 69. Gary us a Mensch, we all know that. Parker, well, he’s a Nebish.

L’Chaim!
August 21, 2007

Sonnenuhr
RP scores the wine 92 and GV scores it 69. Gary is a Mensch, we all know that. Parker, well, he’s a Nebish.

L’Chaim!
August 21, 2007

Sonnenuhr
RP scores the wine 92 and GV scores it 69. Gary is a Mensch, we all know that. Parker, well, he’s a Nebish.

L’Chaim!
August 21, 2007

Chad
QOTD: Not sure if I’ve ever had a kosher wine at all …

As for that last wine, feed it to the Thundercats.
August 21, 2007

drew
Am I the only one that finds it a tad ironic that the term kosher is a derivative of the Hebrew term kasher which means â€œproperâ€ and â€œpureâ€? Iâ€™ve had two kosher wines in my life and neither were an experience I ever want to relive.

And BIG UPS to GV for calling out the 69 point bottle. Not all bottles of wine are worthy of scores in the 80â€™s. Bravo GV.

QOTD â€“ Anything is possible, but no, not yet.
August 21, 2007

nyc621
that was a sad episode. i was really pulling for the kosher wines. gv, what makes a wine kosher by the way?

qotd: I’ve never had a kosher wine and don’t plan to now.
August 21, 2007

BK
GV, great ep. Will have to drop my preconceived notions about the Kosher wines. Never a bad opportunity to expand the palate.
August 21, 2007

BK
maybe not, my preconceived notions may be correct. Shalom.
August 21, 2007

wetdogsmell
last comment
August 21, 2007

BenS
To Mr. Cabernet:
My recommendation would be the 2004 Baron Herzog Zinfandel from Lodi. It’s about $11 but out of this world. It’s not as full-bodied as other Zinfandels from Lodi that cost more (Seven Deadly Zins, Truckee River) but compares very favorably.

QOTD
As for the question of the day: I’ve had lots of kosher wines that cost above $25 (I used to keep kosher). But one of my favorite kosher wines, at least in terms of bang for the buck, is the Galil Mountain Yiron, available for around $20 – a true steal.
August 21, 2007

Arthur
70 clams for that wine? Fe!

Could this be the not-so-uncommon phenomenon where Parker points are magically converted into increasing price points?….
August 21, 2007

Neil
qotd: Never had a kosher wine but I do like Kosher Dill Pickles. I think I’ll stick with the pickles.
August 21, 2007

Karl Laczko
I’ve had some good Israeli juice before (Gamla Cab-Sauv from the Golan is nice), but no idea if it was Kosher – I doubt it.

Definately not a newbie, NTTAWWT.
August 21, 2007

GrapeStuff
Looks like those 3 wines are a major pazzzzzzzzzz for me.

QOTD: Only manischewitz.
August 21, 2007

Michael S.
Gary, glad to see you are looking at kosher wines. I think a focus on Israeli wines would be more interesting. I’m kosher, but the regional differentiation would be more relavent than the religious one. Castel Grand Vin ($50), Golan Heights Winery Yarden Cabernet 2003 ($25) and GHW Yarden Katzrin Red ($100) are all much better than what you just tasted, at three different price points. Yatir Forest ($50), Galil Mountain Cabernet ($14) . . . Great wines from Israel that have a regional distinction as great new world wines in a distinct climate.

Thanks for the focus though
August 21, 2007

chenin
Great episode, and nice to see you in shock for the very first time.
Wine is all about emotions. It has happened to me, too.

I never had a kosher wine, and I honestly think it is irrelevant except
for religious reasons. If you look at the rules how kosher wines have got
to be made, it’s really nothing special.
Bio-dynamic farming methods are much more far out in this regard.

So in the end I think it’s a marketing thing and nothing worth looking into.
August 21, 2007

mbannon
I’ve only had one kosher wine, an Israeli cab that was pretty darn tasty.

What’s up with that last wine?? Would love to read Parker’s tasting note.
August 21, 2007

Jeffrey
I’ve had quite a bit of Kosher Wine, some are hit, some are miss like anything else. I havn’t had much luck with Israeli wines, though. I forget the producers, but i’ve had a Malbec from Argentia, and a Barolo that were both great. I’ve got some 03 Kosher Bordeaux i’m looking forward to trying as well.

GV – you missed the Bartenura Moscato again!
August 21, 2007

1855class
enlightening episode gary. are you going to be ok?
qotd: never have, and now im not necesarilly all that inspired to. lahiem
August 21, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
I can’t see me drinking a wine, that when I watched you sniffy snif I found myself cringing!!!!! That just ain’t right! PAZZZZ!
August 21, 2007

DryDrew
Gary
Thanks for the episode, was greatly appreciated
QOTD: yes many times

By the way kosher wine got nothing to do with a blessing of a Rabbi
All kosher wine means is
1. it was at all times handled by Jews
2. it contains no non kosher ingredients
3. the above 2 items are certified by a rabbi or kashrus organization like the OU
August 21, 2007

Loweeel
Well, as somebody Gary so generously hooked up with some great wineries in Israel… I have to say that I’m quite puzzled by a few things…

1) Why Gary didn’t reference the very nice high-value low-price NZ Kosher Goose Bay Sauv blanc that he reviewed in ep. 200 (IIRC), as a further example of how Kosher no longer means ”undrinkable swill”.

2) The choice of wineries. Now of course Gary has a preference in wines he carries, he chooses wildly disparate wines, and 2 from the same produer. Hevron Heights is generally not well regarded at all (a ”one star” — or ”hard to recommend” in his 2007 edtion of the israeli wine guide), though Rogov doesn’t review either of those wines in particular. Rogov also notes that Hevron Heights is marketed towards the particularly religiously observant Jews abroad, so it’s primarily a religious market, and flavor can be subpar and still have an market advantage. There are many better Kosher wineries in Israel,

Similarly, other than that you carry it, I don’t see what other than parker’s rating makes covenant a better choice than any others, including the south american kosher wineries.

CotD: Yes Gary, I’ve had a few, and they’re wines and from a winery I recommended to you — Hagafen Cellars, which makes some wonderful (and award-winning) napa cabs and syrahs (and an actually drinkable ‘chardonneaux’), particularly the 2001-3 Cab Sauvs. Just wonderful stuff.

Also, thanks to you, all sorts of varieties of Domain du Castel (5 stars from rogov, also known as consistently producing world-class wines), all of which are fabulous, even the chardonneaux. Even the petite castel, the second label, is a delight. In fact, you could definitely do worse than to have Arnon Geva on the show next time he’s in the states (though his wine has no shortage of customers), just because he’s the single most Gallic person I’ve ever met, which is particularly amazing when you realize that he’s haifa-born and of russian and hungarian ancestry. I’m sure he’d love to come on the show.

Other non-kosher israeli wineries that are good:
- Sea Horse (especially the Elul and the Munch petite sirah, which rogov called the best ever made in israel) — 4 stars from rogov
- Flam — one of the 3 best in Israel, along with Margalit and Castel — 5 stars from rogov
- Margalit — california-trained physical chemist and winemaker moves to israel. Hilarity and deliciousness ensue, as do bringing the miracle of PETIT SIRAH to Israel, and using it in small quantities to provide backbone to majority-cab blends. — 5 stars from rogov
- Chateau Golan — 5 stars on rogov
- Chillag — 4 stars on rogov
- Clos de Gat — 5 stars on rogov
- saslov, especially the adom and reserved series.
- Zauberman — 4 stars rogov

Other kosher israeli wineries that you need to drink:
- Recanati (especially their higher-end stuff, but even their
August 21, 2007

Loweeel
Other kosher israeli wineries that you need to drink:
- Recanati (especially their higher-end stuff, but even their
August 21, 2007

Loweeel
Other kosher israeli wineries that you need to drink:
- Recanati (especially their higher-end stuff, but even their lower-end sauv blanc is a nice balance between minerals and gooseberres) — 4 stars from rogov
- Domain du Castel, obviously
- Bustan (mostly kosher in recent years)
- Carmel (particularly the single vineyard and limited releases) — 4 stars rogov
- Ella valley, especially the cab franc — 4 stars rogov
- Golan Heights Winery — 5 stars rogov, especially the katzrin and yarden series, not so much the gamla or golan.
- Segal — 4 stars rogov, especially the single vineyard, unfiltered, and rehasim series.
- Tzora (some kosher, some not, — 4 stars rogov)
- yatir — 4 stars rogov
August 21, 2007

Aheadwithwings
Eli Overrated?!!? You can’t be overrated if you are bashed non-stop by every media outlet…If anything he is Underrated.

QOTD: No never had any, maybe i will buy a bottle for my g/f who is Jewish for one of the upcoming holidays.
August 21, 2007

BruceP
QOTD: Perhaps. Had some at a friend’s house once that wasn’t bad (was tasted with an Algerian wine that also actually wasn’t too bad…I’m guessing that one wasn’t halal). Wish I could remember the brand. Other than that, though, Nope. As a good old fashioned completely lapsed Catholic, I can’t say I’m in any particular rush to start keeping a Kosher diet. I’ve never looked good in black hats anyway.
August 21, 2007

Sassodoro
QOTD: It has been quite a while since I have had a Kosher wine, and I don’t think I’ve ever had one over $20. However, I take your point that in confusion there is opportunity. This may be an area worth exploring.
August 21, 2007

David S
Wondering why you didn’t change glasses, or swish with still or mineral water.

Maybe get that Giants fan to do it for you, or better yet, 3 clean glasses.

Let me know when you try the standards of kosher wine: Yarden Cab, Hagafen Cab, Recanati Cab, and please clean with water or USE SEPARATE GLASSES

I do find your humor entertaining though, Thunder, Thunder, Thundercats.
August 21, 2007

Christopher T
Get your own stadium! Sorry, had to say it…

QOTD: Nope
August 21, 2007

NathanN
Never seen that look on your face before after you had the Covenant.

QOTD: Nope
August 21, 2007

JoeG
QOTD: Never had a kosher wine.

Sorry to see that the Covenant didn’t hold up…there go my perceptions, for now at least. Got any suggestions for some good, entry-level (sub $20) kosher wines?
August 21, 2007

Dave Canada
I have the perfect shirt for you to where on WLTV some day…. can’t wait
QOTD – Never had a kosher wine but did order a half case of Chateau Malmaison 2005 which is kosher from what I hear so we’ll see…
August 21, 2007

Ben N.
QOTD: No
August 21, 2007

Brad
Preconceived notions baby! Jets suck, get your own stadium! I’ll say that everyday you blas the blue…can’t wait till we hose your gumby ass on the field.
Try Jean Luc Thunevin’s Valandraud kosher…expensive as hell, but perhaps @ the top of the kosher scale- vintage dependant of course…
August 21, 2007

Russ J
Kerry Rhodes over Ed Reed? Gibril Wilson rules…….!!??

QOTD: No.
August 21, 2007

melissa vv
I’m a newbie.

QOTD: No, can’t say that I have.
August 21, 2007

Steve Garfield
Hi Gary,

I enjoyed this episode, but too bad none of the wines were that great. When we go to friends house for Passover each year we bring wine and pick different ones, always trying to find something good, like the wines we drink the rest of the year. I’ll have to check out some of the wines other viewers mentioned in the comments.

I just sent you an email to let you know about a videoblog I produce with Nina Simonds called Spices of Life.

You and your viewers might like today’s episode:

Wine Tasting Myths Exposed.
http://spicesoflife.com/2007/08/21/wine-tasting-myths-exposed/

Enjoy,
–Steve
August 21, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: No trans-$20 koshers, but I have had kosher wine before. It’s donated to my church for use in communion by a parishioner who runs a liquor store. (God, I love my church.)
August 21, 2007

WineShopChic
The look on your face in response to the Covenant Napa Cab was priceless*** We’ve had a few Kosher wines at our wine shop over the years. I think Barkan (among others), which wasn’t horrible – honest. In general, not much of a market for $$$ …. but I suppose there is a time and a place for every wine.
August 21, 2007

Elliot Essman
No kosher wines in my experience, but I look forward to the general episode on Israeli wines.
August 21, 2007

Kevin Ko-val-chik
QOTD: I had been thinking more about buying a $20+ Kosher, but now I think I may hold off. None of those reviews were exactly glowing.
August 21, 2007

italianwinelover
wow…92 to a 69! Yikes must have been pretty bad

QOTD: Yes I have had one, but it was a Moscato fru-fru wine that I had to taste out..of course everyone loved it but it was way to light & fruity.
August 21, 2007

Zach
I was psyched to finally see Gary unable to name the odor component he was smelling. That happens to me ALL THE TIME. I feel much better.

QOTD: No.
August 21, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
The V-Nation comes through! Thanks to those who gave me suggestions.
August 21, 2007

WineShopChic
BTW – newbie
August 21, 2007

OrionSlayer
Wow, that’s scary. I would be so upset if I paid $70 for a wine and it was not enjoyable.

QOTD: Never had a kosher wine.
August 21, 2007

Totte
QotD : Never had a Kosher wine…
August 21, 2007

JonE
Bad stuff from Rudd and Morgan that is a shocker.

QOTD: Yes, two or three.. and none of them were worth a penny over 8 bones unfortunately. But well made latkes, now there’s a commodity.
August 21, 2007

Mudd
QOTD: No, I’ve never had a kosher wine.

Man, Carson Palmer had a horrible game Saturday. The only thing that could have made it worse is if he threw two INT’s for touchdowns. I hope Pennington’s wittle arm isn’t starting to hurt…….again. Go Bengals!
August 21, 2007

C.W. Miller IV
AotD: I tend to buy Kosher products when I can but I’ve never had a Kosher wine.
August 21, 2007

Andy
QOTD– Never had ONE G ,,, kind of scared
Least the Panthers have their own stadium ….. We don’t share BABY
August 21, 2007

Robert Howells
I have never tasted a kosher wine. Do the wines need a separate cooler from the non kosher wines?
August 21, 2007

Cam
QOTD: Never tasted a kosher wine. Today’s show makes me leery….
August 21, 2007

Shad
Never had a Kosher wine.

Let’s not forget college football begins next weekend…how can you be a football fan and not love college football?
August 21, 2007

E-Rock
QOTD = Nope.
August 21, 2007

Deano
Gary LOLZ you looked like you went into a blank stare after that last one hahaha. Good episode.

QOTD:
- I have never had a kosher wine at all
August 21, 2007

Al
News…, The rabbis name on the back of the wine bottle does not mean that he blessed it!! He just ensures that the wine was manufactured according to Jewish dietary restrictions. Kosher does not mean pure or holy or anything like that.
Me thinks however, that if those two wines impressed Gary, then there are many other Israeli wines that will blow him away. Israel’s unique microclimate is produces unique fruity, full bodied, bold and powerful wines. (reply to an earlier post: Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon is indeed Kosher. Search for a bottle from 2003–drinking great right now.)
AND OF COURSE… J-E-T-S jets jets jets. I’m pumped for the new season!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21, 2007

William
A Kosher wine over 20 U.S. bones?

No wonder you were shocked!

Anyone who followed the recent T-Shirt Contest knows how I feel about MANISCHEWITZ EXTRA HEAVY MALAGA — Mmmm-m-m-m-m — and that’s under 10 U.S. bones!

William
August 21, 2007

BelgianBeerMistress
QOTD: But of course! I’ve been drinking Manischewitz since I was 3! Not to mention all those under $20 Kosher dry wines. They aren’t much better.
August 21, 2007

Dominus
I am trying as many Kosher wines as I can and hoping some are pretty good so my wife would be more receptive to joining me for a glass. She’s Jewish and thought this may be a segway. I’ll try anything.

QOTD: No I haven’t spent over 20 bones but finished off a bottle of Segal Cab last night. For 15 bones, it’s quite good as you attest.

Be on the lookout for some TC trinkets.

Cheers!

P.S. For that last wine, RP 90-92 and G-Man 69! Houston, we have a problem.
August 21, 2007

LMoC
Two mediocre wines from the same winery? A $70 California Cab?

Gary, there are so many better priced and higher quality kosher wines, particularly from Israel. I would have had the Castel Grand Vin 2004 (Kosher) instead of the Covenant. It’s at least $20 cheaper, and unlike Covenant, it has a longstanding reputation for excellence. Equally good, if not better, you have the Yarden Cabernet 2003 coming in at $25 and the newly released Yarden El-Rom Cabernet ($45), both of which garnered higher scores than the Covenant by Israel’s renowned wine critic, Daniel Rogov.

Insofar as less expensive wines are concerned, there are excellent offerings from Golan Heights Winery’s mid-level Gamla label, not to mention Israel’s many other industrial and boutique offerings.

Judging by the comments above, I’d like to request that this episode get a much deserved DO-OVER!!
August 21, 2007

Dano
OK, I’ve been a lurker long enough.
What do you have to say about Morgon?
August 21, 2007

E
It’s okay, breathe deep and have a nice cup of Lapsang Souchong or something.

QOD: I don’t think I’ve ever had a kosher wine, price notwithstanding. I do love me some latkes, though.
August 21, 2007

David
Gary: Kosher wine episode with two wines from “Hevron hights” â€¦ Come onâ€¦
There are so many great wines in Israel. Try some of the Single Vineyard wines from Carmel winery or, Appellation Wines by Carmel. What about “Yatir” winery??
Please do another episode before the Holidays.
August 21, 2007

mas
0 for 3 – oh well, these episodes are useful as well – will keep skipping this section of the wine shop until we hear something good!

QOTD: Never had one at any price – doesn’t look like I’ll be going for one anytime soon.
August 21, 2007

zny4444
never had a kosher wine…. wait is manichecwitz kosher?, I had that.

nice show gary… time for show on blends. oh and wheres that wine club you mentioned?
August 21, 2007

J Crazy
Don’t think I’ve EVER had a Kosher wine. Must seek out Kosher wine. Must drink, kosher wine. Warrior needs kosher wine badly.
August 21, 2007

Scott S
QOTD: No never had one and don’t plan to. Too expensive.
August 21, 2007

Tom T.
I’m a NY Giants fan and right now am as confused as to why the Giants traded Philip Rivers for Eli as you were with that last wine. I really think Eli’s confused out on the field.
QOTD no.
August 21, 2007

Malphas
QOTD: None ever, and none yet. Sorry the episode went 0 for 3 on the kosher wines.
August 21, 2007

winelynn
Have never had a kosher wine…
August 21, 2007

davidB
QOTD – never had kosher wine period no matter the price point…..
August 21, 2007

SteveW
69 points for a $69 bottle of wine, I think I’ll give it a major Pazzzzzzzzzz
with 10 Z’s.
August 21, 2007

wmole
Yeh, the whole Baron Herzog lineup…over/under 20. They’re 10 minutes away and their tasting room/winery/restaurant is beautiful as are their wines and grub.
August 21, 2007

KenP
Very interesting ep. Welcome back.
QOTD: Haven’t, but will try soon.
August 21, 2007

bossman
I’m a newbie…… at heart. WLTV hasn’t failed to be fresh and exciting yet.

You and Chris have a pic with the wristband and a collection of TC’s in your email. They’ll be a FedEx at the store in the morning. I can do no more (actually I can/did but that’s for another day). Quit your bellyaching.

QOTD: I believe I’m sitting on one (either that or my butt has gotten awfully lumpy of late). I can’t be bothered to wade through Cork’d individually and since I can’t export the list I’ll opt to reserve a response until I run across it and then I’ll post it when it’s least relevant to the subject at hand (I have standards and a tradition to uphold don’t you know).

Welcome back.
August 21, 2007

tarheel17
It’s OK to be stupefied in the face of wine: Happens to me all the time!
I’ve had manichewitz. I only keep kosher when the urge hits me. It hasn’t hit me in the last three years, so I haven’t sought out any kosher wines. I see them all the time on the shelves of the local store, though.

I’m sticking with my current obsession: Washington Wines and producers. Trying to learn the homeland. You should join me one day on WLTV!

Megan
August 21, 2007

yowens
what a downer of a finish- sorry that wine sucked. QOTD: I dont think so. I think I own a Baron Herzog but thats where my Kosherness starts and ends.
August 21, 2007

Sasori
Another nice episode Gary, keep up the good work. I love how you were baffled in the end… interesting and intriguing, profound.
August 21, 2007

Rob Martinez
I’m a newbie. Started watching a week or so ago.
August 21, 2007

lenny
QOTD

I have never had a kosher wine- period.
August 21, 2007

Ivan C.
Hi Gary, it’s too bad you didn’t have any outstanding wines in this episode. I visited my brother in Tel Aviv recently, and the bartender at a nice little wine bar/brasserie (called Lucas off the main strip on Allenby) served us flights of Israeli wines, some kosher, some not. There were some very nice wines, with good colour, concentration, and balance; even great ones with good complexity. However, there were a couple which were too sweet and over-oaked. I think there’s great potential there, especially with winemakers paying more attention to modern trends.

QOTD: I did buy a very nice cabernet sauvignon , which I enjoyed very much,at the duty-free on my way back home to Canada. I can’t remember the name of the producer, since all the writing on the bottle was in Hebrew. I bought it for $24usd, which is a great number, since it reminds me of the best safety in the NFL, Michael Huff, from the Oakland Raiders, who will have their way with your Jets later on this season

Cheers!
August 21, 2007

addamms3
Like the Bossman, I am essentially a newbie. The more I learn about wine the more I realise I don’t know anything. I always drank wine I liked without bothering to learn, meaning that I could never duplicate the experience.
That’s too bad about the wines today. There is too much other good stuff out there for less money to seek any of these out.
QOTD: I grew up listening to the Jewish kids in my class–easily a third of the grade school was Jewish–carry on to each other about “that’s not Kosher!” (usually one of the girls to one of the boys as he started to bite into a ham sandwich or a candy bar) and the guy telling her to shut up or worse. I always sided with the boys, so I’ve never had a Kosher wine.
August 21, 2007

Jon B.
Looks like the Kosher wine world hasn’t changed all that much in the last 36 months after all. Good episode anyway.QOTD I’ve had zero Kosher wines or at least to my knowledge .Thanks GV and WLTV crew.
August 21, 2007

Grape Expectations
QOTD: I’ve never had an over $20 kosher wine. But the first wine I ever tasted was Mogen David, which was the only wine my German Lutheran grandmother ever served. At age 8, I thought it was fine stuff.
August 21, 2007

CMA
Interesting episode, too bad none of the wines really panned out, it would have been fun to try something kosher.

QOTD: I’ve only tried some Manischewitz that my roommate decided I needed to try…needless to say I’ve stayed clear since then!
August 21, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great episode.
QOTD- I don’t believe I have tried a Kosher wine yet.
August 21, 2007

Scarred1
Gary,

Thanks for the effort today. No big payoffs in great wine recomendations, but continuing to educate and enlighten.

QOTD: none that I know of or can remember . . .

thanks
John
August 21, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: No.
August 21, 2007

David
GARY V – What the heck are you going to do with all of the 2005 Covenant you have in inventory after that show?? Who would buy it for 70 bones?

QOTD: Never had a kosher wine.
August 21, 2007

DryDrew
Hey Kosher Vanernation!
Here is a link to my cork’d account.

http://corkd.com/people/drydrew

If you have any kosher wines on cork’d please post them.

Add me as a buddy.
Thanks Gary for the opportunity!
August 21, 2007

chakira
As someone who drinks Kosher, I have tried many many over 20 USD kosher wines. I am sort of shocked that in the two kosher episodes you didnt cover the el ram, considered the best israeli wine by rogov, the castel, the C Chard of castel or the odem organic (15 bones and excellent chard). As you keep reiterating, Israel is bringing serious thunder, as I found out on a wonderful wine tour through that country. And I would like to see that represented on WLTV.
Re the covenant, thanks for doing that as I was going to bother someone to try their bottle. But now I can avoid pestering my friend and instead get myself a bottle of the highly touted spanish kosher wines of which 3 came out this week.
BTW, Kosher wine is not blessed by a rabbi. What makes it kosher is that it is not touched by gentiles, since Jewish law presupposes that gentiles may use the wine for idolatry. While this prohibition was Mitigated in the middle ages, allowing jews to trade wine with their gentile neighbors, a previously forbidden activity and one that was TREMENDOUSLY economically important (see Piero Camporesi on the role of wine in the Middle Ages, or Haym Soloveitchiks forthcoming book on the topic of Jewish gentile wines) the taboo against consuming the wine was not taken away in Ashkenazic Jewish culture. other Jewish cultures, such as Italian Jews, were more leninent in the prohibition (Toaff, Wine Women and Death). While Jews in Medieval Cairo managed to drink with their Muslim neighbors (!!!) by slipping some honey into the wine to make in “unfit for the altar” of the idols (Goitein, Mediterranean Society). Something like this continues today in the widespread practice of making wines Mevushal– cooking them so as to make them unfit for sacrifice. Rogov and others feel that Mevushal wines often taste cooked and I dont think he rates any of them. Finally, while the wine laws may seem discriminatory, and have their origin in a kind of bigotry, today they are merely a part of the cultural heritage of orthodox jews. Few if any Orthodox Jews think that their non-jewish neighbors are worshipping idols or engaging the the ancient middle eastern sacrificial cults. But all orthodox Jews feel the need to maintain their unique culture by scrupulously drinking kosher wine.
August 21, 2007

jeremyw501 (newbie)
Day Two Newbie,

Thanks for the great show. Never knew that Kosher came that high dollar.

QOTD- Bever had one, that I know of.
August 21, 2007

wlburk
Gary,

good episode, glad to see you are actually kind of following that email I sent you…

However, one of my favorite WLTV moments ever was your reaction at the end of the show! Way to keep it real and not sugar coat!

QOTD: No, haven’t had one yet…and judging by that last comment, I definitely will not have a Covenant! MUA HA HA!
August 21, 2007

Marc
QOTD: Definitely not any of the kosher ones my parents have bought for holidays, but maybe. I’ve had a couple good kosher wines at orthodox Rabbis’ houses for Passover seders. Not sure what they cost.
August 21, 2007

Marc
QOTD: Now that I think about it, I had some pretty nice kosher wines at a winery in Israel. Not sure if they were awesome or if it was just the atmosphere.
August 21, 2007

Capt M
I was going to comment: hey, thanks for trying such an expensive wine for us, but then it’s such an irony. QOTD: For Kosher, I normally drink Baron Herzog, either Cab Sauvignon or Zinfandel, and they’re both under $20. I like the Zinfandel the most.
August 21, 2007

Larry
QOTD: Nope
August 21, 2007

nougat
QOTD – No, not over $20

I don’t trust Napa Cabs and I have fallen off Parker’s bandwagon, so I was not surprised by that last wine. Parker’s palette (I always feel like I’ve spelled that wrong) and mine do not get along.
August 21, 2007

t_moderne
Newbie! not really – just wanted to see if I go a response.
It would have been interesting to hear more about what makes a kosher wine kosher.
QOTD – Have not had a kosher wine other than – you guessed it = super sweet Manashewitz.
Thanks for another good episode.
August 21, 2007

t_moderne
Newbie! not really – just wanted to see if I get a response.
It would have been interesting to hear more about what makes a kosher wine kosher.
QOTD – Have not had a kosher wine other than – you guessed it = super sweet Manashewitz.
Thanks for another good episode.
August 21, 2007

LMoC
SUGGESTION:

Add a “Kosher” checkbox to Corkd.
August 21, 2007

vivaitalia
Holy…. i’ve never seen the wind taken out of your sails like that! It absolutely reminds me of this Brunello I purchased that tasted like Riesling. I was completely flabbergasted as you appeared to be. I’ve never tried a Kosher wine but would love to. I really need something different than the first two you described to get me interested though.
August 21, 2007

Martin
Haven’t had a chance to try any; in fact, haven’t seen them in stores in this part of the country.
August 21, 2007

Mason
I have to say that I have never tried a kosher wine, but my favorite wine store in town carries a good number of kosher wines, so maybe one day. So, I take it you aren’t down with the Rodney Strong Cab? I haven’t tried it, but way to call him out!
August 22, 2007

TomB.
QOTD: NO….
I love how you went Yoda on us:…….”Very awkward nose this Merlot has…..”.
August 22, 2007

Cincinnati Kid
I have had many more than $20 kosher wines. And you are right that the Israeli wine industry is making significant headway. But you would have done much better with many of the selections from Yarden ($20 – $30), Castel ($35 – $60), Segal’s ($25 – $35), Barkan, Galil Mountain their Yiron is a great QPR at around ($25), or the Carmel (yes Carmel!) single vineyard wines, to name a few. By the way, the 2002 Israeli harvest is a particularly odd one as the wines are bold and well crafted, but because of the odd weather, short lived. Nevertheless, it is a good start.
August 22, 2007

mary
Your honesty is sooooooooooooooooooooooo refreshing. Thanks, Mary
August 22, 2007

rafi schutzer http://www.KosherCuvee.com
Jeff and Lesley will not be happy with this episode….
August 22, 2007

Ferrigno
Wow what an ending…
welcome newbies!
QOTD: no, sorry
August 22, 2007

rafi schutzer http://www.KosherCuvee.com
Lately, I’ve shared a bottle of Covenant ‘05 every month or so and it is nothing like you’ve described. I honestly think that you might have gotten a bad or damaged bottle.

Maybe it was one of the three bottles that I bought from you that I had to return to you because they were all leaking inside the styrofoam packers. What a mess that was!

Gary, you wouldn’t have kept those damaged bottles would you?
August 22, 2007

rafi schutzer http://www.KosherCuvee.com
Looking for Cork’d “drinking buddies” . . . .

Any other kosher wine drinkers out there? FRIEND ME UP! as GV would say . . .

http://corkd.com/people/kosherwineguy
August 22, 2007

agoodman
I have been watching for a while, but first post.

What is it about kosher wne that makes it harder out of the gates to get a decent wine?
August 22, 2007

OldVinesJim
Here is Robert Parker’s review of the Covenant, from their website:

â€œThe 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (550 cases) possesses beautiful purity along with abundant amounts of black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, tobacco leaf, and spice box notes. It is a restrained, elegant version of the extroverted 2004. The 2005 should drink well for 12-15 years.â€

GV might agree with “restrained” but not much else.

QOTD: Have had a kosher wine at a business lunch in Tel Aviv, but don’t think it was >$20. It was unremarkable merlot. At the duty-free shop in Tel Aviv, I bought a $20-25 Israeli cab that I was excited to bring home, but it got confiscated when I was going through airport security in London.
August 22, 2007

Greg B.
Big G, Well all I can say is untill I see some better showings of Kosher Wines on WLTV I will not be forking out my hard earned green.

QOTD: See Above
August 22, 2007

thabeav
Gary,

Nice try. I haven’t had any Kosher wine, and am not yet convinced I should. I’ll keep an open mind if one is placed in front of me, but won’t buy without tasting first.

How about free shipping on the one that smelled like vomit? It’ll be great for practical jokes/blind tastings.

I’m a little worried about your jets…..a 35 y/o guard playing center and a ballerina at quarterback…..hmmmmm

Chad Pennington and the Vikings – 14, the NY Jets-3

What’s the scoop on Friday’s live tasting? I have friends coming over (am trying to spread the thunder) but don’t have a clue about what you got planned.
August 22, 2007

Wein Freund
Great show, Gary. People in Germany love you, too. Wish we had a wine show like your’s in German.
August 22, 2007

indiana
Lurker…. Good show gary, although i’m not quite sure what constitutes a kosher wine, and it would have been interesting to take a lesson. Im not interested in buying a kosher wine, and unless yer jewish, why would you? the wines are 25,20, and 70$! bones and not that great. And for the question of the day, no i have not had one, so i cant really say, but this episode does not make me want to change my mind. Just bought some Messena 2005 11th. hour. oh yea. good juice.
indiana
August 22, 2007

ev
Yo, Indy, I just bought a box here in Seattle. Very good stuff,Massena. Have you had Godolphin? For about the same $, we loved it even more. Where did you buy it in Indiana? I’m from E’ville, and spent much time in B’ton and Indy. Eric
August 22, 2007

Viking
another n00b *since friday actually *

great show Gary

slightly insane and honest…gotta love the combo
August 22, 2007

Richard Shaffer
Great show! 2 wines from Hevron Heights, though?! For good quality and great value kosher wines check out pretty much anything from the Golan Heights Winery (Yarden, Galil Mountain). Golan Heights Winery really started the quality revolution in Israel in the 1980s. I can’t wait to see the non-kosher Israeli wine show, Gary! Most of those wines have not yet been formally introduced to Americans – some great stuff in that space! And it would be great to see more retailers create an “Israeli” wine section!

Richard
August 22, 2007

Chris Kov
It makes me smile when you are confused about a bottle of wine. I am not the only one that gets confused by a wine. My confusion is on a much smaller scale, but none the less it still makes me smile.

I love the fact that we are changing the wine world. Spreading the thunder across the “V” nation and then across the World!
August 22, 2007

stewart l
I have tasted sev kosher wines before, but not above $20. After today’s episode, I’m in no hurry to go find one either.
August 22, 2007

winecollector57
OK..I’m convinced, I’m not gonna buy ANY kosher wines yet…Thanks for great show as always. Is it possible the last bottle is was in a closed phase? Bottle shock?…
QOTD- No, and thanks to you no plans to try one anytime soon.
August 22, 2007

mcj
QOTD: Never had any kosher wine
August 22, 2007

Screwtop
Newbie. Keep coming back for the energy. I have a couple friends who might like a finer kosher wine as a gift, so I appreciate the scoop.
August 22, 2007

Courtney Cochran
Thanks, Gary. I was literally queing up my browser this morning to search for more info on Israeli and kosher wines for an upcoming tasting I’ll be hosting and – whaddya know – found your episode. How’s that for a coincidence? Thanks for a great show.
August 22, 2007

Jeff
QOTD: Don’t know that I’ve ever had a Kosher wine at any pricepoint. Oh well.
August 22, 2007

MtnCharlie
Great episode.
QOTD: Have had kosher wine, but I cannot remember the price. After doing a little online research I am guessing retail for
August 22, 2007

Robin C.
QOTD: the last time I had a kosher wine was during my first marriage, and I’m sure it was not over $20.00 because I think I picked some of them out and there were no kosher wines at that price range. I don’t think that anybody really drank them – they were just for the ceremony. Passover gatherings were a lot of fun and I sure miss them. Russian Cream with strawberries was very popular at that time. I still have the recipe.
August 22, 2007

MaryS
Never had a kosher wine, and after this show I have no plans to try one. How about doing a show on NJ wines?
August 22, 2007

AnavimG
Hey Gary-

Newbie here. Watched several episodes but this is the first time I have felt compelled to post.

However, I just want to reiterate what has already been said by others. Hebron Heights winery is NOT located in one the better Israeli wine-producing regions & consequently does not produce great wines. They DO however do a great job of marketing (nice bottles & labels – what is inside, not so much). Also, their importer is known for pricing wines higher than the typical markup.

Gary – I am a NYC resident in Israel right now preparing to do some business with many of the small boutique wineries others have mentioned here. Drop me a dime (OK, email) and if you do have a sincere interest I’d be thrilled to discuss Israeli wines (kosher & non-certified) further.

QOTD – yes, many & some that are DAMN GOOD. Others, such as the oft mentioned Baron Herzog (OK, this one is
August 22, 2007

AnavimG
(cont.)
QOTD – yes, many & some that are DAMN GOOD. Others, such as the oft mentioned Baron Herzog (OK, this one is
August 22, 2007

AnavimG
QOTD – yes, many & some that are DAMN GOOD. Others, such as the oft mentioned Baron Herzog (OK, this one is
August 22, 2007

Palmer
Anybody remember the episode of “Frasier” where he and Niles have to pretend they’re Jewish because Frasier is dating a Jewish girl? The girl’s mother comes over to the apartment and asks for a glass of Manischewitz, so Frasier takes a glass of cabernet and adds sugar. He then gives the glass to Niles to taste and Niles spits it out and says “It’s DREADFUL!” whereby Frasier says something to the effect of “then it’s perfect.”

That has been my impression of kosher wine until now, and I don’t think I have ever had any. But now I know that if I’m ever invited to a seder, there are decent bottles of wine out there that I can bring along.
August 22, 2007

Kara
QOTD: had a sip of Kosher at a wedding once. hated it. but what did i know?

MaryS: I agree – I’d love to see a show on Jersey wine! I’m from the state and had no idea there were vineyards… i know you can find wine anywhere, but i’ve never come across a Jersey wine – that’d be a sweet show!
August 22, 2007

Carlitos
Hey Gary!

Sorry to hear that the wines were not that great and you couldn’t prove your point. I’m sure there are better ones out there. I’m actually not sure what the whole process for kosher wine is. So I don’t know how they are really different, other than a blessing (no influence in the taste?).

Did you know that CapÃ§anes in Montsant, Spain (read Capsanes), makers of the Mas DonÃs, makes a kosher wine. In fact that coop was largely producing bulk wines until the jewish community in nearby Barcelona asked them to produce a kosher wine. That let them to pursue higher quality throughout the range to where they are today. Anyway, their kosher wine is called Flor de Primavera or Peraj Ha’abib (Spring Flower). I haven’t tried it but it should be good. I loved the Mas DonÃs for what it was. This one is in the $30 price range.

QOTD. I haven’t knowingly had a kosher wine. But maybe I’ll try this shortly.

Anyway, cheers!
August 22, 2007

Carlitos
BTW. http://www.cellercapcanes.com/english.htm
August 22, 2007

Blondie
Gary, Perhaps you should check your stock of the Covenant to see if it was a bad bottle. Wow! What a reaction!!

QOTD – Like many people, my only relationship with Kosher wine was when I joined my best friends family for Passover in North Caldwell, NJ (I was 12 years old) and my girl friends Dad gave me a small glass of Manashewitz Concord Grape (I think) My palate has improved since then and she remains one of my best girl friends. Though I must say she and I never drank so much in NYC that we had to vomit in an alley.

Why don’t you do a show on your top 4 or 5 favorite wines? Like to know what blows your hair back when you’re not on the air!
August 22, 2007

Blondie
Sorry about the misspelling of Manischewitz!
August 22, 2007

Rich
Okay, guilty as charged!…I am a NEWBIE and have been “lurking” for about three weeks. Just a little shy and only recently into wines. I have to say, today’s show is not compelling me to go looking for the kosher wines you tried! And I usually go running to my wine guy to find at least one of the bottles. How about another round of Kosher tasting with something to try out at home!?!?!
Cheers to the Nation!!
August 22, 2007

JennyO
QOTD: Nope – never had a Kosher wine at all.
Glad you’re back
August 22, 2007

Kara E.
Wait!!! Manischewitz doesn’t cost 20$!!! My uncle has been ripping me off every passover!
Love the show!
August 22, 2007

Kirk
Gary,

I had to come out of “lurker status” for this episode…what a great string of shows. I’ve come across something recently and I thought it might be an interesting take on a show. I’ve seen people drinking wine from straws this summer (Gasp! How could they?!?) However, there was a viable situation i promise you…this person did not have the use of their arms. I was wondering what if any difference it would have on the flavor profile…and thought you might want to try another take on how to enjoy wine. As for the QOTD: No…I have not tried any wines over $25 that were Kosher to my knowledge. Cheers,
August 22, 2007

Daniel O
QOTD: Not to my knowledge. There’s a Kosher Wine section at the LCBO here in Ontario, but I’ve never picked up anything from there. And after this episode, I’m definitely not going out of my way to find or try any.
August 22, 2007

Grasshopper
Big Shout Out to Chakira who gives a very good description and history lesson on what makes a Kosher wine and why.

I read several comments from folks who do not understand what makes a wine Kosher (i sure didn’t) and think everyone can learn something from Chakira’s post.

Since the posts are not numbered, I can not tell you how to find it other than it was posted 16 hours ago.

Grasshopper
August 22, 2007

Vinsant
Kosher wine over $20 bucks, hell (I mean heck) no!
August 22, 2007

rob in indy
good show.. I think I will pass on the kosher wines for now.. can’t wait to find out what gary has planned for the 300th show..
August 22, 2007

Bernard
Sure: Hagafen cellars of california (Napa southern end) makes a high quality line. Try them. Also, try Weinstock cellar select (Cal) cab,about $16, very classy and worth more. Italian: Rashi Barbera d’Alba, a slightly ripasso edge.
Been drinking lots of kosher from doing temple wine sales for passover.Told GV about the Weinstock months ago… one of my favorites and high qpr.
August 22, 2007

Bernard
Also agree with rich saffer, about Golan winery. forgot about them. Fyi, Rashi is revered as a talmudic scholar, but his day job was vintner.
August 22, 2007

Rick "the model" M
In 8 more days, something crazy better be happening
August 22, 2007

rascoagogo
Thanks for doing this show. I’m looking forward to the one on non-Kosher Israeli wines. NPR did a piece on the excellent prospects to come a few years back, and I’d love to get an idea of where to start.
August 22, 2007

Pastore
QOTD: I grew up where everyone was Italian, so no, no kosher wines there. 8 days to go…
August 22, 2007

macca
QOTD – No, never tried a kosher wine at all. And I think it’d be safe to say I’ll never spend any of my own money to try one. They simply do not interest me whatsoever.
August 22, 2007

BillyA
Mr. Cabernet, you may want to try Segals’ 2002 Special Reserve Merlot. It’s hit or miss with Kosher wines, but I really enjoyed it and you can pick one up for $11-$15. Don’t know how the ‘03 tastes.
August 22, 2007

Bruce S
newbie
August 22, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – no. pazzzz.
August 23, 2007

BobMac
Never had a kosher wine….above $25 or below.
August 23, 2007

TagWorld Brian
QOTD: I think the Baron Herzon Jeunesse, which I tried at your recommendation. Was that above $20? ‘Can’t recall. Anyhoo, I enjoyed it. It was syrupy and cloying – don’t think I’d buy it twice, but it was a fun experiment for passover. Yeah, I’m Jewish, and that’s how we roll, Vayniac-style! Hava Nagila, y’all.
August 23, 2007

vibemore
qotd: no
August 23, 2007

TommyTom
Why did the Napa Cab get 69 points? A 70$ bottle tasting worse than a 10$ bottle deserves a far worse score.
August 23, 2007

amechad
Well, I live in Israel and keep kosher so I tend to drink kosher wines. These were some very odd choices Gary made — 2 from Hevron Heights (which, as noted above, Rogov does not rate well and is not something I drink, although some are supposed to be decent). But kosher wine isn’t Manishevitz and needs to stop being thought of that.

My recommendations are Domaine du Castel (Israeli, one of Israel’s best wineries — The Castel Grand Vin (about $50) is absolutely amazing to me — the best wine I have ever had and their second label Petit Castel (about $25-$30) isn’t far behind). Golan Heights Winery (Yarden, Gamla, Golan) makes excellent wines (a mix of high quality Yarden’s to $6 Golan’s which are still very good for an everyday wine and what I tend to drink weekly).
Israel’s Recanati, Katlov,

And of course there are now plenty of quality non-kosher Israeli wines too. The production isn’t different in terms of the wine making process (it’s simply that only observant Jews can touch it and no non-kosher [think animal remnants or dairy products] fining agents can be used)). Castel didn’t change when it went kosher in 2003, and is a top producer.

I haven’t had it but California’s HaGafen is supposed to be truly excellent, as are California’s Herzog. Italy’s Bartenura is pretty good. France’s Fortant isn’t bad either.

There is simply no reason to avoid a wine just because it’s kosher. Particularly the wines not targeted at very religious people (like Hevron Heights is) are better – and no less kosher – for market reasons (trying to appeal to a more sophisticated palate).
August 23, 2007

amechad
Sorry, meant to add that Israel’s Recanati, Katlov’s Cab, Teperberg(formerely Efrat), especially the higher end (I just discovered the Teperberg Meritage blend for about $13 and it is truly truly excellent) are truly excellent wines.

Unfortunately many of the Israeli wines, especially the boutiques are still not available or only available in small numbers in the US but Castel, Golan, Terperberg, etc. are available in the US.

But Gary — what’s with your idea that kosher wines only got good in the past 36 months? Where have you been — Golan has been operating since ‘82, and many of the Israeli boutiques started in the late 90s or 2000-2002 (at least 5 years ago) and of course larger wines like Herzog, etc. have been doing well for quite some time and even Carmel has been improving for several years (although I still prefer Golan over Carmel).
August 23, 2007

Jayhitek
QOTD: Nope.
August 23, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: sorry bro…I have not….but maybe someday
August 23, 2007

crazy olive
new viewer…love the show…live in napa
August 23, 2007

MetalDave
QOTD: No.

Just as South African products were boycotted during Apartheid, so should all Israeli products. No one should ever buy Israeli wine. If you want Kosher wine, get it from somewhere else. “Israel’s” best wines come from Syria anyway. In fact, one Scandanavian country has now required that all wines produced in the Golan Heights be labeled as “Wine from Israeli-Occupied Syrian Territory.”
August 23, 2007

LMoC
MetalDave: The episode was about Kosher wine, not Israeli wines. There are Israeli wines which are not Kosher, and there are Kosher wines which are not Israeli.

If political persuasions are going to be a factor in shaping your wine consumption habits:
Forget American wine. It’s “Wine from Occupied Native American Territory.”
Forget wine from France and Austria, as they collaborated with the Nazis. Forget Australian wine. It’s “Wine from Occupied Native Aboriginal Territory.”

If you’re going to play the moral equivalence hand, as so many critics of Israel do, then please, at least be consistent.
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
MetalDave, I can relate…kosher wines yes, Israeli wines no!
LMoC Certainly, all of mankind representing all cultures is guilty of crimes against humanity. However, those of Israel are most recent and most relavent in the present. Boycotting American products will do nothing for the natives, for their fight is history. Israel’s actions, on the other hand, can be tempered and something CAN actually be done by leading such denunciations as boycotts. Doing such things agains Australia, etc. would be futile.
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
MetalDave; I feel your pain –Kosher wines, yes…Israeli wines, no

LMoC, If boycotting American products would help the plight of the natives, then why not? If doing the same with Australian did the same, then again, yes….but the fact is that such efforts would prove futile, for these crimes are history. All human cultures are guilty of crimes against humanity, it’s in our nature.

Focusing of the here and now, future results can indeed be achieved by denouncing Israel with such boycotts. Israel’s actions actually do stand a chance of being tempered. As for Native Americans, their plight is tragic albeit history.
August 24, 2007

Brandon M
#190 es Muy Lamo
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
I have a question for any kosher wine drinker able to answer. As a bartender, I have been told that, because I am not Jewish I cannot serve kosher wine nor can I even handle the bottle. Simply put, I cannot contact the wine.

My question is what does that mean? As long as I don’t dip my finger inside a filled glass, how is my touching the bottle different from the delivery person carrying a case (ultimately handling the wine), or the driver transporting the load, etc.? How would by touching the bottle amount to comming in “contact” with the wine in a manner greater than that of the delivery driver, or the stockperson in a wineshop?
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
Please excuse the second entry on the Political topic— I thought that my first statement failed to post due to error
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
Sorry for the double entry on the political issue–I did not realize it posted, due to an error…I just got the same error with this entry
August 24, 2007

MetalDave
Yes, I know it was about Kosher wines, not Israeli wines.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Israel because this is not the place. I will say however, that of all of the countries you mentioned, Israel is the only one CURRENTLY perpetrating gross human rights violations and also the only one whose policies and “borders” are in direct violation of UN law. Once they comply with UN law and end the human rights abuses, I will be happy to forgive all past indescretions and drink all the Israeli wine I can find, just as I now drink South African wine (and German wine for that matter). The point of my boycott is to put economic pressure to effect change, not to judge or play a moral equivalence “hand.” Also, using past crimes to justify present ones is a flawed policy.

Also, to say that “the French collaborated with the Nazis” is quite inaccurate. Yes, a traitorous portion of the French population did collaborate with the Nazis, but apart from that there was a large passive population and a large resistance. Also, the de Rothschild family (Chateau Lafite, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, et. al.) are Jewish so I would seriously doubt their collaboration.

Anyway, forget about it – WINE IS FUN!!!!
August 24, 2007

lifestooshort
a LOT of dudes don’t wash their hands, and what’s up with that? I’ve got my excretory member of congress out, handling things and whatnot–I wanna share that with the world? What’s up with that?? Didn’t mama teach these people nothin’?
August 24, 2007

lifestooshort
Sorry, but MetalDave can’t drink any US wines, either. Our actions in Iraq have directly led to the deaths of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people. In fact, relative to Israel? Our occupation of Iraq has killed a LOT more people than Israelis have–and that’s just in the last few years, forget about decades of occupation. And yes, wine is fun, but if you’re gonna bring politics into it, better be consistent in your logic…
August 24, 2007

LMoC
Lifestooshort: Nicely put.

MetalDave: If the UN is your moral compass, then you may as well not drink wine produced by any UN member country which refuses to officially recognize the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
August 24, 2007

Al
TommyTom:
Just to respond; to explain why the prohibition applies to non-jews touching open wine bottles without actually touching the wine. In ancient times (when judaism was the only monotheistic religion) pagans would worship their idols, among other ways, by pouring wine upon the alter. Such wine would be prohibited to jews to drink. Consequently, a decree was enacted prohibiting consumption of all open bottles or casks of wine touched by non-jews because perhaps a pagan “tilted” or poured the wine with the intention of serving their idol. The decree was originally prescribed only to open casks or bottles for obvious reasons. Under the Jewish system of Stare Decisis (binding power of precedent) the decree remains in force today.
August 24, 2007

TommyTom
Al:
That’s interesting…I can respect that. It does bring me to another question though. Does this mean that a waiter can serve wine if he opens it right in front of the patron and leaves the open bottle on the table remaining in view of the religiously observant patron? Can he later return to the table so as to refill the glasses?

Lifestooshort: You make a good point, I must reconsider my own argument.
August 25, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: NOOOO I’ve never had a Kosher wine… that’s one more to add to the “yet to be tasted” list.
August 25, 2007

WINO
QOTD- Never had any Kosher wine.
September 1, 2007

Brendan L
“Tha GV”

COK
September 6, 2007

Baruch Brodersen
Great show. Tasted the Hebron Heights Pardess last week so I know what you’re talking about. Also had the HH’s Isaac’s Ram. Similarly disappointing. Both of these wines, as well as the Syrah are not among HH’s best offerings, which imo are quite good.

If you can, check out the 2002 HH’s Armigeddon. Heavy on the oak, but boy what a wine! Their Makhpelah is also outstanding.

Other Israeli kosher wines that rock: Castel Grand Vin 2003. Yatir Forest 2003. Yarden Brut, non-vintage. Binyamina 2003 Sirah Chosen Series “Ruby.” A knockout! The Cave 2003.

Benhaim 2003 Cab Sav. Reserve.
September 8, 2007

Leiby
Hey Gary! So I’m a newbie and I’ve been watching a marathon of your shows today. Was finally convinced to say hello! Glad you did one on the kosher wines. Manechevitz makes me want to hurl, but I can never find anything kosher that’s reallly happenin’. Even tried the new zealand goose bay sauv blanc because i love the tropical notes of those marlborough sauv blancs, but was dissappointed in its lack of tropical and citrus.

will you do another kosher wine show? one i tasted and liked was the special reserve “Z” Zinfandel from baron herzog.
January 20, 2008

Sharon
I tasted the Teperberg Meritage 2006 yesterday and thought it was super yummy.
May 19, 2008

Harry
Hey Gary and Vayniacs,
The political considerations in the comments here was fascinating. i lived in Israel for several years, and currently work the wine director of a kosher restaurant, so have been in many of these debates before. Without going into it too much, I try to support the israeli wine industry, but avoid wines from the West Bank and especially Hevron, which is one of the more right-wing and controversial settlements. There are lots of great Israeli wines from the Galille region or the north, such as many mentioned below – Teperberg, Tisbhi, Galil, Dalton, etc. They tend to go very new world in style, with the exception of Castel, which produces great Bordeaux style wines.
One producer that often gets overlooked is Ernie Weir of Hagafen. His Syra, Cab and Prix Meritage are outstanding, and good values even with the kosher markup. Very worth trying
August 7, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Tough episode, Gary. Sorry that none of the wines were really bringing the thunder, esp. the last wine. Your poor face!! QOTD: Never had a single Kosher wine yet, but Im sure to try one down the line.
March 24, 2009

Kittysafe
Being Jewish I grew up around Kosher wines, and there are plenty of them that all tasted the same to me growing up in the ’80s. Very boring stuff and all the same. Finding a good Kosher wine in the 80s to me was not easy at all, of course I wasn’t looking as I was a little kid, but I have always remembered the taste of those wines.

I have not bought any Kosher wines myself until today, so I’m very curious how they will taste.

What I bought:

2004 Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint Julien
2003 Yarden Syrah
June 28, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
Interesting show on kosher wine. Is there a possibility of trying out altar wines?
July 29, 2009

Phredd
QOTD: I’ve never had any kosher wine. I don’t care about “kosherness”, so I’ve never sought one out. I still won’t, although if a good one comes my way, I’m game.
September 19, 2009

ulu ulu ulu ulu
QOTD: I’ve never had kosher wine.