A Kosher Wine Tasting – Episode #422

March 6, 2008

Kosher wines are getting better and better and Daniel Rogov the wine critic is doing an amazing job reviewing and following the scene, today Gary Vaynerchuk tries some of them.

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“Segal Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve at $16.49 instead of $17
Found at:
…” by Moti
“Great show. Love it when you showcase things that I and most of the w…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Segal’s Cabernet Sauvignon Special ReserveIsraeli Kosher Wine
2003 Galil Mountain YironIsraeli Kosher Wine
2004 Ben Zimra MerlotIsraeli Kosher Wine

211 Responses

March 6, 2008

David Dickinson
First? Yippee!
March 6, 2008

Deano
2nd?? :)
March 6, 2008

Phil G
Here we go…
March 6, 2008

waibeans
wahoo… top %!!!
March 6, 2008

Chris
yeah 5 in honor of my Jewish GF!
March 6, 2008

Deano
Gary good episode the first wine sounds good.

QOTD:
-Nope i haven’t
March 6, 2008

mg
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff 1985?
March 6, 2008

Vine22
Never tasted kosher…wine
March 6, 2008

Ron
They were not Intercontinental Champions….

The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff were tag team champions: They won it in NYC on MArch 31,1985 at wrestlemania.

They lost it to the “The US Express” on June 17, 1985.
March 6, 2008

Matty
Uhhhh my girlfriend is like half Jewish and I assure you I will not be drinking any Kosher wine unless it drops on my head like manna from heaven. (Jewish reference for all you gentiles).
March 6, 2008

Susan
Gary-QOTD: No, I haven’t had any Kosher wine yet…………………………………………………
March 6, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I can’t say I’ve ever had any kosher wine.
March 6, 2008

underivy
Volkoff and Iron Shiek….but I’m a little too slow. I’ll blame my crappy internet connection. :p March 31, 1985 – June 17, 1985
March 6, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Never.

Good luck on the Vaynerthon!
March 6, 2008

Phil G
Um… I don’t think either the Iron Sheik or Nikolai Volkoff ever won the WWF Intercontinental title…
March 6, 2008

David Dickinson
QOTD: I have not tried a Kosher wine (yet). That’s what I love about WLTV, I’m always being introduced to new things. Keeps me interested in trying new things. Thanks Gary.
March 6, 2008

Samuel Paes
QOTD: yep, I had one once, not good though. but I want to try them again.
March 6, 2008

Shawn
Top 20 baby!
March 6, 2008

PhilB
Hey GV!!

My records show that the Iran sheik held the title from December 26, 1983 to January 23, 1984. And Volkov only hold a title in a duo with the sheik, never on his own…

Good show too!!

Regards from Paris,
March 6, 2008

docent
Yes, Shell Segal, very good value (Barkan Wine Cellars?)
March 6, 2008

Brad
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff
March 31, 1985 – June 17, 1985
March 6, 2008

Turd
I didn’t look down to see if anyone got it but 3/31/85 to 6/17/85. Didn’t remember the dates but remember it happening like it was yesterday when they won.
March 6, 2008

Turd
Now I’ve read these and realize I’m not first BUT…good call Phil, you’re right they weren’t. I’ll give GV credit for having them on the show though.

Hey GV, remember that skunk He-man guy, have you ever caught a wiff of that in a glass?
March 6, 2008

Nigel
Not that I can remember. Unless Chateau Musar is a Kosher wine? What makes a wine Kosher anyway?

Regards from Nuremburg
March 6, 2008

Dennis
The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff
Held 78 days from March 31, 1985 to June 17, 1985
March 6, 2008

portland guy
Enjoyed this episode. Not sure where to find these wines in the NW, but will look for them.
March 6, 2008

AZTrojan
Safe travels Gary!

QOTD: I have not tried a Kosher wine.
March 6, 2008

Robertico el cantante
QOTD: Nope, never had them

Put one on free shipping and I’ll try it
March 6, 2008

underivy
QOTD: Nope, but there’s a first time for everything. I’ll try anything once.
March 6, 2008

BigATB
Israeli wine FTW!

I was in Israel in January 2007 and went to the Golan vineyards it was a lot of fun and was probably what got me into wine in the first place. I had their Mt. Hermon red, Muscat, and Sion Creek white, all very good.

keep it up
Aaron
March 6, 2008

Stuart N
The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff were WWF Tag Team Champions for 78 days from March 31, 1985 to June 17, 1985. Neither were intercontinental champions, but Iron Shiek was a WWF Champion for 28 days, from December 26, 1983 to January 23, 1984, losing the belt to Hulk Hogan. As an extra bonus of trivia, they both were entered into the WWF/E Hall of Fame the same year, 2005.
March 6, 2008

Michael Y
never had one
March 6, 2008

Jack2112
Just wanted to point out that Ron nailed it. And he listened! Gary asked when they were intercontinental champs, and neither ever was. Iron Sheik was world champ, briefly before Hulk landed on him. And both held a number of other regional championships.

Rock on.
March 6, 2008

mbannon
Hmmm, $15+ Kosher? Not sure. Time to go exporin’ again. Thanks Gary!
March 6, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Since the last time I tried any Israeli wine was over 8 years ago, I’m pretty sure it was well under $15

“T”
March 6, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Nope. Might seek one out though. Curiosity and all.

Safe travels!
March 6, 2008

Terrance
Never had a kosher wine period. Would love to try one… two or hundred

What defines a kosher wine?
March 6, 2008

sharon
qotd: No. Never ever. The one’s I’ve had tasted like cough syrup. I won’t pass up that Cab if I come across it, though.
March 6, 2008

Josef Loeffler
Gary,

Firstly, love your enthusiasm. Watching you swish away, I felt naked without a nice glass of wine sitting in my hand so I could join in on the fun. I subscribed to your podcast just a few episodes ago and now you have an episode dedicated to wine for my tribe, too cool. you are the man. Keep it up brother.
waiting to learn more,joe
March 6, 2008

Sev
people definitely have their preconceptions about kosher wines. my experiences are probably the opposite of what most people experience. I have never had a kosher wine under $15. Cool show, thanks Gary.

My favorites are the Galil Yiron, Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon, Golan Chardonnay, and Recanati Merlot.
March 6, 2008

Loweeel
Matty — you’re exactly what GV’s talking about when he says that it’s unfairly hated on.

Please, leave delicious stuff like Castel and Hagafen for the rest of us who don’t think that all Kosher wine has to taste like Manischewitz.

QOTD: Lots! Castel, Tzora, and countless others at the Jerusalem Wine Festival in Summer ‘07.

They were never intercontinental champs! But I’m repeating myself.

Terrance — Kosher wine is only handled, from picking to bottling, by Sabbath-observant Jews. Additionally, when grown in Israel, the vineyards must observe a shabbat year by lying fallow every seventh year.
March 6, 2008

Dominick Mack
THEY NEVER WERE!
March 6, 2008

chakira
I have the single vineyard el rom sitting a few feet away from me.
I have long been a fan of the segals– also the castel which you recently rated 93 points.
March 6, 2008

T. Reasoner
No on the kosher…
March 6, 2008

Bookman
QOTD: Not that I can remember, no, unless you count a splash of Manashevitz (sp?) my Fraternity brother brought over, for Thanksgiving dinner, one year? Lol…I’m guessing it’s under $15. It sure tasted like it was, anyway.

I don’t know when those two held the title, but I know I hated both of them. In hindsight, the marketing brillance of an Iran/USSR tag team is just beyond anything I’m willing to credit the WWF with! I always cheered for the Americans; Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, The Ultimate Warrior, “The Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Road Warriors, Hulk, etc.
March 6, 2008

Little Jonny H
Too many choices at the wine shop to choose a Kosher wine, GV! Especially reds that are made of classic varietals. Maybe in due time!

QOTD: No, Her, Nao, Nr, Non, Nope, Nada, Nein!!
March 6, 2008

Len
Never had a Kosher wine…maybe for the reason Gary you mentioned or just some preconceptions about them…one should try a wine before making a decision about it but there’s so many wines and not enough time!

QOTD…definitely NO.
March 6, 2008

Achilles Mike
QOTD Never had one but they sound better now than the sugary ones I had years ago.
March 6, 2008

Rice
Ron got it… they were never IC Champs… so the start date and end date are zero.
March 6, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: No I haven’t. But I’m not opposed to it!
March 6, 2008

MW_DM,IA
They WERE Intercontinental Champs. They defeated the Killer Bees March 29, 1987 by way of disqualification, and lost to Rick Martel & Tom Zenk when Martel pinned Iron Sheik.

QOTD: Never had a kosher wine, wasn’t able to this last thanksgiving, which I spent with a friend who’s dad is Jewish.
March 6, 2008

MW_DM,IA
They lost May 2nd, 1987, by the way.
March 6, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Going to run out and try one tonight.
March 6, 2008

MW_DM,IA
Also, it was March 27 that they won, not the 29th.
March 6, 2008

Tatum
QOTD: Yea, totally. I stutter to think of life with only manschevitz during passover…its actually not that hard to imagine…it’s old skool to only drink “The Man” duirng the passover seder. I couldn’t stand it any longer and invested in some nice kosher wines (for passover) a few years back. I’ve had
Yarden, Weinstock, Gan Eden.
March 6, 2008

NickJW
QOTD: Nope, but I’d like to
March 6, 2008

kazu
no sir
March 6, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
No never had any Kosher wines but mark that as another wine on my “to try” list. Man you have introduced me to so many wines that me and my “PAL” have tried! I love your show! You rock Gary! You too Mott!!
March 6, 2008

shawnandlu
QOTD: No I tried a cheap one once and I my taste buds are still recovering. But I will try one of the ones you just tasted, they look completely different.

Wrestling questions. Is the next question going to be about roller-derby. If it is I have the answer. The LA tbirds won every match and they never went on the road. And little Ralphy Valaderes scored 5 points in the last second to win.(Funny stuff if you grew up in Southern California.)
March 6, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Never tried any kosher wine.
sounds like I should.
March 6, 2008

RichE
March 31, 1985 June 17, 1985
The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff
March 6, 2008

Andy & Edie
Do we have Kosher wines in Billings MT (besides Maneshewitz)? I don’t know. I need to find out! I didn’t even know Isreal made quality wine. Great Episode GV.
March 6, 2008

malliemcg
QOTD:Never tried a kosher wine….. yet! The Segals and Galil both sound very interesting.
March 6, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: nope
March 6, 2008

Robert Howells
I have never tried a kosher wine and that is just not kosher.
March 6, 2008

brorjace
Sadly no, but i would certainly like to. Good show though, nice to see under 30 wines that trounce cali.
March 6, 2008

chenrys
Killer show Gary. We haven’t ever looked at kosher wines.

QOTD: No.
March 6, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Nope, never had the opportunity.
March 6, 2008

Aaron from Montana
QOTD: YES!! I really like the 2000 Rothschild Haut-Medoc.
March 6, 2008

RichE
QOTD:
I actually have drunk pretty expensive Kosher wines in a recent trip to Napa Valley at Hagafen Celars…….Good Stuff
March 6, 2008

mrzitro
top 70
March 6, 2008

Daniel
good show… thanks for doing something different, i’ll be picking up an israeli wine tomorrow, and “giving it a whirl”.
March 6, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: Sure have, every time I go church! (in Jerusalem)
March 6, 2008

Karl
QOTD: Never…

Only one of the 3 wines are available here…the Segal. I will try for curiosity.
March 6, 2008

Beth
Lovely show Gary! I’m watching with a fellow Vayniac and celebrating the end of the week with a Domaine Ste Michelle Blanc de Blancs. It’s just awesome, for a supermarket wine. I’ve never had a Kosher wine, at all. Thanks for the knowledge that you’ve imparted on us!
March 6, 2008

Robin C
I’m not surprised that Kosher wines have improved. They couldn’t have gotten any worse.
QOTD: I’ve probably never tasted a $15.00 kosher wine. The last one I had was when I was married to a Jewish fellow. As I recall, the wine was pretty sweet. We only had it for Passover.
March 6, 2008

KVolk
none, nope, nada,
March 6, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: no

i do say ‘that ain’t kosher!’ a lot tho
March 6, 2008

Kristen
Nice show GV. Thanks for taping in advance, us Vayniacs appreciate it! Enjoying an evening here in Madison with a fellow Vayniac and going to watch LOST tonight.

QOTD: Never had a kosher wine….ever. They’re kinda hard to find but I’ll search one out if I see that it’s not Manischewitz.
March 6, 2008

Winelynn
I Have not tried a kosher wine, but I’ll add it to the list!-
March 6, 2008

David
First off, GV, thanks for doing another kosher episode. Seeing as how I mostly only drink kosher wines, it’s great to see them featured prominently in the non-Jewish world. As you say, these wines need to move off the “kosher” rack and into the racks with the rest of the wines.

I’ve tried a number of $15+ kosher wines, though my current drinking wine is the 2006 Cab. Sauvignon from Galil Mountain. It rings it at less than half the price of the Yiron, and it packs awesome blackberry pie flavors that go on for days. Very new-world, but very awesome.

Some other producers you should try: Ella Valley, Recanati, Dalton (reserve series), and more from the Golan Heights family of wines.
March 6, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Never tried the Kosher wine, will put it on my list.
March 6, 2008

MSchechter
Answer: Yes, but I am a Kosher consumer.

Frankly LOVE the fair (not always positive, but fair) attention you have been giving kosher/Israeli wines.

I am a high end kosher wine consumer, really starting at the $20 range and going up. Castel, Yatir Forest, Ella Valley, Segal’s (accross the range).

Thanks!
March 6, 2008

Anthony L.
This is my first exposure to Kosher wine, so no, I have never tried one.
March 6, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd – Never had a Kosher wine, but I’m interested now.
March 6, 2008

SAYLE
QOTD: Kosher…I hardly knew er’.
I wipe the smile from my face as I say “No, I have never tried a Kosher wine…not ever” and now I think I will….the selection in most wine stores seems to be somewhat limited so I will try to find ones you outlined today or try one to see if my ‘pal’ approves.
Thank you, GV for rolling the thunder in Kosher land.
And where the hell were you yesterday?
Will you be in NYC for the Wine Expo this weekend?
Salud.
March 6, 2008

Dominus
QOTD: Oh yes, actually I had the Segal you tasted first that you reviewed months ago (vintage?) and it has become one of my “house Cabs”. I, too, had my doubts about Kosher wines but this is one of the wines that you reviewed and I said, this guy knows his s*** (stuff) and this is one of the reasons why I’m a Vayniac. A really exciting red that I order often. Well, back to get some more of this “stuff.”

Glad you’re back. I’m having the Tokay right now (yes, you were right, a great ABC wine) and about to sit down with a grilled Cornish hen with the “Menguante”.

Cheers and Go Kosher!
March 6, 2008

Dominus
I see alot of “no” on the QOTD. I’m not pimping for Gary but you gotta try the Segal.
March 6, 2008

Dave Canada
Screw the WS morons!!
QOTD – Never……we barely get Kosher wines let alone premium ones….
March 6, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: I have 1 in my ‘cellar’ by Teperberg. Oops, it was $13 on sale.
March 6, 2008

The Original Marc
QOTD: Yeah, twice. They were both corked.
March 6, 2008

Rhonda
I have never had a Kosher wine, I will add it to my list of things to try this year!
March 6, 2008

KyleLikesTies
QoTD: Can’t say I have … I remember a previous ep on Kosher wine where you rated several quite highly then, also, so I’ll have to give one a try; I haven’t seen anything here other than the cheap, ultra-sugary crap.
March 6, 2008

vivianovino
QOTD: YES, a Bartenura Malvasia.
March 6, 2008

Catie
Good to see that Kosher wines have improved! Seder wine may be looking up. Mazel Tov!
March 6, 2008

JonE
Big comaprison on the Galil, would love to taste that to see the Insignia factor. In fact most Kosher reds that I’ve had haven’t been full tilt Cali-Red style. Interesting.

QOTD: Yes, the higher end Yarden reds. Unfortuantely they really didn’t do it for me.
March 6, 2008

Senator
QOTD: Yes, I had a Hagafen Cellars Cab (vintage circa 1990) several years ago. Meh.

BTW, FWS posters.
March 6, 2008

E
No, neither premium nor expensive any kosher, for that matter. The selection is, shall we say, meh to nonexistent out here in the stix. But it’s on the list.
March 6, 2008

Scott EJ
Thanks for the Kosher lesson. Yet, another area I would have never thought about going.

QOTD: No. But, after today, I certainly will
March 6, 2008

RANDI
QOTD: I definitely had Kosher wine…but I cdnt tell you exactly what..only that I don’t recall enjoying what I drank very much… Willing to try more.
March 6, 2008

JC
I had a Kosher wine once, only once …
March 6, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I’ve actually had the Hagafen Cabernet from multiple vintages. I also have a few bottles of the Hagafen Syrah and Cabernet in my cellar (2002 and 2003 vintages). Great wines and the people who work out at the winery in Napa are incredible people. Very informative and great to talk to.

–RH
March 6, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: no. I have a friend who will only drink Manischewitz (sp?) and it makes me gag, so I wrongly avoided them all. Now, though, I can look for these and work on her! : )

It would be neat to see you taste a variety of wines from throughout the middle east. We have a particular interest in Jordan…

Guys, re: the WS p*ssing match- it’s not worth the waste of our energy. Let’s let it go, OK?
March 6, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
Yes, I have had many a case of a great white Kosher wine but I cn’t remember what the namse is now. I used to drink tons of it 20 years ago.

I just saw it the other day too and I was telling Dennis about it while we were passing the Kosher section on our way to the Syrahs…..

What is the name of that wine???

Uhhhhh……….I can’t remember.

Anyway, you have a great Kosher section there at the store. Next time I come in I am going to pick up a few bottles.
March 6, 2008

Marshall
QOTD: No, but I’m having my first rose from the Tavel appellation in France, and I am ejoying it.
March 6, 2008

BobbyTiger
One of my sons current girlfriends is Jewish. Maby now is the time?
March 6, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
OK, it was a Baron Herzog Chardonnay.

See…. only took me a couple clicks of the mouse to remember.

Now that I looked on yuor site, I’m going to have to somein and try some Cabs and some Chard Special Reserve from them..!!!
March 6, 2008

Nathan H
hey
March 6, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
QOTD: No, I haven’t had a premium Kosher wine. Might look for one now, but first I’ll have to figure out what all that bacon on the nose was doing in the Galil Mountain Yiron Kosher wine.
March 6, 2008

TennLee
Nope- not even a $1 bottle.
March 6, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Nope, no kosher wines yet.
March 6, 2008

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Great show even when loopy!

QOTD- None, but ordered some today.

Thanks for the excellent TNs today. Top effort!
March 6, 2008

Obama_Man
QOTD: I have had a few good Kosher wines, but I always go into drinking them with a preconceived notion and haven’t necessarily loved them. I will continue to explore!

Hungary and Israel, here I come!
March 6, 2008

Porter
QOTD: I don’t think I have. I am a horrible horrible person.
March 6, 2008

Christopher J
I haven’t read all the comments to see if someone answered, but it was from March 31 to June 17th in 1985. The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff are sitting in my parents basement somewhere I am sure.
March 6, 2008

David L
Never, I have looked several times but Kosher wines just don’t make it Oregon.
Anyone know of a distributor in Oregon??
March 6, 2008

Christopher J
Damn, now that I read the comments I was not even close to being first.

QOTD: Not that I know of.
March 6, 2008

TonyStro
had the 02 Hagafen Syrah at a wine tasting. It was meh
March 6, 2008

abqdeb
Great show GV! I remember one Passover searching the local wine shop for something kosher and having a tough time finding anything at all. Forgot what we ended up with (it was not memorable!), but we did stop at Hagafen in Napa and enjoyed their wine. Maybe you’d consider free shipping on the Segal’s in time for Passover????
March 6, 2008

JDH
relatively 1 month into your site. I was very pleased to see you hard knock a wine. I am interested in those as well to help structure a negative palate.
March 6, 2008

David Harris
Never had a kosher wine.
March 6, 2008

EvanR
I’ve never had a kosher wine in my life
March 6, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
I can’t believe it. I found the 2003 Galil Mountain Yiron tonight after I saw the show. I am drinking it now and it is good! Had a nice steak tonight with jerk spice and the wine is perfectly paired.
March 6, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: No, and mainly due to your reviews. It seems that Kosher wines are about 5 years away from being wines to be sought out. The Castel may be an exception, but at $60 not a wine to seek out. And damn, while we’re on the subject, you really force me to spend a lot of time. I had to go back and watch EVERY episode on Kosher wines to make sure I wasn’t imagining things.
March 6, 2008

Arthur
Hey Gary,

Nice focus.

I don’t have access to many Israeli wines in my area. I tried a few in the $10+ range (bought all available offerings from two labels on the shelves of a local store) and felt them to be on par with Two Buck Chuck.

When are we going to see you on OpenWine Consortium?
March 6, 2008

Marshall
Yeah I like rose!
March 6, 2008

Nathan
Never had a kosher wine. Also, did I miss something or was there no episode yesterday?
March 6, 2008

Capt M
QOTD: YES! I’ve had Baron Herzog Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Great show! I’ve had kosher wine that I’ve found to be, not only very good quality, but inspirational and sensational, even though I’m not jewish. Gary, I recommend that you taste on the show, sometime, the 1999 Chateau Musar, from Lebanon. It’s a well polished, french style made wine, with a character of its own.
March 6, 2008

Glenn
QOTD: Never had a kosher wine at any price point.
March 6, 2008

Carmel76
Gary, I love your show!Thanks for the fun education!
I only can drink kosher wine so I guess in that sense I am very limited but as the quality is now so good why classify these wines as “kosher”?Why not just Israel or wherever they come from?(Napa Valley)etc.
March 6, 2008

laposte
QOTD: No, I don’t believe I have even seen a Kosher wine.
March 6, 2008

Crito
The Sheik had the Intercontinental belt? I thought he only had the heavy weight belt before he lost it to Hogan?

What the hell….April 1981???
March 6, 2008

ev
As stewarding a couple stores, I know how important kosher wines can be. Thanks for making people aware of them.
March 6, 2008

tuscanbob
QOTD: I’ve done a ton of work at the Widmer Wine facility here in the Finger Lakes that makes all the Manischewitz stuff and I’ve always associated that sweet purple juice (brutal stuff…oy) with kosher wines. My bad. Just checked the website of my local wine shop and was surprised to find several bottles fitting your parameters: Recanati Barbera and Shiraz from Galilee and a Kinneret bordeaux blend from Ella Valley. Very interesting. I’ll definitely walk down the Kosher aisle next time and try one of those.

Always gotta give your recommendations a whirl. After all, today I just popped my first bottle ever of Bonarda (the Altos Las Hormigas Colonia you tasted awhile back) and really liked it…and at $6 bones?….$6 bones?….flippin’ $5.99??! Crazy QPR.
March 6, 2008

Dan C.
Had some Manny latey! lol .. but that’s not REALLY wine …

QOTD: nope.

Great show gary … see you tomorrow.
March 6, 2008

Justin Viger
QotD: No.

What is a Kosher wine anyway.
March 6, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: Not had any, harder to get here in Japan. I will search though.
March 6, 2008

Rafi Schutzer
QOTD: I’ve tasted a few kosher wines that cost above $15 . . .

I say L’Chaim to the State of Israel. The time has come to speak frankly . . . Never forget to utterly destroy A.M.A.L.E.K. (Any Moslems And Leftists Especially Koranic)
March 6, 2008

drydrew
QOTD: Only Kosher for me!
March 6, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: Not yet… but in a couple weeks I probably will. The LCBO is releasing some premium kosher wines on March 15, so I’ll try one of them out… specifically the Golan Heights Viognier. Looks interesting to me!
March 7, 2008

Erik Klumpp
I have never done it up kosher, unless watching the minimalist counts (only joking). But all jokes aside I really want to try kosher wine. This was a great episode, and I hope you listened to some rocking bands SXSW. Check out some new indie tunes for me man.
March 7, 2008

Rebecca Christophersen
Gary, maybe it would be an idea to explain the exact definition of a Kosher wine…
Rebecca
March 7, 2008

Zev
I only drink them, being a strictly kosher. I recently had a kosher wine that I was really impressed by the Barkan, Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon +624 (I think that is the altitude of the vineyard, there is a whole series with different hights)
March 7, 2008

Johnny Utah
welcome back gary…remember the wwf cartoon in the late 80’s…rowdy piper’s gang (including the iron sheik)vs. hulk’s gang…them were the days!

QOTD: No Kosher…yet…
March 7, 2008

Ryan
Not yet, I’ll keep looking for them though.
March 7, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
Xllent show GV. I had a Kosher wine last year at my In-laws, the wife is Jewish so I experienced my first Passover dinner. Honestly can’t remember what it was, not memorable for sure, but I’ll see what’s out in the market for Kosher wines and give it another try.
Fyi, I got the Apple Tv today and the “Thunder Show” wrist bands(Huge Thanks). I wore the wrist bands to my tasting group and turned a few more folks onto the show. Spreading the Thunder !! later ~ Max
March 7, 2008

Nickyb85
QOTD: nope no kosher wine in my rep. but i will have a looksey next time I roll out to the shop!
BTW.. have a good time at the SXSW. I won’t be there because ill still be in classes, but enjoy yourself and enjoy some great music!
March 7, 2008

Bundydb
I’ve never had a Kosher wine. Need to do that some time!
I’ll be on the road all weekend so I hope everyone has a great and safe one!

Love the Sniffy Sniffs!!!
March 7, 2008

JeffK
QOTD: I’ve never tried kosher wine but after this show I’m going to make sure I do. Thanks Gary! Keep it up the good work.
March 7, 2008

Avi
Gary – why aren’t you simply packing this as an “ISRAELI” wine tasting. Sure, they just happen to be kosher but THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS BETWEEN A KOSHER AND NON-KOSHER WINE, except that it was only handled by observant Sabbath-keeping Jews, which has no effect on the taste.]

Personally, though, I love the Galil Mountain Yiron and Carmel’s single vineyard series is excellent.

For your readers interested in Israeli wines (both kosher and non) check out HaKerem: The Israeli Wine Blog at http://israelwine.wordpress.com
March 7, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
Describing a kosher wine with “bacon” is awesome.

QOTD: We live in Israel, sooooo; all the time!
March 7, 2008

Bill
not yet but i just bought a baron herzog & a bottle of Carmel that i haven’t opened.
March 7, 2008

NathanN
QOTD: Still haven’t had a kosher wine.
March 7, 2008

SoCal
I have not had any high end Kosher wines.
QOTD: No
March 7, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: Nope! Want to, though. It’s just not high on my list.
March 7, 2008

Danny C
QOTD: No I have not had a “over $15″ Kosher wine. With the Segal though you sparked my interest. Have fun at SXSW.
March 7, 2008

italianwinelover
QOTD: Never tried one at that price point – only a moscato, too sweet for me but sells well.
March 7, 2008

SaraMHCRU
Nope, never have. I’ll add it to my list, which is growing faster than I can knock stuff off of it! I suppose that’s a good thing – I’ll never run out of new stuff to try.
March 7, 2008

Wednesday
Those appear to have nice price points.

In the plans to try.
March 7, 2008

Donna Marie
Don’t know a thing about wrestling…QOTD: Have tasted some Kosher wine a long time ago, but it was in the 10-12 dollar range. It was well-made, but I haven’t rushed out to buy any since.
March 7, 2008

akellner
Yes, I’ve has the Capcanes kosher wine and it was excellent, a bit pricey ($50, I think), but was a very nice upgrade for passover.
March 7, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. No, can’t say that I have. I did have a Lebanese wine once, Chateau Kefraya, and that was pretty good.
March 7, 2008

SKN
QOTD: Nope.

Hope you’re having fun at SXSW!
March 7, 2008

Fred
QOTDï¼šNoï¼Œrare thing in my city…

Whatever, nice weekend!:)
March 7, 2008

LarryTheWineGuy
You Youngens….1985, I had alreday Given Up WWWF…. How bout some fair questions for us OLD FOLK VAYNIACS in our late 40’s…lol Some Pedro Morales, Bruno Sammartino, George The Animal Steele, Chief Jay Strongbow, Stan The Man Stasiak and The Heart Punch…Blackjack Lanza, Professor Tanaka and Mr Fuji,….HULK WHO???

QOTD…. Yarden which you’ve reviewed as well….Solid Effort On Their Cabernet from Galille
March 7, 2008

Martin
Thanks for showing something different. I’ve never had an Israeli Kosher wine, but I’ll be looking out for some of these now.
March 7, 2008

MB Dallas
QOTD: No, can’t say I’ve had Kosher wine. Will have to give it a try!

Enjoy SXSW! Check out Tapes ‘n Tapes tonight at the Bowery, 12am. Or Earlimart and Joseph Arthur at Buffalo Billiards.
March 7, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: Yes, a Recanati, but has been a long while and I think that has been the only one.
March 7, 2008

Tim
Friend brought me back a bottle from Israeli Kosher a long time ago, but can’t remember the name … it was pretty stinkin’ good! Tried my first Nero the other night … ROCKED. Can’t believe I never tried (nor heard of) it before. Thanks Gary!
March 7, 2008

Jen
Haven’t tried a good Kosher, but will definitely be on the hunt for one this weekend!
March 7, 2008

paul
QOTD: No.
March 7, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
KOSHER SHOW ! VERY INFORMATIVE.
March 7, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Havent even seen a kosher wine let alone taste one, good or bad at any price. Would love to now that I have seen this episode. I will keep an eye out for them and give em try. Thanks Gary, very informative. Great show.
March 7, 2008

Raffi
QOTD: I’ve had Baron Hershog… a long time ago. I think I enjoyed it.
March 7, 2008

Charlie Berg
Answer to QOTD: I’ve only tasted manischewitz(ouch!) so my curiosity is peaked. what makes a kosher wine kosher? is it just any wine from israel, or are there some specific production requirements, or is it just blessed by a rabbi? It wouldn’t surprise me to see some great wines come out of israel judging by the climate, and of course wine has been made there at least as long as in europe; plus, israeli wine comes up alot in the Bible(waayy before robert parker). I’m definitely going to have to get my sniff on with some kosher wine; which i might enjoy with some kosher dill pickles while i’m at it.
March 7, 2008

LauraG
QOTD: Yes! We usually cellar a few nice kosher wines – makes us popular guests at Passover : )
March 7, 2008

mrzitro
QOTD: no
March 7, 2008

wayno da wino
Very Interesting Episode!! Thanx, Gee!!!
QOTD: Never drank a Kosher Wine. Da Segal’s Cab sounded
very enticin’!! Gonna have to get me some……….
March 7, 2008

cameron w
Cool concept for the show. I have not had a kosher wine, but Segal’s is available in my ‘hood, so I might try some this weekend.
March 7, 2008

Eric Holm
Great show!!! Never tried except the old manachev which turned off my pal for several months.Please educate as to what makes a wine Kosher???? Looking foreward to trying to find these wines.
March 7, 2008

Micha
QOTD: Yep, had some (israel) kosher wines in that pricerange. The Cabernet Sauvignon from Tishbi Estate (i think it was 2003). It was amazing. But it’s difficult to sell these wines. They don’t have a clever marketing or branding yet. Reputation also a missing point. So in our Store a loved but difficult product.
March 7, 2008

greg owens
GV- Excellent choice for an episode! QOTD: No
March 7, 2008

Harley Stan
QOTD- No, I don’t think I have had a kosher wine at any price point.
March 7, 2008

Karl Laczko
Side question of the day – Yes, since I was in Israel last month and had some nice juice.
The Segal (part of the Barkan group) is sold in Israel as the “Marom Galil” label, Rogov gave the 2004 an 88pt.
Galil is a joint venture with Kibbutz Yiron and the Golan Heights Winery, and Rogov rated the 2003 90pts.
Ben Zimra is a boutique winery from the upper Galilee but doesn’t rate high in Rogov’s ratings.

QOTD – Yes, Gamla (Golan Heights) is really good, but I’ve had a few others recently and ove rthe padt 2 years. However my best recommendations are some non-Kosher ones, including the Agur winery (see Reign of Terroir for more info).

Nice to see Israeli wines making it big at the moment.
March 7, 2008

Sara L.
homey,

you might be losing your marbles already tasted the segal’s in a past episode. But hey, at least you’re consistent.

I have actually had a LOT of kosher wine, as my fiance is a rabbi. A few weeks ago we went to an all-kosher tasting and food extravaganza at the Baron Herzong winery. There were kosher wineries from all over the world! I’ve been into Herzog’s reserve wines (usually at rolling in ataround the $33 a bottle), particularly the 2002 Reserve Edna Valley Syrah, and the reserve zins.

The absolute most awesome standout kosher wine of the night was about a $65 wine from Domaine du Castel. The winemaker, Ariel, was there, and he was super sweet. It’s made in a bordeaux style, is smooth, just incredible. Try it. I believe it was the 2004 vintage, it’s great now and could be laid down for some time.
March 7, 2008

ChezJosh
I’ve had a couple pretty fine Israeli wines at a friend’s house. They were pretty damn nice.
March 8, 2008

Justin L Ove
I’ve never tried any kosher wine. I”ll have to check it.
Great show!
March 8, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: NO! I actually have NEVER had a Kosher wine…wow- I need to get on that. Now. I’ll get back to you soon on the results.
March 8, 2008

Surekat
kosher wine tastes of bacon… sweet!

QOTD: we live in israel, so – loads of ‘em.
March 8, 2008

Billy A
Hey Gary;

Kosher wine tasting like BACON????? That’s a first.

Anyway, I couldn’t agree with you more that the quality of Israeli wines has exploded. One day, we will see an Israeli wine section in stores that will display solid quality wines that also happen to be Kosher. Because, as you said, there is this preconceived notion that, if it’s Kosher, it sucks. As we have seen, this is far from the truth. Of course, there are crappy kosher wines, just like there are crappy French Bordeauxs. The fun and excitement is experimenting and finding the wines you like. Thanks for getting the word out that there are some fabulous Israeli Kosher wines being produced in Israel.
As you may remember, I had the privilege of touring some of the Kosher wineries and tasting some “kick tuchas” juice. What an awesome experience! I am trying more and more of the Kosher wines from Israel. Some examples are the Yatir Forest, Carmel single vineyards, Castel “C” and Grand Vin. Those few alone can stand up against the top vintages from anywhere in the world. I’m excited to try the Segal’s for an everyday wine. As always, you are the Man. Keep up the great work!

Billy A
March 8, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Haven’t tried a Kosher wine yet; came close after your last show which featured Kosher wines but had already selected my dozen bottles for shipping (so no dice)…
March 9, 2008

B-squared
QOTD: Yes, oh yes.
March 9, 2008

Harry
Thanks Gary – I work as a sommelier at a kosher steakhouse in Brooklyn as well as a wine rep for very nice kosher wines, which I’d love to show you sometime soon, so yes, I’ve had quite a few fantastic kosher wines. There are some spectacular wines from Israel, Spain and France, which tend to run a little more than the non-kosher equivalents, but are of outstanding quality. Some of my favorites (that I don’t represent) are the Castel wines, Tishbi wines, and the new kosher wines from Capcanes, Spain. I also represent some fantastic french Rhone, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines that I would love for you to try.
Thank you for standing up for kosher wines!
March 9, 2008

Richard Shaffer
Great show! Keep in mind that wines from Israel are not necessarily kosher…in fact, some of the best are not. We’re about to import 800 cases of (mostly) non-kosher Israeli wine. Stay tuned!

Richard
March 9, 2008

agentorange
Gary.

QOTD: No. Never. None. Nope.
March 10, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
I have had zero kosher wine, sorry GV.
March 10, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
I don’t belive either were Intercontinetal champs…
March 11, 2008

Dr Jeff Gontarski
as far as the wrestling squestion is concerned…..the IRON SHEIK and NIKOLAI VOLKOFF were tag team champions from march 31 1985 to june 17th 1985. this was in the first wrestlemania.
PJ.. YOUR COMMENTARY IS RIGHT ON AND AWESOME!

Dr. J
March 11, 2008

Carly
QOTD: I have not tried a kosher wine.

I am happy you did a tasting of them, however, it would have been great if you had explained what makes a wine kosher. I actually hit up Wikipedia to check out their pretty informative article on kosher wines. But…not being Jewish, I didn’t really understand what is different about the process. Is it just that kosher wines are made by Jews?

Anyway, great ep. I’m sure you’ll answer that question for me some day!
March 11, 2008

mikey lennon
nope i have not
March 12, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Sure, almost every Passover for the last 15 years we have had quality wines. Not surprised that you didn’t like the Carmel wine. I still have horrid memories of Carmel, Mogen David and Manischewitz wines from Passovers of my childhood. It’s almost a wonder that anyone drinks wine after those experiences. I don’t drink as much Israeli as CA kosher wines.
One last comment. Is it allowable to have a bacon nose in a kosher wine? Bit contradictory nu?
March 12, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
QOTD: Nope I don’t know if I have ever had a Kosher wine for that matter.
March 12, 2008

lawschooldrunk
woohoo! top 202!

misconstrueded? more better? jeez, did you have too much before the episode?

“we’ve got show in different area codes”…sounds like the making of a good song, Gary.

QOTD: yes, I’ve had premium kosher wines over $15- too many to list. some good, some a waste of money and some outstanding. in fact, I drink a lot of kosher wine and love that it is so under-appreciated- more for me and the price stays lower.

the wine store near me just had that galil on sale for 10 bones! bought the yarden mount hermon red instead.

thanks for the kosher show, Gary, and get fa’shnikin!
March 13, 2008

pawncop
Have never had a Kosher wine. Will put this on my list of things to do but man this list is getting longer and longer.
March 17, 2008

Anthony
QOTD: Never tried any sort of Kosher wine. Perhaps time to change that.
April 3, 2008

Tilly
Great episode. There are some amazing kosher wines – great that you did this! I hope you do it again.
April 5, 2008

A-Gar
QOTD: I once had a Kosher Mogen David Blackberry Merlot “wine”, before I got into the real stuff. It was a tasty, refreshing beverage, but I could’ve gotten a similar taste from some good grape juice and a splash or two of cheap vodka. Whatever.
April 12, 2008

C-BusWineMofo
Yes, I used to work at a wine store where the owners were Jewish and they loved good wine they could drink during their holidays. So yes I have had many good kosher wines and very bad kosher wines.
April 17, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: no
January 8, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Great show. Love it when you showcase things that I and most of the world hasnt tried. QOTD: I have not. Its not something Ive ever thought about. Mostly because when you go to most places they dont have a kosher section, and if the do have any its the Manichevitz. Yes I spelled that wrong.
May 24, 2009

Moti
Segal Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve at $16.49 instead of $17
Found at:
http://www.mykosherwine.com/productDetail.aspx?ProductID=98