Yossie's Corkboard

Reviewing my Pesach newsletters from the past two years had quite an impact on me.  As we have moved past the Covid pandemic, it can be easy to forget the havoc it wreaked across the world for so long, along with its many victims – something which this chag should really teach us not to do.  Learning from the past is an important aspect of our Weltanschauung and one that makes us better, stronger and more connected.  If there was ever a time in which the Jewish people needed to be reminded of our historical unity, it is know!  I am so happy to be seeing folks returning to having their sederim with large groups of family and friends but fervently hope that we remember the lessons of the past year(s) and continue to take pleasure in the simple enjoyment of close family and friends, while reaching out to assist our fellow Jews for whom the chag may not be as joyous for a host of reasons .

As Pesach is a celebration of the Jewish people coming together a nation for the first time, this is an easy idea to get behind with everything we have got.  Personally, I find choosing wine for our sedarim a worthy endeavor to apply some effort too, especially given the teaching by our sages that wine gladdens the heart and there is no joy without wine (and meat).  With wine such an integral part of the Pesach holiday, physical and spiritual aspects combined, my hope is that this annual guide makes the task easier and hopefully helps in enhancing this year’s seder we are each about to undergo, regardless of our personal circumstances.  Take the opportunity to recognize all you have and take some time to contemplate the nature of the holiday – it will serve to enhance things dramatically.

Now, with the philosophical messaging out of the way, onto wine!

Busy Times

Typically, the weeks leading up to Pesach are the US kosher wine industry’s busiest, with more kosher wine purchased during this period than the rest of the year combined (in Israel, Rosh Hashanah is nearly as busy a buying season as Pesach and wine buying is also more evenly spread throughout the year).  Personally, purchasing wine for Pesach remains one of my favorite parts of Pesach prep, a feeling I am sure is shared by most committed wine lovers, and this year has yielded some new and exciting wines for every budget and palate preference.  However, even though the more than 5,000 different kosher wines being produced annually includes more than 100 disparate varieties of unmentionable options like wines with Cream in their name, Manischewitz, variations of Yayin Patishim and of course the Blue Bottle Abomination, there remain far too many potentially valid options for any sane human being to wade through.

Elevated Stress Levels

Each year we discuss the elevated stress levels brought on by cooking commercial amounts of restaurant-grade brisket and enough matza balls to feed Napoleon’s army while attempting to eradicate every speck of dirt from the inside of your oven with a toothbrush, with the hope that this Guide will eliminate wine choices as a potential area of stress.  Despite its monumental importance, I feel very strongly that the wine selection process for your chag should as easy, stress-free and enjoyable as possible.  That said, as most subscribers also use the guide throughout the year to assist with their regular wine shopping, we are including all the various usual components to assist in this endeavor as well.

The hardest aspect of wine buying is the sheer (and ever-increasing) number of choices available to the consumer these days, as one contemplates the near-endless number of choices on the shelves or webpage of your favorite retailer.  Without sufficient (and conflict-free) guidance, consumers are usually reduced to selecting wines based on the wine’s label, packaging (gift boxes for wine are a big incentive for some) or a more recent trend – uber heavy bottles for more popularly-priced wines, a guaranteed losing strategy.  Exacerbating the issue are several additional mitigating circumstances, including the sheer number of mediocre-at-best available wines (along with an unacceptable amount of true dreck) and the unfortunate incentives leading many retailers to separate you from your hard-earned shekels by promoting these sometimes quite awful wines.  While the level of knowledge within the kosher wine industry has grown tremendously over the last few years, the primary reason customers continue to leave stores with less than worthy options remain the lack of knowledge by those selling the wines, occasionally more sinister reasons are at play (e.g. “incentives”) so (as with all other shopping experiences) – caveat emptor.  Other potential pitfalls to navigate is the aggravating inability of many retailers to accurately provide the vintage year of the offered wines and the classic “bait and switch” with an oenophilic twist – advertising great deals for highly allocated wines without having them in stock, and then trying to unload significantly inferior wines to unsuspecting consumers.  Adding to the morass is the fact that many stores and online purveyors continue carry (and sell) wines so far past their drinking windows as to be criminal.

Help is Here

With a desire to help reduce stress levels in any way I can, I have once again curated my Pesach Wine Buying Guide from among the thousands of available options.  Hopefully the Guide will simplify your wine shopping and free you to spend time with the remainder of chag preparation, while having time to spend with your family and other loved ones.

As with most other retail experiences, inflation (and other factors) has continued to wreak havoc with pricing so, for the first time ever I have slightly moved the goal posts on the range of price tiers for The Guide (the number of wines over $200 is somewhat overwhelming).  This year I have included my top recommendations for wines in the following five price tiers: (1) Under $20, (2) between $20-34.99, (3) between $35-54.99, (4) Over $55 and (5) Moshiach Wines.  As most of my readers know, Moshiach Wines are wines that I would proudly serve the Moshiach, were I ever sufficiently deserving for him to grace my Seder table.

Many of the wines on this list will not come as a surprise to my regular readers given their perennial appearance over the years resulting from the consistent excellence of their producers and the talent of the applicable winemaker.  As the quality and quantity of top-notch kosher wines continues to expand, the number of contenders for the Guide has increased exponentially, exacerbating the already difficult process of putting together this highly curated list (listing every single contender would defeat the entire purpose of creating the Guide).  Representing less than 5% of all commercially available kosher wines, the list could serve to eliminate all stress involved in sifting through the menagerie of options.  I am also making my regular plug for drinking more white wines.  If you are one of those unfortunate and self-proclaimed “I don’t drink white wine” people, please take this as an opportunity to try something new – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The Fine Print

As a corporate lawyer with over 20 years of deal-making under my belt, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that a list of this magnitude comes with some fine print and a few important caveats.

1. The Guide isn’t intended to be a comprehensive list of every wine I believe worthy of your consideration. It represents a selection of the better wines available across different pricing tiers; each of which I recommend and believe worthy of your Pesach table.  As I have written far less over the past year than ever before, I have included more wines than usual on the list to compensate.  Of course, all wines remain subject to their recommended drinking window.

2. Broadly speaking, most wines from Dalton, ElviWines, Flam, Gvaot, Herzog (in their Lineage & Special Reserve series) Recanati and Tzora are worth buying, even if they aren’t listed below.

3. With a few rare exceptions I didn’t repeat any wines listed in last year’s guide and many of last year’s wines are still available on the shelves and remain in top drinking condition so check out last year’s list for additional suggestions and/or vintages, as many of those are still available and drinking beautifully!

4. Some wines may only be available either in Israel or the US and I have tried to mark them as such. While there remain a number of wines that remain available only in their country of production (e.g. most winemaker “Pet Projects” in Israel, Four Gates and Shirah in the US and a number of French options in Europe), the vast majority of recommendable Israeli wines are imported to the US these days (Shmita excepting) and most of the Herzog/Royal wines that were formerly “US Only” wines, are exported to Israel, making this list more useful across the broadly disparate geographic location of my 11,000 subscribers.

5. Due to the disparate geographical disbursement of my reader base, the listed vintages may be different depending on which part of the world your shopping cart is in (although vintages tend to also shift from local retailer to retailer and distributor to distributor, depending on how much of the prior vintage they have left in stock). Especially for Israeli wines, different vintages are available in Israel and outside of Israel.

6. It is always best practice to consult me before buying a recommended wine from a different vintage but in this case, given the fluctuation in quality of recent vintages and potential shipping/storage issues, I’d be even more careful than usual when utilizing this list to purchase non-listed vintages.

7. As with most goods, wine prices have dramatically escalated over the last 12 months, so wines in each tier have often moved up to the more expensive slot. Additionally, prices fluctuate wildly from location to location, so when determining the price tier for each wine I typically average among several US online and brick and mortar options to achieve what is hopefully an average price for the various wines.  However, listed wines in your local market may not always fall exactly within the listed price points (online price-checking is always a good idea, as is asking retailers to match listed prices).

Seder Drinking Conundrum

Despite occupying a top spot on any oenophile’s list of favorite customs, the tradition to consume four full cups of wine at the Seder can be tricky to navigate, with a handful of potential issues requiring some thought.  Thankfully, with a bit of thoughtful planning they can all be easily mitigated.

First and foremost is that four full (or even partially full) cups of is a lot of wine to consume at one sitting, especially given the fact that the first two cups are typically imbibed on an empty stomach.  Another issue stems from the tradition of using a silver goblet for Kiddush (and the rest of the cups).  While the easy solution of pouring the wine into a proper wine glass immediately following the recital of Kiddush works beautifully on a regular Shabbat or chag, the lengthy Haggadah reading between pouring the wine and consuming it results in longer wine-silver contact that is advisable.  Other potential issues include the (halachik driven) tradition of using only red wines and avoiding mevushal wines during the Seder.

With the Seder representing one of the most important meals on the Jewish calendar, people try to have the nicest (and often the correlatingly most expensive) wines possible, creating yet another potential conundrum.  Despite being among the kosher wine world’s best, the in-store vintages of popular high(er)-end wines from Bordeaux, Italy, Spain, Israel and California are not yet ready to drink and unlikely to be properly appreciated giving the hurried manner in which most of the Seder’s four cups are mandated to be consumed.  Many of the better wines are full-bodied, oak aged and boldly flavored; all attributes not very conducive to Seder drinking (even with extensive decanting).  With the combination of the empty stomach with which most people approach the first two cups, the halachic requirement to consume nearly an entire cup of wine rather rapidly and the oft-additional stress from trying to corral hyperactive children; most Sedarim are unlikely to offer ideal conditions for enjoying such magnificent wines.  That said, if your current circumstances allow for a leisurely seder enhanced by the finest wines in your cellar – go for it!  Nothing elevates a meal like sharing a special and well-aged wine with friends and family and the spiritual aspects of wine sanctifying our table and seder-night experience would make using your best bottles to elevate the exalted experience as good a use of Moshiach wines as I can fathom.

The Perfect Solution

So, unless you are among the rarified company enjoying a seder conducive to such Moshiach wines, I suggest saving the more expensive wines for leisurely drinking during Shulchan Aruch and the plethora of subsequent holiday meals, while finding other worthy options for the Seder’s four cups.  Being a traditionalist, my personal custom is to use red wines for all four cups, while selecting wines that fulfil a few basic criteria to ensure their enjoyment through the long Seder meal.

Over the last few years, the use of rose as a Seder wine has gained popularity.  With color, relatively low acidity, affordability and a mass appeal, the option has a lot going for it.  That said, I personally find it to be a simpler and more quaffable genre, lacking the necessary gravitas for such an exalted meal.  Additionally, the quality of availability rose wines to have decreased (in a nearly correlative manner to its increasing popularity) to such a degree that recommending them as an appropriate genre doesn’t feel right to me.

Seder night is one of the most exalted evenings we get to spend in G-d’s company.  It is an evening dedicated to celebrating our emancipation from historical slavery the coalescing of the Jewish People into a unified nation with collective responsibility for one another (a concept more important to remember these days than ever before).  Given the importance of the evening, utilizing top-notch wine should remain a pre-requisite to proper execution of the Seder.  The diverse and wide-ranging array of palate preferences around a typical seder table calls for a diverse range of wines.  Coupled with the significant amount of wine to be consumed by the large gathering of family and friends, I focus on approachable, medium bodied quality wines that are enjoyable without the requirement of any level of oenophilic sophistication (or even appreciation).  Over the years, my “go-to” Seder wines have included Israeli Petite Sirah from Vitkin and Recanati, entry-level Spanish & Italian wines from ElviWines and Terra di Seta respectively, well-priced Bordeaux, Mia Luce’s CSM blend and well-made Pinot Noir.  To the extent you are looking for well-priced and versatile white (or Rosé), good bets will be rosé from Dalton or Hajdu; Sauvignon Blanc from Yarden, Covenant and Goose Bay, Pinot Grigio from Dalton or Yarden and Rieslings from Carmel, Kishor or Vitkin..

Parting Advice

During this busy buying season, retailers pull out all the stops to bring in your dollars with big sales everywhere.  Between the increasing competition and online availability of most top-notch kosher wines, most wine merchants will match any published price, so always ask your favorite retailer to match the prices you have seen elsewhere and, if you aren’t happy with the price – ask for a discount.

With all the explanations behind us, I present my annual

Pesach Wine Buying Guide

Under $20

Rising prices have somewhat decimated this list, with many previously well-priced options moving up to the next price point.  However, there are still several good options on this list, each of which yields a good and enjoyable wines, albeit these wines aren’t complex or cellar worthy (with a few exceptions).  With oak barrels representing a significant percentage of a wine’s cost (actual cost and the time-value of aging), many of these wines have spent little to no time in oak contributing to their lower prices.  Along with focusing on “Safe Bet” wineries, more popular varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay tend to be more expensive than their lessor known peers.  Instead of reaching for the tried and true, seek out other varieties form the same winery or series which will usually be a bit cheaper.  Suggestions include Barbera, Carignan, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Marselan, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Roussanne, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

1. 1. Cantina Giuliano, Vermentino, 2021
   2. Cellar de Capçanes, Peraj Petita, Rosat, 2022
   3. Château les Riganes, Red, Bordeaux, 2021 [mevushal]
   4. Covenant, Mensch, Zinfandel, 2022 [mevushal]
   5. Dalton, Pinot Grigio, 2022
   6. ElviWines, Herenza, Rioja (Semi-Crienza), 2020 (white/blue label)  [mevushal]
   7. ElviWines, Herenza, White, 2021 (f/k/a InVita)
   8. ElviWines, Vina Encina, White, 2020  [mevushal]
   9. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 (also 2021 Hermon Indigo)
   10. Herzog, Baron Herzog, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 [mevushal]
   11. Herzog, Lineage, Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 [mevushal]
   12. Koenig, Riesling, Alsace, 2020  [mevushal]
   13. O’Dwyers Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021  [mevushal]
   14. Pacifica, Viognier, 2020  [mevushal]
   15. Ramon Cardova, Rioja, 2019  [mevushal]
   16. Recanati, Colombard, 2022 (also 2022 Carignan) [Israel]
   17. Recanati, Yasmin, White, 2022 [mevushal]
   18. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, 2020

$20 – $24.99

As the average price of a quality bottle of kosher wine continues to surge (this tier absorbed a fair number of wines previously in the under $18 range), it’s refreshing to find several wineries valiantly trying to hold their ground at affordable.  While most great wines cost more than $30, there are plenty of good ones here as well.  In general, I find Carmel, Dalton, ElviWines, the Golan Heights Winery and Recanati to be consistent players in price range.

1. 1. Ari Earle Wines, Dabuki, White, 2022 (Bat-Shlomo’s winemaker) (also 2022 Dabuki Barrel [Israel])
   2. Bat-Shlomo, Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 (also 2021 Chardonnay)
   3. By Teperberg, Barbera, 2021 (Ast. Winemaker Dani Friedenberg wine) (also 2020 Grenache) [Israel]
   4. Carmel, 4 Vats, Mediterranean, Shomron, 2021
   5. Carmel, Appellation, Petite Verdot, 2018 (also Cab. Sauvignon/Shiraz 2018) [both mevushal]
   6. Château D’Arveyres, Bordeaux, 2019 [mevushal]
   7. Château Forcas Dupre, Listrac Medoc, 2020
   8. Château Lamothe-Cissac Haut-Médoc, 2019
   9. Château Meilhan, Medoc, 2020 [US]
   10. Château Royaumont, Lalande de Pomerol, 2019
   11. Christophe Patrice, Gendraud Patrice, Chablis, 2020 [US]
   12. Covenant, Landsman, Pinot Noir, 2021
   13. Covenant, Red C, Rose, 2022 (also 2022 Viognier)
   14. Covenant, The Tribe, Chardonnay, 2021 (also 2022 Red C Sauvignon Blanc)
   15. Dalton, Alma, Rose, 2022
   16. Dalton, Asufa, Coast to Coast, 2019
   17. Dalton, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
   18. Domaine du Haut-Montlong Les Hauts des Noilettes, Vieilles Vignes, Monbazillac, 2020 [US]
   19. Domaine Guillerault Fargette, Sancerre, 2020
   20. Drimia, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 [Israel]
   21. ElviWines, Cava, Brut, N.V.
   22. ElviWines, Herenza, Rioja (Crianza), 2018 (Black Label)
   23. Feldstein, Dabuki, 2022 (also 2021 Roussanne) [Israel]
   24. Feldstein, Gilgamesh, 2019 [Israel]
   25. Feudi del Pisciotto, Merlot, Sicily, 2019
   26. Five Stones, D V G, White, 2022 (also 2022 Rose)
   27. Flam, Classico, 2021
   28. Golan Heights Winery, Gilgal (Gamla), Brut, N.V.
   29. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Syrah, 2019
   30. Goose Bay, Pinot Grigio, 2022 (also 2021 Chardonnay) [mevushal]
   31. Goose Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 [mevushal]
   32. Gush Etzion, Lone Oak, Viognier, 2021 (also 2019 Cabernet Franc)
   33. Gush Etzion, Spring Valley, GSM, 2021
   34. Hagafen, Pinot Noir, Coombsville, 2021 [mevushal]
   35. Hajdu, Pinot Blanc, 2022 [US]
   36. Herzberg, Village, 2020 (also Reserve 2021)
   37. Herzog, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2020 (also 2020 Napa) [mevushal]
   38. Herzog, Variations, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five, 2020 (also 2020 American Oak) [mevushal]
   39. Invei, Malbec, Rose, 2021 [US]
   40. K Syrah, by Zev Dunie, Syrah, 2019 [Israel]
   41. Matar, Stratus, 2019
   42. Pescaja, Solei Terre Alfieri, Arneis, 2021
   43. Pinto, Rose, 2022 (also the 2021 White Sands) [both Israel]
   44. Psagot, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 (also Viognier)
   45. Psagot, Sinai, Red, 2021 [mevushal]
   46. Ramon Cardova Albarino, 2020
   47. Recanati, Gris de Marselan, Rose, 2022
   48. Recanati, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, Manara, 2020
   49. Segal, Beta, Rose, 2022 (also 2022 “Other Red”) [both Israel]
   50. Segal, Wild Fermentation, Chardonnay, 2019 (also 2019 Native Marawi)
   51. Sheldrake Point, Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, 2021
   52. Shiloh, Legend, Fiddler, 2020 (also 2020 Privilege) [both mevushal]
   53. Shiloh, Shor, Merlot, 2020 [mevushal]
   54. Shirah, One | Two Punch, 2019
   55. Shiv’im, Red, 2020 [Israel]
   56. Tabor, Single Vineyard, Marselan, 2019
   57. Teperberg, Essence, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018
   58. Teperberg, Essence, Pinot Gris, 2021 [Israel]
   59. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, Riserva, 2018
   60. Tinazzi, Desto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Costa Vento, 2018 [US / mevushal]
   61. Tura, Ridge, 2021
   62. Twin Suns, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 [US / mevushal]
   63. Tzuba, Chardonnay, 2019
   64. Vitkin, Israel Journey, White, 2021 (also 2022 Rose)
   65. Weinstock, Cellar Select, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso, 2020 [mevushal]
   66. YA Winery, by Yossi Ashkenazi, Kerem Ben Zimra, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
   67. Ya’acov Oryah, Light from Darkness, 2022
   68. Yaffo, Hommage (Reserve), Malbec, 2021
   69. Yaffo, Hommage (Reserve), Viognier, 2021 (also 2021 Chardonnay)
   70. Yatir, Darom, White, 2021
   71. Yatir, Mount Amsa, White, 2020
   72. Yotam Sharon Wines, L’esprit de Yotam, Red, 2020 (also 2021 Cuvee Vera)

$35 – $55

While a lot of good options sit in this category, many of them really should be priced in the lower range but have crept up in price for no justifiable reason.  It’s harder to sell wines in this price range than the one above or below it.  It’s also nearly impossible to find a YH Best Buy on this list.  As with most higher-end wines, especially those with a year or more of barrel aging, these need time to open (often the current vintage should be regulated to a few years of aging since it simply isn’t ready for primetime).  In any event, do yourself a favor and get a decanter to ensure that you are obtaining maximum benefit from these wines if you don’t or cannot cellar them before enjoying.

1. 49. 1. Agur, Layam, Blanc, 2022
       2. Bat-Shlomo, Regavim, 2019
       3. Carmel, Mediterranean, 2019
       4. Cellar de Capçanes, La Flor del Flor de Primavera, Samso, 2017
       5. Cellar de Capçanes, Peraj Ha’Abib, Montsant, 2021 [mevushal]
       6. Champagne Bonnet-Ponson, Brut, n.v. [US]
       7. Champagne Drappier, Brut Nature, Zero Dosage, Rose, N.V.
       8. Champagne Drappier, Carte D’ Or, Brut, N.V.
       9. Château Guiraud, G, 2019 (Dry)
       10. Château Hautville, Saint-Estephe, 2021
       11. Château Rollan de By, Medoc, 2019 [mevushal]
       12. Château Tour Seran, Medoc, 2019 [mevushal]
       13. Covenant, Lavan, Chardonnay, 2021
       14. Flam, White, 2022 (white label; different than the Flam Blanc)
       15. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, 2T, 2019
       16. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Brut, Rose, 2016
       17. Gvaot, Dances in White, 2022 (also 2022 Rose)
       18. Gvaot, Gofna Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020
       19. Hagafen, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2018 [mevushal]
       20. Hagafen, Prix Reserve, Merlot, 2018 [mevushal]
       21. Hagafen, Prix Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 (also the 2018 Syrah) [both mevushal]
       22. Hajdu, Barbera, 2021 (also 2021 Tannat) [US]
       23. Herzog, Special Edition, Chardonnay, Chalk Hill, 2021 [mevushal]
       24. Herzog, Special Reserve, Quartet, 2020 (also 2020 Lake County) [both mevushal]
       25. J. De Villebois, Sancerre, Silex, 2021 [US]
       26. Jean Marc Brun Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, 2021 [US]
       27. Jean-Paul Seguin, Sancerre, Cuvee Tradition, 2020 [US]
       28. Jean-Pierre Bailly, Pouilly-Fume, 2021 [US]
       29. Kishor Vineyards, GSM, 2020 (also 2021 Mourvèdre)
       30. Kishor Vineyards, Riesling, 2021 [Israel]
       31. Kishor Vineyards, White Kishor, 2022
       32. L’enclos, Vin Rouge Sec, 2020 (personal wine by Olivier Fratty – Barkan’s new head winemaker) [Israel]
       33. Les Marrionniers, Chablis, 2021 [mevushal] (also the 2020 Premier Cru)
       34. Les Roches de Yon-Figeac, Saint-Émilion, 2020
       35. Midbar, Grenache, 2020 [Israel]
       36. Netofa, Latour, White, 2020
       37. Netofa, Tel Qasser, Red, 2019 (also 2019 White)
       38. Pe’er Winery, Black Sheep, Red Blend, 2019 [Israel]
       39. Pescaja, Soliter, Barbera d’Asti, 2020 [US]
       40. Recanati, Mediterranean Reserve, Wild Carignan, 2020 (also 2020 Petite Sirah)
       41. Rocca di Frassinello, Le Sughere di Frassinello, Toscana, 2020 [US]
       42. Segal, Whole Cluster, Pinot Noir, 2018
       43. Shiloh, Secret Reserve, Petite Sirah, 2019 [mevushal] (also Merlot 2019)
       44. Shirah, Coalition, 2019
       45. Shiran, Semillon, 2021 (also the 2020 Soprano)
       46. Shiran, The Song of the Birds, 2020
       47. Stoudemire, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019
       48. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, Assai, 2016
       49. Tzora, Judean Hills, White, 2021
       50. Tzora, Shoresh, Red, 2021 (also 2021 Shoresh White)
       51. Vitkin, Carignan, 2019 (also 2019 Petite Sirah & 2020 Pinot Noir)
       52. Vitkin, Collector’s Edition, Grenache Blanc, 2020
       53. Vitkin, Collector’s Edition, Grenache Noir, 2019 [Israel]
       54. Ya’acov Oryah, Alpha Omega, SMLH Viognier, 2021(also 2021 Gewürztraminer)
       55. Ya’acov Oryah, Black Pinecone, Pinot Noir, 2019 [Israel]
       56. Ya’acov Oryah, Valley of the Hunters, 2017 [Israel]

Over $55

Over the decade of producing the Guide, many deserving wines were repeatedly excluded because they were priced over $50 and didn’t quite make the exalted “Moshiach Wine” club.  Whether any particular wine is “worth it” is a subjective matter with a newsletter all to itself, these are great wines that will bring great pleasure while properly honoring your Pesach experience.  Even more than the prior tier, proper aeration and cellaring will have a huge impact of extracting maximum pleasure from these wines.

1. 1. Bat-Shlomo, Winemaker’s Collection, Collage, 2020
   2. Bernard Magrez, Servitude de la Tour Carnet, Haut-Medoc, 2017 [US]
   3. Castel, Raziel, 2019 (also the Raziel Sparkling Rose)
   4. Château Angelus Carillon de l’Angélus, 2020
   5. Château Bellefont Belcier, Saint Emilion, 2020
   6. Château Bernard Magrez, Saint-Estephe, 2018 [US]
   7. Château Clarke, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Listrac-Medoc, 2020
   8. Château Clement-Pichon, Haut-Medoc, 2020
   9. Château Fayat, Pomerol, 2020
   10. Château Haut-Breton Larigaudiere, Margaux, 2019
   11. Château Kirwan, Margaux, 2018 [US]
   12. Château Le Crock, Saint-Estephe, 2020 [mevushal]
   13. Château Leoville de Poyferre, Pavillon de Leoville Poyferre, Saint Julien, 2020
   14. Château Luchey-Halde, “S”, Pessac-Leognan, 2016 [US]
   15. Château Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan, Blanc, 2020
   16. Château , Margaux, 2019
   17. Château Meyney, Saint-Estèphe, 2020
   18. Château Montviel, Pomerol, 2020
   19. Château Olivier, Pessac-Leognan, 2020
   20. Château Piada, Sauternes, 2020
   21. Château Sainte Marguerite, Cuvee Symphonie, Blanc, Cotes de Provence, 2021
   22. Covenant, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 (also 2020 Syrah)
   23. Covenant, Solomon, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020
   24. Domaine Aegerter, Volnay, 2020 [US]
   24. Domaine du Chateau Philippe le Hardi, Beaune, 2020
   25. Domaine de Chevalier, L’esprit de Chevalier, Graves, 2019
   26. ElviWines, Herenza, Rioja, Reserva, 2016 (also EL 26 2019)
   27. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Single Vineyard, Syrah, Bar’on, 2019
   28. Gvaot, Masada, 2020
   29. Herzog, Special Edition, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill, 2019
   30. Jean-Philippe Marchand, Gevrey-Chambertin, 2019 (also 2019 Volnay)
   31. Jean-Philippe Marchand, Meursault, 2021
   32. Lueria, Gran Vital, 2018
   33. Mia Luce, CSM, 2020
   34. Shiran, Limited Edition, Carignan, 2020 (also the Limited Edition Tempranillo)
   35. Teperberg, Legacy, Cabernet Franc, 2018 (also 2018 Petite Sirah)
   36. Tzora, Misty Hills, 2019
   37. Valle Reale, San Calisto, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, 2018
   38. Vignobles Mayard Le Hurlevent, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2020
   39. Yatir, Forest, 2019

Moshiach Wines

Moshiach wines are the really special wines that represent top-notch winemaking and plenty of patience on the consumer’s part to allow the wines the additional aging time in the bottle before the wine showcases all it can be (and the perfection intended by the winemaker).  The word is derived from the fact that I’d be proud to serve these wines to the Moshiach were I ever so lucky as to have him grace my [Seder] table.  Unfortunately, as our world continues to devolve into the pursuit for instant gratification, the terrible crime of consuming high-end wines shortly after they are purchased is a crying shame.  While certain top tier wines are structured for immediate consumption and long-term aging, a few years of aging nearly always does good things for these wines and is worth the extra time, effort and patience.  With the continued global expansion of my Rosh Chodesh Club concept (over 30 regular monthly meetings worldwide), more and more folks and getting to experience the immense pleasure derived from properly aged mature wines and with the recognition that a few years of storage can yield a stratospheric ROI, many more wines are finding their way to the cellar instead of the table upon purchase – which is a great thing!

Please note that some of the Moshiach wines are very limited-edition wines that may not be easily available at your local retailer.  While they may be a tad difficult to lay your hands on, I promise they are all worth the extra effort and additional expense.  Additionally, and as is the case with many of the best wines, many become Moshiach wines only after a few years of aging.  As older vintages (that have been stored properly) are somewhat difficult to come by the list includes the current vintage for many of the wines and, for a few the wines I have included (at least one of) the vintages that makes the wine fit for the Moshiach (buy the current vintages, store them properly for a few years and voila – house-Moshiach wines).

1. 1. 1. Château Cantenac Brown, 2018 (2015)
      2. Château Giscours, Margaux, 2020 (2003)
      3. Château Lafon Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 2020 (2003, 2010)
      4. Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2020 (2015)
      5. Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint Julien, 2020 (2000, 2005)
      6. Château Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Léognan, 2020 (2005)
      7. Château Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, 2017 (2014) [US]
      8. Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 2020 (2003)
      9. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, 2019 (2009, 2014)
      10. Covenant, Lot 70, Solomon, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 (2011)
      11. Domaine Aegerter, Meursault, 2020 [US]
      12. Domaine de Montille, Pommard, Les Grands Epenots, 2020 (also Volnay & Puligny-Montrachet) [US]
      13. Domaine Roses Camille, Pomerol, 2015 (2005, 2011) [US]
      14. ElviWines, Clos Mesorah, 2019 (2010)
      15. Four Gates, Chardonnay, 2018 (2007, 2011) [US]
      16. Hajdu, Proprietary Red, 2020 (2010) [US]
      17. Herzog, Generation IX, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, 2020 (2018)
      18. Herzog, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone Six, 2019 (2011)
      19. Marciano, Marciano Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 20202 [US]
      20. Yaacov Oryah, Old Musketeer, Sweet White Wine, 2008 (Ten Year Release) [Israel / Shmita]

Once again Pesach is upon us, but what a difference a year makes!  While Covid continues to wreak havoc across the globe, its impact on our day-to-day lives continues to thankfully diminish and many folks are looking forward to the Pesachs of yesteryear, with large gatherings of family and friends, along with travel to different locales for a change of pace, scenery and weather.  While all a good thing, it is my fervent hope that we remember the lessons of the past year(s) and continue to take pleasure in the simple enjoyment of close family and friends, while reaching out to assist our fellow Jews for whom the chag may not be as joyous for a host of reasons.

As Pesach is a celebration of the Jewish people coming together a nation for the first time, this is an easy idea to get behind with everything we have got.  Personally, I find choosing wine for our sedarim a worthy endeavor to apply some effort too, especially given the teaching by our sages that wine gladdens the heart and there is no joy without wine (and meat).  With wine such an integral part of the Pesach holiday, physical and spiritual aspects combined, my hope is that this annual guide makes the task easier and hopefully helps in enhancing the strangely unique seder we are each about to undergo, regardless of our personal circumstances.  Whether you are back to a large family gathering or continuing to celebrate on a smaller scale, take the opportunity to recognize all you have and take some time to contemplate the nature of the holiday – it will serve to enhance things dramatically.  Now, with the philosophical messaging out of the way, onto wine!

Busy Times

Typically, the weeks leading up to Pesach are the US kosher wine industry’s busiest, with more kosher wine purchased during this period than the rest of the year combined (in Israel, Rosh Hashanah is nearly as busy a buying season as Pesach and wine buying is also more liberally spread out through the year).  As we slowly return to some semblance of normal, buying wine for Pesach remains one of the best parts of Pesach prep for every committed wine lover and this year has yielded some new and exciting wines for every budget and palate preference.  However, even though the more than 4,500 different kosher wines being produced annually includes almost 100 disparate varieties of “Fake Wines” like wines with Cream in their name, Manischewitz, variations of Yayin Patishim and of course the Blue Bottle Abomination, there remain far too many labels for any sane human being to wade through.

Elevated Stress Levels

Every year we talk about the elevated stress levels brought on by cooking commercial grade amounts of brisket and matzah balls while attempting to eradicate every speck of dirt from the inside of your oven with a toothbrush with the goal of ensuring Seder wine selection won’t be an added source of stress.  With another year of pandemic-related stress under everyone’s belts, I feel more strongly than ever before that wine selection should be as easy, simple and enjoyable as possible.  However, as this guide is used by most readers throughout the year as a benchmark for which wines to acquire and all the potential pitfalls remain (and then some), we are going to remain focused on the usual matters the guide is mean to help alleviate.

With wine such an integral part of the Pesach experience, the massive number of choices can create a particularly stressful shopping experience as one contemplates the near-endless number of choices on the shelves or webpage of your favorite retailer.  Exacerbating the issue are several mitigating circumstances including the sheer number of mediocre-at-best available wines (along with an unacceptable amount of true drek) and the unfortunate tendency of many retailers to part you from your hard-earned shekels by selling these less than worthy wines.   Typically stemming from a lack of knowledge, occasionally more sinister reasons are at play so, caveat emptor.  Other aggravating obstacles include lack of vintage transparency and the oenophilic “bait and switch” – advertising great deals for allocated wines without having them in stock and then selling you copious amounts of sub-par wines.  Adding to the fun is the terrible fact that many stores and online purveyors continue to sell wines that are so far past their optimum drinking windows that it’s practically criminal.

Help is Here

With a desire to help reduce stress levels in any way I can, I have once again curated my Pesach Wine Buying Guide from among the thousands of available options.  Hopefully the Guide will simplify your wine shopping and free you to spend time preparing the rest of chag while spending time with your family and other loved ones.

The Guide covers my top recommendations for wines in the following five price tiers: (1) Under $18, (2) between $18-29.99, (3) between $30-49.99, (4) Over $50 and (5) Moshiach Wines.  As most of my readers know, Moshiach Wines are wines that I would proudly serve the Moshiach, were I ever sufficiently deserving for him to grace my Seder table.

Many of the wines on this list will not come as a surprise to my regular readers given their perennial appearance over the years resulting from the consistent excellence of their producers and the talent of the applicable winemaker.  As years go by and the quality and quantity of top-notch kosher wines grows, the potential wines for this list gets longer, increasing the difficulty in providing this highly curated list (listing every good wine would defeat the entire purpose of the list).  Representing less than 5% of all commercially available kosher wines, the list should go a long way in easing the pain of sifting through all your options.  With the quality of white wines increasing year over year, there are more white wines on the list than in prior years, especially on in the lower price ranges.  If you are one of those unfortunate and self-proclaimed “I don’t drink white wine” people, please take this as an opportunity to try something new – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The Fine Print

As a transactional lawyer with over 20 years of deal-making under my belt, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that a list of this magnitude comes with some fine print and a few important caveats.

1. The Guide isn’t intended to be a comprehensive list of every wine I believe worthy of your consideration.  It represents a selection of the better wines available across different pricing tiers; each of which I recommend and believe worthy of your Pesach table.  As I have written far less over the past year than ever before, I have included more wines than usual on the list to compensate. Of course, all wines remain subject to their recommended drinking window.
2. Broadly speaking, the majority of wines from Dalton, ElviWines, Flam, Gvaot, Recanati, Tzora and Yaacov Orayh are worth buying, even if they aren’t listed below.  With a few rare exceptions I didn’t repeat any wines listed in last year’s guide and many of last year’s wines are still available on the shelves and remain in top drinking condition so check out last year’s list for additional suggestions and/or vintages.
3. Some wines may only be available either in Israel or the US and I have tried to mark them as such.  While there remain a number of wines that remain available only in their country of production (e.g. Four Gates and Shirah in the US and a number of French options in Europe), the vast majority of recommendable Israeli wines are imported to the US these days (Shmita excepting) and most of the Herzog/Royal wines that were formerly “US Only” wines, are exported to Israel, making this list more useful across the broadly disparate geographic location of my 11,000 subscribers.
4. Due to the disparate geographical disbursement of my reader base, the listed vintages may be different depending on which part of the world your shopping cart is located in (although vintages tend to also shift from local retailer to retailer and distributor to distributor, depending on how much of the prior vintage they have left in stock).  Especially for Israeli wines, different vintages are available in Israel and outside of Israel.
5. It is always best practice to consult me before buying a recommended wine from a different vintage but in this case, given the fluctuation in quality of recent vintages and potential shipping/storage issues, I’d be even more careful than usual when utilizing this list to purchase non-listed vintages.
6. As with most goods, wine prices have dramatically escalated over the last 12 months, so wines in each tier have often moved up to the more expensive slot. Additionally, prices fluctuate wildly from location to location, so when determining the price tier for each wine I typically average among a number of US online and brick and mortar options to achieve what is hopefully an average price for the various wines.  However, listed wines in your local market may not always fall exactly within the listed price points (online price-checking is always a good idea, as is asking retailers to match listed prices).
7. To ensure the practical functionality of this list, I have not included wines only available to wine club members (e.g., Covenant’s Landsman, Hajdu’s Guild, Herzog Tasting Room) and have significantly reduced the number of listed wines that aren’t generally available or have sold out (e.g., Four Gates wines).

Seder Drinking Conundrum

Despite occupying a top spot on any oenophile’s list of favorite customs, the tradition to consume four full cups of wine at the Seder can also present a number of potential issues that can be prevented with a bit of advance thought and planning.

First and foremost is that four full (or even partially full) cups of is a lot of wine to consume at one sitting, especially given the fact that the first two cups are typically imbibed on an empty stomach.  Another issue stems from the tradition of using a silver goblet for Kiddush (and the rest of the cups).  While the easy solution of pouring the wine into a proper wine glass immediately following the recital of Kiddush works beautifully on a regular Shabbat or chag, the lengthy Hagada ensures far more contact with the silver during the Seder.  Other potential issues include the common traditions of using only red wine and avoiding mevushal wines during the Seder.

With the Seder representing one of the most important meals on the Jewish calendar, people try to have the nicest (and typically the most expensive) wines possible, creating yet another potential conundrum.  Despite being among the kosher wine world’s best, the currently available high-end wines from Bordeaux, Italy, Spain, Israel and California are unlikely to be properly appreciated giving the hurried manner in which most of the Seder’s four cups are mandated to be consumed.  Many of the better wines are full-bodied, oak aged and boldly flavored, attributes not very conducive to Seder drinking.  Between the empty stomach with which most people approach the first two cups, the halachic requirement to consume nearly an entire cup of wine rather rapidly and the oft-additional stress from trying to corral hyperactive children; most sedarim are unlikely to offer ideal conditions for enjoying such magnificent wines.  That said, if your current circumstances allow for a leisurely seder enhanced by the finest wines in your cellar – go for it.  The spiritual aspects of wine sanctifying our table and seder-night experience would make using your best bottles to elevate the exalted experience as good a use of Moshiach wines as I could conjure.

The Perfect Solution

So, unless you are among the rarified company enjoying a seder conducive to such wines, I suggest saving the more expensive wines for leisurely drinking during Shulchan Aruch and the plethora of subsequent holiday meals, while finding other worthy options for the four cups.  Being a traditionalist, my personal custom is sticking with red wines for all four cups, while using a few basic principles to choose the proper wines.  Many folks like to use rose as a good compromise and with the genre’s popularity soaring, many options are already available.  However, the quality of kosher rose has been severely declining over the last 4-5 years and the 30 or so samples I have tasted to date have done nothing to disprove me of the view that another mediocre crop of rose is upon us.

Despite the less than adequate conditions mandated by our traditions and extra important given the circumstances we all find ourselves in, Seder night is one of the most exalted evenings we get to spend in G-d’s company, while celebrating our freedom from oppressive slavery and the coalescing of the Jewish People into a nation with collective responsibility for one another.  As such top-quality wine is still a pre-requisite.  As much of the world reverts back to large(r) family gatherings with friends and family, the wine-range of potential palate preferences and extended sitting calls for a diverse range of wines.  Therefore, I focus on affordable medium bodied quality wines that are highly approachable and enjoyable even without any oenophilic sophistication.  Over the years, my “go-to” Seder wines have included Israeli Petite Sirah from Vitkin and Recanati, entry-level Spanish & Italian wines from ElviWines and Terra di Seta respectively, some of the well-priced newer options from Bordeaux and the multiple lovely Pinot Noir wines from around the world.  To the extent you are looking for well-priced and versatile white (or Rosé); good bets will be rosé from Dalton or Hajdu; Sauvignon Blanc from Yarden, Covenant and Goose Bay, Pinot Grigio from Dalton or Yarden and Rieslings from Carmel, Kishor or Vitkin.

Parting Advice

During this busy buying season, retailers pull out all the stops to bring in your dollars with big sales everywhere.  Between the increasing competition and online availability of most top-notch kosher wines, most wine merchants will match any published price, so always ask your favorite retailer to match the prices you have seen elsewhere and, if you aren’t happy with the price – ask for a discount.

With all the explanations behind us, I present my annual

Pesach Wine Buying Guide

Under $17.99

Rising prices have somewhat decimated this list, with many previously well-priced options moving up to the next price point.  However, there are still a number of good options on this list, each of which yields a good and enjoyable wines, albeit these wines aren’t complex or cellar worthy (with a few exceptions).  With oak barrels representing a significant percentage of a wine’s cost (actual cost and the time-value of aging), many of these wines have spent little to no time in oak contributing to their lower prices.  Along with focusing on “Safe Bet” wineries, varieties less popular than Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay tend to be cheaper given their relative lack of familiarity.  As such, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Roussanne and Gewürztraminer will usually provide better bang for your buck and are good places to look for bargains.

Most of the wines on these lists qualify as YH Best Buys (wines especially worthy of your hard-earned cash).

1. Cantina del Redi Pleos Toscana Sangiovese, 2019
2. Cantina Giuliano, Vermentino, 2020
3. Château Canteloup, Medoc, 2019
4. Château Genlaire, Bordeaux, 2019
5. Château Trijet, Bordeaux, 2020
6. Dalton, Estate, Rose, 2021
7. Dalton, Fume Blanc, 2020
8. Elvi, Vina Encina, White, 2019 (also the 2018 Red)
9. Elvi, Herenza, White, 2019 (f/k/a InVita)
10. Elvi, Herenza, Rioja (Semi-Crienza), 2019 (white/blue label)
11. Essa, Altira, South Africa, 2021
12. Golan Heights Winery, Gilgal (Gamla), Brut, N.V.
13. Golan Heights Winery, Gilgal (Gamla), Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2019
14. Goose Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
15. Herzog, Baron Herzog, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 [mevushal]
16. Herzog, Lineage, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 [mevushal]
17. MAD Winery, Aleph, Blaufrankisch, 2015
18. O’Dwyers Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020
19. Pacifica, Riesling, 2018
20. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, 2019
21. Recanati, Yasmin, White, 2021
22. Recanati, Galil, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
23. Recanati, Rose, 2021
24. Recanati, Galil, Syrah, 2020 (also the Petite Sirah [Israel])

$18-29.99

As the average price of a quality bottle of kosher wine continues to surge (and this tier containing many previous members of the under $18 range), it’s refreshing to find a number of wineries valiantly trying to hold their ground at affordable.  While most great wines cost more than $30, there are plenty of great ones here.  In general, I find Carmel, Dalton, ElviWines, the Golan Heights Winery and Recanati to be consistent players in price range.

1. By Teperberg, Grenache, 2020 (Assistant Winemaker Dani Friedenberg wine)
2. Carmel, 4 Vats, Mediterranean, Shomron, 2019
3. Carmel, Appellation, Merlot, 2017 (also the 2018 Gewurztraminer)
4. Château D’Arveyres, Bordeaux, 2019
5. Château Greysac, Medoc, 2019
6. Château Signac, Cotes du Rhone, 2020
7. Covenant Sauvignon Blanc, Red C, 2021 (also the 2020 Mensch)
8. Dalton, Alma, Rose, 2021
9. Dalton, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020
10. Dalton, Asufa, Wild One, Chenin Blanc, 2020 [Israel]
11. Dalton, Asufa, Levintina, 2019
12. Dalton, Alma, Red Blend, 2019
13. Drimia, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 + 2021 [Israel]
14. Elvi Wines, Cava, Brut, N.V.
15. Elvi Wines, Herenza, Rioja (Crianza), 2018 (Black Label)
16. Flechas De Los Andes, Malbec, 2021
17. Fura, Chenin Blanc, 2020 [Israel]
18. Goose Bay Pinot Grigio, 2021
19. Gush Etzion, Lone Oak, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 (also the Viognier)
20. Hagafen Dry Riesling, 2021
21. Herzog, Variations, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five, 2019 (also the 2019 American Oak) [mevushal]
22. Koenig Brut, Cremant d’Alsace, N.V.
23. La Foret Blanche, Talpiot, Red, 2019
24. Les Lauriers des Rothschild, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2019
25. Pescaja, Solei Terre Alfieri, Arneis, 2019
26. Pinto, Chardonnay, 2020 [Israel]
27. Psagot, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 (also the Gewurztraminer & Viognier)
28. Psagot, Sinai, Red, 2020
29. Ramon Cardova Albarino, 2019
30. Recanati, Med Blend, White, 2019
31. Recanati, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, Manara, 2019
32. Recanati, Single Vineyard, Chenin Blanc, 2020 [Israel]
33. Sheldrake Point, Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, 2020
34. Shiloh, Rose, 2021
35. Shiloh, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
36. Teperberg, Inspire, 150^th Anniversary, White Blend, 2021
37. Teperberg, Essence, Pinot Gris, 2020 [Israel]
38. Teperberg, Imagine, Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc), 2020
39. Teperberg, Essence, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018
40. Tura, Snow, 2020
41. Tura, Mountain Vista, Heartland, 2020
42. Tzora, Judean Hills, White, 2020 (also the Red)
43. Vitkin, Collector’s Edition, Dry Gewurztraminer, 2020 (also the 2020 Riesling)
44. Vitkin, Israel Journey, White, 2020 (also the 2020 Red & 2021 Rose)
45. Weinstock, Cellar Select, Cabernet sauvignon, 2019 (also the 2019 Chardonnay) [mevushal]
46. Ya’acov Oryah, Light from Darkness, 2019
47. Ya’acov Oryah, Queen of Hearts, 2020
48. Yaffo, Rose, 2021
49. Yatir, Darom, White, 2020
50. Yatir, Mount Amsa, White, 2019 (also the 2018 Red)

$30-49.99

While a lot of good options sit in this category, many of them really should be priced in the lower range but have crept up in price for no justifiable reason.  It’s harder to sell wines in this price range than the one above or below it.  It’s nearly impossible to find a YH Best Buy on this list.  As with most higher-end wines, especially those with a year or more of barrel aging, these need time to open up (often the current vintage should be regulated to a few years of aging since it simply isn’t ready for primetime).  In any event, do yourself a favor and get a decanter to ensure that you are obtaining maximum benefit from these wines in the event that you don’t or cannot cellar them before enjoying.

1. Aura di Valerie, Del Beneventano, Aglianico, 2019
2. Cantina Sanpaolo, Aglianico, Irpinia, 2018
3. Carmel, Mediterranean, 2018
4. Carmel, Single Vineyard, Syrah, Ein Zeitan, 2018
5. Castellare di Castellina, Chianti Classico, 2019
6. Champagne Drappier, Brut Nature, Zero Dosage, Rose, N.V.
7. Champagne Drappier, Carte D’ Or, Brut, N.V.
8. Château Guiraud, G, 2019 (Dry)
9. Château Royaumont, Lalande De Pomerol, 2018
10. Château Tour Seran, Medoc, 2019
11. Covenant, Tribe, 2020
12. Dampt Freres, Chablis, Brechain, Premier Cru, 2018
13. Drimia, Sahar, Red Blend, 2019
14. Domaine De Panquelaine, Sancerre, 2020
15. Domaine Joost de Villebois, Pouilly Fume, 2020
16. Etoiles de Mondorion, Saint Emilion, 2019
17. Flam, Blanc, 2021
18. Flam, Classico, 2019
19. Gito, Uphaz, 2020
20. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Blanc de Blanc, 2014
21. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Brut, Rose, 2014
22. Gvaot, Dances in White, 2021 (also the 2019 Vineyards Dance Red)
23. Gvaot, Gofna Reserve, Bittuni, 2019
24. Gvaot, Gofna Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon – Chardonnay, 2020
25. Hagafen Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018
26. Hagafen, Prix Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 (also the 2019 Chardonnay)
27. Hajdu, Zinfandel, 2020 (also the 2020 GSM) [US]
28. Herzog, Eagle’ Landing Pinot Noir, 2019 (also the 2019 Special Reserve Pinot)
29. Herzog, Sauvignon Blanc, Acacia Barrel Series, 2020 (also the 2017 Paso Syrah)
30. Herzog, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2019 (also the 2019 Lake County)
31. Herzog, Special Reserve, Merlot, 2018 (also the 2019 Russian River Chardonnay)
32. Jean Marc Brun Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, 2019 (also under Jean Philippe Marchand label)
33. Jean-Pierre Bailly, Pouilly-Fume, 2019
34. Les Marrionniers, Chablis, 2019
35. Les Roches de Yon-Figeac, Saint-Émilion, 2018
36. Midbar, Grenache, 2020 [Israel]
37. Lueria, Roussanne, 2020 (also the 2020 Pinot Grigio & Unoaked Chardonnay)
38. Nana Chenin Blanc, 2019
39. Netofa, Latour, White, 2020
40. Netofa, Tel Qasser, Red, 2019 (also the 2019 White)
41. Netofa, Tel Qasser, Moursyr, 2019
42. Pavillon du Vieux Chantre, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion, 2019
43. Pe’er Winery, Black Sheep, Red Blend, 2019 [Israel]
44. Pe’er Winery, Chardonnay, 2020 [Israel]
45. Pescaja, Soliter, Barbera d’Asti, 2020
46. Pescaja, Tuké, Terre Alfieri, Nebbiolo, 2019
47. Psagot, Edom, 2019
48. Psagot, Cabernet Franc, 2020
49. Recanati, Mediterranean Reserve, Petite Sirah, 2018 (also the 2018 Wild Carignan)
50. Recanati, Special Reserve, White, 2018
51. Shirah, Black & Blue, Syrah, 2019 (also the 2020 Bro-Deaux Sauvignon Blanc) [US]
52. Shiran, Semillon, 2019 (also the 2020 Riesling)
53. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, Riserva, 2016
54. Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, Assai, 2016
55. Tura, Mountain Heights, Shiraz, 2018
56. Tzora, Shoresh, Red, 2019
57. Vitkin, Carignan, 2019 (also the 2019 Petite Sirah & 2020 Pinot Noir)
58. Vitkin, Collector’s Edition, Grenache Blanc, 2020
59. Vitkin, Collector’s Edition, Grenache Noir, 2019 [Israel]
60. Vitkin, Single Vineyard, Cabernet Franc, 2018
61. Ya’acov Oryah, Alpha Omega (Orange), Chardonnay, 2019
62. Ya’acov Oryah, Black Pinecone, Pinot Noir, 2019 [Israel]
63. Ya’acov Oryah, Late Harvest, Viognier, 2020 (also the 2020 Away We Go [Israel])
64. Yatir, Creek, Red, 2018 (also the 2019 White)

Over $50

Over the decade of producing the Guide, many deserving wines were repeatedly excluded because they were priced over $50 and didn’t quite make the exalted “Moshiach Wine” club.  Whether any particular wine is “worth it” is a subjective matter with a newsletter all to itself, these are great wines that will bring great pleasure while properly honoring your Pesach experience.  Even more than the prior tier, proper aeration and cellaring will have a huge impact of extracting maximum pleasure from these wines.

1. Aura di Valerie, Della Valpolicella, Amarone, 2017
2. Capcanes, Peraj Ha’Abib, Montsant, 2019
3. Château Castelbruck, Margaux, 2019
4. Château LaGrange, Saint-Julien, 2019
5. Château Le Crock, Saint-Estephe, 2019
6. Château Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Leognan, Blanc, 2019
7. Château Meyney, Saint-Estèphe, 2018
8. Château Montviel, Pomerol, 2018
9. Château Moulin Riche, Saint-Julien, 2019
10. Château Valandraud, Virginie de Valandraud, 2018
11. Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon, Lot 70, 2018 (also the 2018 Neshama)
12. Covenant, Solomon, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020
13. Domaine Chantal Lescure, Pommard, Burgundy, 2017
14. Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin, 2019
15. Dalton, Matatia, 2018
16. Dampt Freres, Chablis, Les Preuses, Grand Cru, 2018
17. Elvi Wines, Clos Mesorah, Sublim, 2016
18. Elvi Wines, Herenza, Rioja, Reserva, 2016
19. Flam, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon. 2019
20. Gvaot, Gofna Reserve, Petit Verdot, 2019
21. Hagafen, Prix Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, MJT Block, 2016
22. Hagafen, Family Vineyard, Red Blend, 2019
23. Herzog, Generation IX, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, 2018
24. Herzog, Special Edition, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill, 2019
25. Jean-Philippe Marchand, Gevrey-Chambertin, 2019
26. Jean-Philippe Marchand, Meursault, 2019
27. Jean-Philippe Marchand, Nuits-Saint-George, 2019
28. Jean Luc & Paul Aegerter, Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, Bourgogne, 2018
29. Lueria, Gran Vital, 2018
30. Marciano, Marciano Estate, Sauvignon Blanc, 2020
31. Netofa, Dor, 2017
32. Pavillon de Leoville Poyferre, Saint Julien, 2018
33. Teperberg, Legacy, Cabernet Franc, 2018 (also the 2018 Petite Sirah)
34. Tzora, Misty Hills, 2019
35. Vitkin, Insight, Macabeo, 2019
36. Yatir, Forest, 2016

Moshiach Wines

Moshiach wines are the really special wines that represent top-notch winemaking and plenty of patience on the consumer’s part to allow the wines the additional aging time in the bottle before the wine showcases all it can be (and the perfection intended by the winemaker).  Unfortunately, as our world continues to devolve into the pursuit for instant gratification, the terrible crime of consuming high-end wines shortly after they are purchased is a crying shame.  While certain top tier wines are structured for immediate consumption and long-term aging, a few years of aging nearly always does good things for these wines and is worth the extra time, effort and patience.  With the continued global expansion of my Rosh Chodesh Club concept (over 30 regular monthly meetings worldwide), more and more folks and getting to experience the immense pleasure derived from properly aged mature wines and with the recognition that a few years of storage can yield a stratospheric ROI, many more wines are finding their way to the cellar instead of the table upon purchase – which is a great thing!

Please note that some of the Moshiach wines are very limited-edition wines that may not be easily available at your local retailer.  While they may be a tad difficult to lay your hands on, I promise they are all worth the extra effort and additional expense.  Additionally, and as is the case with many of the best wines, many become Moshiach wines only after a few years of aging.  As older vintages (that have been stored properly) are somewhat difficult to come by the list includes the current vintage for many of the wines and, for a number of the wines I have included (at least one of) the vintages that makes the wine fit for the Moshiach (buy the current vintages, store them properly for a few years and voila – house-made Moshiach wines).

1. Capcanes, Peraj Ha’Abib, 2009
2. Château Cantenac Brown, 2018 (2015)
3. Château Giscours, Margaux, 2018 (2003)
4. Château Guiraud, Sauternes, 2017 (2001)
5. Château Haut Condissas, Medoc, Prestige, 2019 (2005)
6. Château Lafon Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 2017 (2003, 2010)
7. Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2018 (2015)
8. Château La Tour Blanche, Sauternes, 2017 (2014)
9. Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint Julien, 2017 (2000, 2005)
10. Château Malartic Lagraviere, Pessac-Léognan, 2018 (2005)
11. Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 2019 (2003)
12. Château Rayne Vigneau, Sauternes, 2018 (2014)
13. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, 2019 (2009)
14. Domaine Roses Camille, Pomerol, 2014 (2005, 2012)
15. ElviWines, Clos Mesorah, 2018 (2010)
16. Flam, Noble, 2018 (2012)
17. Four Gates, Chardonnay, 2018 (2007, 2011) [US]
18. Gvaot, Masada, 2018 (2012)
19. Herzog, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone Six, 2019 (2011)
20. Marciano, Marciano Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 [US]
21. Tassi, Brunello di Montalcino Franci, Bettina Cuvee, 2016 [US]
22. Yaacov Oryah, Old Musketeer, Sweet White Wine, 2008 [Israel / Shmita]

A little off schedule (like so many other things this past year), this week’s newsletter represents the traditional year-end newsletter for Yossie’s Corkboard, namely the best wines of 2020 (my annual “Pesach Wine Buying Guide” and “State of the Kosher Wine World” newsletters will follow in a week or two as well).

Representing the end of one of humanity’s worst year in decades, I am hopeful that we have turned a corner, with hope on the horizon.  It has been an excruciatingly difficult year for so many people; friends, family, the Jewish people, nations and the global human community have suffered incomprehensible losses of life, liberty, health and economic disaster on near-incomprehensible scale.  Like many others, it was a hard year personally, with the loss of social interaction taking a toll on me that I didn’t foresee coming.  Coupled with real concern over my ability to provide for my family, I was unable to get the creative and literary juices flowing to pen this missive anywhere near a regular schedule.  However, I did taste (and drink) wine on a regular basis, albeit on a smaller scale, primarily due to the inability to travel.  My apologies for abandoning you all and I want to express my tremendous Hakarat Hatov for all those who reached out to inquire after my well-being and especially those who have been helpful in sending business my way – it was (and continues to be) very much appreciated.  It has also reinforced my understanding of others needs in this regard.

However, I have missed writing and interacting with you all too much to let it go and am making a valiant effort to continue what I started 16 long years ago.  As is my annual custom, I also list the most exciting and/or interesting wines I tasted throughout the year, some of which give more pleasure than some of their “near-perfect” brethren who are included in the former, more prestigious, list.

As noted, one of the Covid impacts on this newsletter, was a reduction and shift in my wine tasting experiences in a number of ways.  The primary impact was my inability to visit wineries around the world along with the lack of wine shows and mass tastings which combined to reduce the number of wines I was able to taste this year by nearly fifty percent.  One additional shift was my accepting samples for the first time in my life, as without this it would have been impossible to sample anywhere near a sufficient number of wines to be if use (I continued my habit of purchasing hundreds of wines to taste on my own, but the sheer volume of options would have been unbearable).

One additional adjustment to this year’s list was, given the logistical shift in sampling wine, I have included wines tasted through January 31, 2021 (as opposed to the traditional year-end cutoff).  Even with this adjustment, there are a slew of wines that would have been on this list had I tasted them earlier, including Herzog’s top tier 2018 wines (Chalk Hill, Clone #6 and Stag’s Leap), the 2018 Marciano Estate, the newly released Chablis options from Dampt Feres, additional 2018 Bordeaux releases (Chateaux Lascombes, Montviel, Malartic and others), ElviWine’s EL26, Flam’s Noble and others.  As noted below, not being on this list isn’t indicative of the dozens of other uber-worthy wines out there, so as always, feel free to reach out abut any other wines you have questions about.

While the total number of wines I tasted this year (2,033) is the lowest annual number of wines I have tasted in nearly a decade, it a reflection of Covid’s impact on my reach as opposed to the number of new wines launched, which continues to grow at an exponential pace.  The world of kosher wine continues to evolve, grow and improve and there are great things ahead for the industry, while growing pains have also given rise to certain problems that need to be addressed (and will be discussed in the coming newsletter).  After nearly a decade of having the list split relatively evenly between Israel, California, France and the rest of Europe, recent years have seen French wines assert their dominance pretty significantly.  While a lot has to do with the resurgence of interest in kosher French wines, it also has to do with changes to the Israeli wine industry and the rising number of offerings from Spain and Italy.  These and other developments will be discussed in depth in my coming newsletter covering the State of the Kosher Wine Industry.

The job of compiling these lists would be easier if I scored wines, as I would simply list the wines that received the highest score over the last 13 months.  However, given my well-known abhorrence for the practice of scoring wines, the task is significantly more complicated.  Rest assured, that you readers aren’t the only ones asking for me to start scoring wines; wineries and retailers request this constantly as it would help them sell even more wine than this newsletter is already responsible for.  However, as my goal is to educate and expand my reader’s horizons (as opposed to helping to sell wine), I wouldn’t expect my no-scoring policy to change anytime soon.  As such, and as would be expected from any corporate transactional attorney worth his salt, the following caveats are important to understanding before diving into the list itself:

The Fine Print

1. In keeping with past practice, the list includes only wines I tasted for the first time during the 2020 calendar year through January 2021 (although barrel tastings from prior years that I tasted as final wines this year are included).  Only final and bottled wines eligible for this list.
2. The list excludes older / non-current vintages of wines, even if they were tasted for the first time this year. The global success of the Rosh Chodesh Club (33 global “franchises” and counting) over the last eight (!) years is such that the list would be overrun with the magnificently cellared wines enjoyed at various RCCs over the last 13 months.
3. Once again, I decided to avoid wines of such exceptional rarity as to render them impractical for the bulk of readers. As such, wines that qualitatively I personally tasted and loved throughout the year that were non-commercial, too far from release (e.g., Domaine Roses Camille 2015), exceptionally rare (e.g., the 10-Year Old Musketeer by Ya’acov Oryah) or only available in limited markets (e.g., the 2018 Mia Luce wines) were excluded from the list even though they would have otherwise been serious contenders for a spot.
4. Reflecting the geographically widely disparate location of my over 11,000 readers (approximately 65% US, 15% Israel, 15% Europe and the remaining 5% spread throughout the rest of the world), some of the wines may not be readily available in one market or another (regardless, the flagship wines that tend to make these annual lists are often produced in relatively small quantities and sell out fast or are not widely exported).
5. Despite my best intentions and efforts, five children, struggles with my day-job and most obviously the scourge of Covid-19 severely limited my travel and overall wine-tasting this year.  As a result, I wasn’t able to taste every one of the more than 4,200 kosher wines released this year and, as with most years, there were wines released this year than made sense for a “Best of” list but lost out due to lack of space (and my desire to stick to a limited number of wines); in addition to those released but which I didn’t get to taste in time (as mentioned above).  Combined with a slowly failing memory, this means that these lists aren’t 100% set in stone and there are dozens of other wines worthy of your time, attention and wallet (all of which receive mention in my various newsletters or on the various social media outlets Yossie’s Corkboard publishes (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with Clubhouse “wine-talk” roundtables launching soon).

Best Wines of 2020

Château Cantenac Brown, Margaux, 2018:  Despite missing out on the relevant Best of List, the inaugural 2015 release of this third-growth Bordeaux was very good and this second release for the 2018 vintage is even better, while being just as closed and requiring as much time before being ready for prime time (Yair was born in 2018 and this was among the worthy candidates acquired in anticipation of his wedding, b”h).  A rich and voluptuous nose showcases crushed red and black forest berries and cherries, red cassis, smoky oak, brown spices, hints of herbal, fresh-rolled cigars and pungent wild mushrooms.  The elegant and near-pretty full-bodied palate in dark and brooding, showing extraction with air and boding well for the wine’s future development.  Backed by robust yet elegant tannins, there is plenty of mostly red fruit which is joined by gun smoke, earthy minerals, savory notes of tar, roasted meat, saddle leather and loamy earth with oak overtones that need time to settle down but are well balanced by tart acidity and the elegant fruit and structure.  With time, the wine shows rich chocolate, roasted espresso and fresh-paved road as well, with a slightly bitter herbacousness in the background.  A long, lingering and chocolate, mint and some fruit lingering nearly forever.  13% AbV.  Drink starting in 2028 and then enjoy through 2043.

Château Gazin Rocquencourt, Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, 2018:  While remaining second to their darker brethren, white wines have been enjoying a resurgence among kosher wine drinkers for some time already (my personal wine consumption leans ~70% white), the few white wines on this list were usually Israeli contenders like the Shoresh Blanc from Tzora or more recently, Yaacov Oryah creations.  French wines were dominating the red categories, but since the 2004 vintage, have been hard pressed to mount any real offense on the white side of things.  However, last year’s list showcased the delicious Clos de Lunes, and this year builds on the success with the incredible Blanc from Gazin Rocquencourt (sister to Chateau Malartic who are also releasing a white wine shortly).  100% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine is quite a treat (and sold out pretty quickly, especially for a more expensive white wine) – elegant, well-balanced with great acidity, luscious fruit and lip-smacking citrus notes.  Tart green apple, creamy lemon, roasted hazelnuts, slate minerals, floral nuance and smoky oak are all there, combining for a lovely and tantalizing nose.  The medium bodied palate is also elegant, initially needing some air to allow the oak to recede a bit.  Once it does, you are rewarded with layers of complexity and luscious sophistication covering the gamut from tart and creamy apples, gobs of citrus, more saline minerals, warm spices, hints of vanilla and a backbone of slightly toasty oak that supports without dominating.  Great acidity throughout and onto the round, mouth-filling and lingering finish, keeps thinks fresh and lively and bodes well for the wines continued maturing and development.  Really a delightful wine and a welcome addition to the growing portfolio of high-end, ageable and all-around terrific kosher white wines – ken yirbu!  14.5% AbV.  Drink now through 2027, maybe longer.

Château Giscours, Margaux, 2017:  After two terrific vintages the Chateau could be forgiven for resting on its laurels, but nothing would be further from the truth.  I first tasted the wine when I visited the glorious winery and was delighted to find that my initial impression of excellence was justified when tasting it again recently.  The wine opens with a dark, broodingly elegant and rich nose with loads of minerals, fresh-turned earth, garrigue, graphite, black pepper and near-sweet mostly black fruit and cassis with some flinty gun smoke adding nuance.  A lithe medium to full bodied palate has loads more rich fruit that is well balanced with robust yet plush tannins and backed up by elegant acidity.  Subtle notes of toasty oak, black pepper, earthy minerals, cured meat, fresh-cured tobacco and garrigue with hints of anise, dark chocolate lead into a long and luxurious finish loaded with more dark fruit, rich chocolate, cedar-box tobacco notes and a hint of herbal nuance which round out this elegant, focused and beautiful wine.  13% AbV.  Drink 2024 through 2036.

Château Guiraud, Sauternes, 2017:  More than 15 years have passed since the last kosher vintage of this first-growth Sauternes (made kosher for three consecutive years 1999-2001), however given the long-term ageability of Sauternes, we are still enjoying the fruits of those labors today (albeit as they are gracefully sloping off their peak).  Still a baby at this stage, without any of the wonderful funk that so typifies the Sauternes botrytis, if you look closely you can already see the glorious wine it will become.  Loads of candied orange, white flowers, fresh-peeled ginger root, dried summer stone fruit, heather, honeysuckle and a whiff of minerals with some air, the nose intoxicates already with its heady aromas.  The medium bodied wine is loaded with rich melon, more dried fruit, clover honey, more floral notes and plenty of honeysuckle all wrapped around a core of judicious acidity that promises to keep things together for decades.  14% AbV.  Drink now (if you must with an hour of decanting), but better to giver the wine until at least 2025 before enjoying through 2040, likely longer.

Chateau Haut Condissas, Medoc, Prestige, 2017:  One of those wines that seems to fly under the radar with less flash than some of its French brethren.  However, less flash doesn’t mean less class, and the Haut Condissas has been a perennial contender for this list and well-deserving of its slot this year, with decent pricing adding to the wine’s allure.  A pretty nose opens with dark crushed black forest fruits, with hints of slightly tart cherries and sweet raspberries adding intrigue along with rich forest floor, earthy minerals, savory notes of forest mushrooms, cured meats, fresh-cracked black pepper, hints of desert shrubbery and menthol.  The full-bodied palate shows extraction and is backed by lush and gripping tannins that evolve with air and showcase more rich and mostly dark fruits along with dark chocolate, some toasty oak, flinty gun smoke, warm spices along with some tobacco leaf, tar, well-worn leather and some minty notes; all backed with good acidity and great structure that bodes nicely for the wine’s future development which is also noticeable on the long and opulent finish.  A blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine clocks in at 14% AbV.  Drink 2022 (or with 90- minutes of decanting now) through 2032.

Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, 2017:  One of the lessor known superstars of the kosher wine world, this is likely due to the fact that it has only been made kosher for a few vintages, spread apart over years, with distribution limited as well.  2010 was the last vintage it was made, one of the only top tier Bordeaux wines made kosher during that spectacular Bordeaux vintage.  Comprised of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, the wine showcases less obvious fruit on opening and presents as less approachable on release than its voluptuous older sibling, but its overwhelming elegance and sophistication easily make up for that.  Like most higher-end Bordeaux in this price range, the wine obviously needs years of cellaring or hours of decanting before it will show any of its potential, but the structure and balance are there and with some air, the wine starts to emerge and the elegant nose shrugs off its hibernation and reveals earthy and smoky notes enveloping cigar-box cedar, herbacousness, black pepper, saline minerals, savory notes of grilled meat, graphite along with black fruit that evolves over time.  The full bodied palate is backed by gripping tannins that provide a supple backbone to the fruit and smoked meat notes with some near-sweet notes of rich dark chocolate and roasted espresso beans lingering on the extensive finish.  Rich, deep and very elegant, the wine needs a lot of time, so make sure it gets what it deserves, and you won’t be disappointed.  13% AbV, drink 2024 through 2037.

Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint Julien, 2017:  Long the reigning king of kosher Bordeaux options, recent years have seen numerous contenders for the crown, but not this year as Leoville puts forth another glorious, elegant and sophisticated treat.  The wine opens with rich and mostly red fruit with some blackberries, cassis and a hint of blueberries coming through as the wine slowly opens up.  Adding to the intoxicating nose are toasty oak, earthy minerals, loamy dirt, graphite and fresh-paved road along with an underlay of herbacousness with notes of tobacco leaf and sweet cedar as well.  Full bodied, the wine takes its time in opening up, but you are well-rewarded with rich fruit, more minerals, asphalt and rich roasted meat with rich dark chocolate notes coming on the mid palate and joined by spicy oak and more green tinges, all backed by gripping yet elegant tannins and good acidity leading into the long finish loaded with more fruit and well balanced throughout by the oak backbone and rich chocolate on the lingering finish.  Well-made, impeccably balanced and supremely elegant – the wine is a well-worthy treat.  13% AbV.  Drink 2026 through 2035.

Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin, 2018:  Long a symbol of Israel’s [new] wine revolution and despite the somewhat pretentious moniker, a reigning champ among Israel’s top wines, wine continues to symbolize an Old-World winemaking style wrapped in New Work materials.  The nose is deep, dense and extracted with crushed near-sweet forest berries, red cherries, rich cassis, earthy minerals, black pepper, cigar-box cedar wood, sun-kissed Mediterranean herbs and a typical herbacousness backed by toasty oak.  The full-bodied extracted palate is loaded to bear with rich near-sweet, controlled fruit with spicy oak, more cigar notes, roasted espresso, rich baker’s chocolate and some bitter anise adding nuance before folding into the long finish.  A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot, the wine clocks in at 14.5% AbV.  At this point, the wine needs two hours of decanting before it opens up sufficiently to enjoy so better to wait till 2022 and then enjoy through 2027, maybe longer.

Domaine Rose Camille, Echo de Roses Camille, Pomerol, 2015: A “second wine” only by virtue of the greatness of its older sibling – the Domaine Rose Camille.  The wine typically spends a year in 2-year-old oak than another year with 50% on oak staves and the other 50% in stainless steel to allow the wine to harmonize and come into itself.  A subtle nose of brooding dark fruit and brighter red fruit including tart raspberries, cassis, and a hint of under ripe strawberries, with smoky oak, pungent earth and mineral are accompanied by lavender and floral notes that grow stronger as the wine opens in your glass. A full-bodied palate is pretty extracted while showcasing great balance between the mostly red fruit, and minerals along with a searing tannic structure that bodes well for the wines potential aging. A nice finish of more smoky oak, great acidity and intense tannin along with espresso and tobacco leaf rounds out this complex and incredible treat. Nearly impenetrably closed right now, if you insist on opening decanting for 5-6 hours prior would significantly enhance your enjoyment of the wine. Otherwise, give this one the respect it deserves and wait two years before opening in 2023 and then enjoy through 2032, maybe longer

Elvi Wines, Clos Mesorah, 2016:  This vintage of Elvi’s flagship (and near-perennial contender for this list) is beautiful, elegant, deep and complex, while presenting deeper and riper than prior vintages.  The wine opens with a lovely nose of mostly red juicy fruit with hints of black fruit added to the mix with dark chocolate, tar, earthy minerals, hint of chalk, smoky oak, tobacco leaf and some roasted herbs all coming together and revealing themselves as the wine opens up.  The medium to full bodied palate has plenty more rich fruit but is nicely tempered by good acidity and savory supple tannins and enhanced with Oriental spices, a hint of blue fruit and more earthy minerals, cigar-box notes, chocolate and leathery notes.  Some subtle smoky oak adds nuance and the bitter herbal notes make sure you notice the complexity as you get to the supple finish that lingers long.  Sexy and elegant, the wine needs some time to develop but Moises’ steady hand and Anna’s impeccable class are as evident as always.  14.5% AbV.  Drink 2023 through 2030.

Herzog, Limited Edition, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone # Six, 2017:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from one of Herzog’s acclaimed Chalk Hill Vineyard plots, the wine was aged for approximately 21months in new French oak.  Showcasing Joe Hurliman’s technical expertise and familiarity with the vineyard, this lovely and elegant wine is well balanced and precise.  The deep and dark nose is loaded with blackberries, cassis, black current, dark cherries and hints of tart raspberries and cranberries along with rich espresso, dark chocolate, black pepper, freshly sharpened lead pencil, warm spices and herbal nuance, along with some smoky oak, anise and earthy minerals added welcome nuance and complexity as the wine slowly opens up.  The full bodied has much of the same, with more herbal nose and more red fruits creeping in, all backed by gripping yet already integrating savory tannins and well-balanced by good acidity and more oak influence.  The finish has more tart red fruit, smoke and minty chocolate, which linger long.  14.5% AbV.  As always, among the most supremely elegant wines Herzog make and a true delight.  I’d give the wine at least 18 months before opening; while best enjoyed from 2023 through 2033, maybe longer.

Jean-Philippe Marchand, Volnay, Sous Luret, 2017:  Like Riesling, Burgundy was a superstar wine genre long-neglected by the kosher wine-producing.  Unlike Riesling whose issues were partially driven by marketability issues with the grape’s primary region, Burgundy’s issue was more traditional – cost prohibitive and lack of significant customer interest.  Thankfully, these issues have been resolved and over the last few years we have been rewarded with an ever-increasing number of new Burgundy options, including (finally) some white options (after a 15-year hiatus of worthy contenders in that regard).  Like most quality Burgundies, the wine really needs some time and cellaring before it will show what it is capable of (patience my young Jedi).  Like most of the producer’s other offerings, the wine is a delight – well made, classic Burgundian Pinot Noir and delicious.  Give the wine some time, air and/or decanting and you’ll be rewarded with a reflective and sensual nose packed with sweet red cherries and other red fruits, earthy minerals, graphite and subtle notes of wild mushrooms along with crushed rush petals and slightly bitter herbs.  The medium bodied palate continues the trend towards elegance, with griping tannins providing impeccable balance to the oak backbone that remains very much sight unseen along with the lovely fruit with a hint of tartness adding complexity and plenty of savory notes including roasted meat, balsamic vinegar and a whiff of cedar combine for a supple and tension-filled experience, leading into a long, lingering and delightful finish.  Really a pretty and sexy wine, that is worthy of your attention.  Clocking in at 13% AbV, if you must, drink now with 2-3 hours of decanting but better to give the wine the time and respect it deserves until 2023 and then enjoy through 2034.

Marciano, Marciano Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017:  Easily one of the most gorgeous wineries in the US, Marciano Estate also happens to be stocked with wonderful people making great wine!  The inaugural kosher version of the winery’s top wine (the 2018 is tremendous as well but just missed the tasting deadline for this year’s list) and unlike the standard version which is blended with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the kosher version is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine’s nose is expressively bursting with juicy black fruits including plums, cherries, blackberries and cassis, along with warm spices, slightly toasty oak, mocha, dark chocolate, toasted nuts and hints of sweet red fruits as well.  The supple and luxurious full-bodied palate starts off a little closed (reflecting the need for some cellaring) but opens to reveal and elegant and powerful harmonious balance between the rich and controlled mostly dark fruits, oak nuance, sweet red notes, rich chocolate and some earthy mineral notes, backed by supple tannins and an oak underlay that will carry the wine as it develops and matures.  Truly opulent, the wine is a real treat.  At this point the wine benefits from 90 minutes to two hours of decanting and can be enjoyed through 2035.

Terra di Seta, Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, Assai, 2015:  As would be expected from the flagship wine of any self-respecting Italian winery, the wine is closed and brooding and should be left alone for a few years.  100% Sangiovese which was aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months.  At this stage, the only way to really appreciate what lies beneath is hours of decanting.  Then you are rewarded with an expressive nose of dark plums, slightly sour cherries, roasted herbs, backed by earthy notes of truffles, brown spices, graphite, sweet cedar wood, smoke and hints of tar.  The full bodied and extracted palate is plush, complex and layered, opening up over the course of many hours to reveal layers of extracted dark fruits, sweet herbs, saddle leather, tobacco and roasted espresso beans, all wrapped around impenetrable tannins and backed by lovely acidity.  A long lingering finish showcases earthy minerals, smoke-tinged oak and more cigar-box notes.  15% AbV.  Give it the time it needs, and you will be rewarded with elegance and excellence – a beautiful wine meant for sharing with friends.  Drink 2023 through 2032 (if you decide to open now, give it at least three hours in the decanter).

Most Interesting Wines of 2020

Aura di Valerie, Amarone Della Valpolicella, DOCG, 2017:  My first experience with this style of wine, so I was mostly guided by literature in prepping my expectations.  One of Italy’s classic wine styles, Amarone is a rich, deep dry wine made from partially dried grapes, with extended skin maceration contributing to the wine’s dark color and rich extracted flavors.  A rich nose has loads of rich dark fruit, sweet black cherries, a whiff of prune and other dried fruits, jasmine and lavender along with fresh-cracked black pepper, Cuban cigars, oodles of dark chocolate, sweet spices and backed by rich oak.  The full-bodied extracted palate is different with extracted black fruit and relatively low tannin and acid, allowing the fruit to shine through but providing some cognitive dissonance from the initial aromatic and expressive nose (and dark rich color).  With time in the glass, the wine evolves and shows earthy minerals, bitter herbal notes and some smoke, all of which serve to temper the rich and ripe fruit, which still hit front and center.  A blend of the three primary grape varieties permitted in Amarone, Corvina (30%), Corvinone (35%) and Rondinella (35%), the grapes were dried for 90-100 days, before spending two years in large oak barrels.  15.5 AbV.  Drink now through 2026.

Bat Shlomo, Ice Wine, 2018:  My last visit to the winery was exciting not only due to the amazing visitor center underway (and now close to completed) that will enable the winery to serve the growing desire for high-end wine tourism, but also the continued innovation from the winery which included this delicious and well-made ice-wine styled wine.  Sourced from 100% estate-grown Semillon which were cryo-frozen, the wine has plenty of rich stone summer fruit, citrus notes, honeysuckle, white flowers and honeyed figs, backed by great acidity that keeps everything in balance.  Really a lovely and delicious treat and a welcome addition to the portfolio of quality Israeli-dessert wines that seemed to have fallen on the back-burner a bit in recent years.  Like sparkling wine, kosher consumers don’t drink enough dessert wines and we need to incentivize producers to create these delicious treats!  Drink now through 2027.

Bergevin Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, 2018:  One of the many welcome new projects benefiting kosher wine lovers (a topic to be discussed in my coming State of the Kosher Wine World), this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a well-known winery in Washington State and was aged in 33% new French oak for 12 months.  Rich and delightful, the wine showcases extracted black fruit well balanced with good acidity and supple tannins.  Green notes are flecked throughout along with cassis, cracked black pepper, violet, roasted espresso beans, mocha and fresh-rolled cigars.  Well-worn saddle leather and earthy minerals are in the background but provide a subtle lift and nuanced complexity, matching the new-sweet and rich fruit and providing harmonious balance.  Really a great first effort and a delicious wine in its own right.  A reserve version is also being released so stay tunes.  14.8% AbV.  Drink now through 2026, maybe longer.

Château de Santenay, Les Bois de Lalier, Mercurey, 2019:  After enjoying the exquisite delights of White Burgundy back in the day, the genre mostly went on hiatus from the 2004 (premox cursed) vintage until now.  100% Chardonnay which was aged in French oak for nine months.  Loads of tart green apple, yellow pear, white peach, saline minerals, creamy citrus zest and lovely acidity keeping things fresh and providing decent contra to the oak backbone.  The medium-bodied palate is quite elegant and has much of the same lovely fruit and balancing minerals and acidity, along with some loamy earth, toasted hazelnuts, a bitter salinity that tantalizes and more creamy notes that provides a round, mouth-filling and unctuous experience that pleases tremendously.  13.5% AbV.  Drink now through 2024, perhaps longer.

Dalton, Pet-Nat, 2020:  One of my favorite underrated wineries, Dalton doesn’t seem to get the love is deserves as it continues to serve up well-made, well-priced and interesting wines across a broad spectrum of prices and genres.  Whether the revised ancient winemaking methodology is a passing fad or here to stay remains to be seen, but Dalton’s version of pét-nat showcases quality winemaking and innovative creativity and continues to build on its prior two releases. The wine is fun, approachable and pleasing while providing a new wine-drinking experience.  Give the wine a few minutes to blow off some cabbage notes and you’ll be rewarded with green apple, white peach, subtle herbal notes and some citrus that pleases.  Good acidity with a less-focused mousse than the 2019 version, but enjoyable and fun, nonetheless.  While the genre doesn’t do it for me and I’d peg it more as a passing fad, I am happy talented winemakers are trying their hand at these and appreciate the quality winemaking evident in guy’s work.  Drink over the next 12 months.

Matar, Blanc de Noir, Brut, NV:  After many years of producing one of Israel’s only worthy sparkling wines beyond the quality offerings from the Golan Heights Winery, the Pelter’s decided to produce a kosher version of their well-regarded sparkler.  Produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, (the “de noir” in the name as opposed to the Yarden “de blancs” from Chardonnay) that didn’t spend any time on the skins (yielding the “blanc” color), I first tasted this wine two years ago in the barrel and was excited to finally enjoy the final product.  A delightful and expressive treat, it should be enjoyed now, as it doesn’t appear to have the staying power we have come to expect from the Yarden offerings (it is also bottled in a somewhat inconvenient bottle shape that, while unique and attractive, plays havoc with my storage abilities).  Elegant and delicate, the nose showcases bright summer fruit including tart cherries and wild strawberries along with citrus notes and a subtle nuance of yeasty bread.  The medium bodied palate showcases an elegant and tightly controlled mousse with red, near-sweet fruit, citrus pith adding nuance and complexity, some toasted nuts and stone minerals all backed by nicely balancing acidity.  A pretty, elegant and enjoyable wine.  11% AbV.  Drink now.

Padis Vineyards, Brilliance, 2018:  Named for Steve Padis’ successful jewelry business than enabled him to pursue a passion of making wine, the first kosher run was released in 2012 with help from Ernie Weir and produced at Oxnard’s kosher facility (talk about collaboration).  Historically I haven’t been a huge fan of the wine, but the 2018 vintage is easily the best yet and worthy of consideration.  100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Padis’ Oak Knoll vineyards in Napa Valley, the wine is classic Napa Valley opulent Cabernet Sauvignon, but reflecting the good vintage year for the region and a steady winemaking hand.  Rich blackberries, black cherries and cassis on the caressing nose along with some subtle forest floor, graphite, floral notes and a whiff of tar along with toasty oak.  The opulent full-bodied palate is rich and luscious backed by supple tannins that carry the wine which showcases more extracted near-sweet dark fruit, toasty oak, rich chocolate notes, sweet cedar wood and fresh cured tobacco leaf.  A bit lacking in depth and complexity, this is a well-made and delicious wine that will please most New World Cabernet Sauvignon lovers.  Drink now through 2025, maybe a bit longer.

Pescaja, Terre Alfieri, Arneis, Solei, 2019:  Another new Italian delight from the same folks bringing the Tassi below (along with additional coming Italian treats), it represents the first kosher Arneis and a welcome addition to the growing range of trail-blazing wines utilizing grape varieties for the first time in kosher wines.  When experiencing new wines for the first time, the expectation comes from wine literature and the tasting comparison is to wines with similar flavor profiles.  The wine showcase a rich and deep nose of summer stone fruit with a hint of tropical notes and heathered honeysuckle, backed by white flowers, chamomile tea, almonds and lip-smacking citrus nose.  Medium bodied with less acidity than I expected, the palate is nonetheless well-balanced with no negative impact from lower than expected acidity and the rich fruit plays nicely with the flinty minerals and expressive floral notes.  Unlike many white wines, I found the wine enjoyable at colder-than usual temperatures (think 45 degrees), but additional nuances are revealed as it slowly warms (and opens) n your glass and lingers long on the elegant finish.  13% AbV.  Drink now through 2023.

Ramon Cardova, Old Vines, Reserva, Rioja, 2016:  Historically producing entry level but nice-enough wines, the label started to take things to the next level a couple years ago with the introduction of a lovely Albariño and have further upped their game with the introduction of this Rioja Reserva.  Sourced from the older vineyards of Ramon Bilbao’s Haro vineyards and fermented in large oak barrels, the wine presents another kosher Rioja Reserva option in addition to the terrific offering from ElviWines.  Like the Italian expansion, I am happy to see new wines and producers expanding our already existing portfolio of great Spanish wines and hope the trend continues.  The nose opens with deep brooding notes of rich sweet black forest berries with a good dose of blueberries added to the mix.  Slightly toasty oak notes, roasted game meat, warm spices and balsamic vinegar add complexity to the nose which evolves as it spends time in the glass.  The deep, extracted and rich full-bodied palate is somewhat of a beast, loaded with rich crushed blackberries, plums and other dark fruits along with flinty minerals, savory notes of cured Mediterranean olives, more warm spices, earthy mushrooms, graphite, freshly-paved asphalt, cured meat and dessert shrubbery adding nuanced complexity and depth.  The finish lingers long.  Really brilliant first efforts and looking forward to subsequent vintages (2018 and likely 2020).  14.5% AbV.  At this point the wine greatly benefits from about an hour of decanting, and should cellar nicely through 2027, maybe longer.

Tassi, Aqua Bona, Rosso, Montepulciano, Toscana, 2017:  After many years of a very limited selection of high-end Italian kosher wines, the picture is changing dramatically with a new importer focusing on this neglected area of delight and this inaugural kosher release from well-known producer Tassi is a worthy member of the burgeoning portfolio (and his coming kosher Brunello is sure to excite as well).  Despite lacking the DOCG demarcation of its non-kosher sibling (missing some of the stringent technical requirements), the wine is lovely, elegant and delicious and comprised of 100% Sangiovese.  The nose presents with fresh notes of mostly dark fruit including sweet black cherries, smoky oak, anise and slightly roasted bitter herbs, earthy minerals and cured tobacco leaf.  The rich medium to full bodied palate is elegant and expressive and backed by plush tannins.  The palate packs in more rich black cherries and other mostly black forest fruits, along with earthy forest notes, more smoky oak, roasted meat and black truffles leading to a tension-driven lingering finish.  14% AbV, the wine is enjoyable now with 30-45 minutes of air and should develop nicely over the next 2-3 years and can be enjoyed through 2026.

Vignobles Mayard, Le Hurlevent, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2019:  Yet another example of how the kosher wine world continues to push forward, as a new Rhône Valley wine comes to market and adding to the still-scarce world of quality Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  As with so many wines on this list, it really needs years of cellaring before it should be opened or at the very least if you must, hours of decanting to really reveal its complexity.  The wine showcases deep floral notes and black forest fruit along with some nice fresh-picked wild strawberries backed by lavender, garrigue, freshly paved asphalt, smoked meat, cigar-box cedar, roasted espresso and some bitter herbal notes that tantalize throughout.  Good acidity and robust tannins are well balanced with the ever-so-slightly toasted oak that provides nice contra to the fruit and herbs.  Earthy minerals, hints of anise and more juicy black fruit linger long.  Get some of the wine and bury it for a few years to be able to enjoy what a true CdP has to offer.  15% AbV.  Drink 2024 through 2030.

Yatir, Creek, White, 2018:  After years of serving up delightful white wines that languished due to the consumer’s stubborn unwillingness to pay for quality white wines, Yatir is having its “told you so” moment as consumers realize the awesomeness of quality white wines and are starting to pony up.  Part of the winery’s revamped portfolio, the new wine is a blend of Viognier (69%) and Chenin Blanc (31%).  With a lovely nose of summer stone fruit, quince, heathered hay, bright white flowers and nuanced flinty minerals added complexity.  The medium bodied palate is subtle with good acidity backing up the slightly tropical fruit, herbal nuance and slate minerals.  Plenty of bright citrus adds to the deliciousness of the subtle and restrained wine, while the oak provides a good background and lends some toasty notes.  Drink now or over the next 12 months.