Wine Recommendations
The wine sale is in full swing and I’m hoping that The Men’s Club can count on your support this year.
This week’s email is all about my recommendations.
Let me start by saying that if you have a wine that you like, drink it. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t drink. My recommendations are based on wines that I personally have drunk and enjoyed or have read about as being highly recommended by more than one person whose opinion I value.
The other thing to note is that within a price range I will recommend several wines that are very different. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier are all white wines but have different tastes. The same holds true for Reds. If you’re looking for exceptional wines that are different from the regular Cabernet and Merlot, Vitkin is outstanding, Shiloh Shor Barbera, Elvi Rioja, Terra Di Setta Chianti all fit the bill at different price points
The recommendations happen to be my personal favorites or best buys, but I would also happily drink many other wines in the Pesach sale that are not on the list below. I share this list with the community to offer suggestions if you’re looking to try something different, something new, or something you’re not familiar with. I have added commentary when I think it might enhance the recommendation. The numbers next to each wine are the item number on the order form to make it easier to order.
Less than $15
#122 Chateau Les Riganes (Dry Red) – At $13 this is an outstanding wine that will keep for a couple of years and is delicious.
#78 Carmel Selected Mediterranean Blend (Dry Red) - $12
#18 Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc (Semi Dry White) - $10 This is an award-winning wine year in year out.
#77 Carmel Selected Emerald Riesling (Semi Dry White) - $12
#234 Pacifica Riesling - $14. This is an outstanding Riesling that you will enjoy all year round, but especially in the summer.
$15 to $25
#107 Elvi Herenza Rioja (Dry Red) - $16. This wine is an annual favorite and it will easily hold for a few years.
#162 Jezreel Alfa (Dry Red) - $21
#333 Terra Di Setta Chianti (Dry Red) - $22. This is the best kosher Chianti that you will find
#347 Vitkin Israel Journey Red (Dry) - $24 A Delicious red blend from Vitkin.
#71 Carmel Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Red) - $23
#188 Koening Riesling - $19.50. This is an off dry Riesling that is a delicious summer wine
#348 Vitkin Israel Journey White (Dry) - $24 A delicious white blend out of Vitkin
#157 Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc (Dry White) - $22.50 A consistently good
#90 Covenant Rec C Sauvignon Blanc (Dry White) - $23
#248 Psagot Viognier (Dry White) - $27
$25 to $40
There are many wines in this range, which is probably the sweet spot for very good wines, and I will reference wineries here rather than specific wines
The Shiloh Shor and Legend series are great values in the price range.
Any of the Vitkin single variety wines will be exceptional
The Baron Herzog Special Reserve series are consistently outstanding and can last up to 20 years if stored right.
Jezreel has the Nahalal and the Alfa Reserve
Covenant has the Blue C Adom and Viognier from Israel that are very nice
$40 and Above
There are many excellent wines and my true favorites, all of which are red, are as follows:
Any Shiloh Secret Reserve - $45
Hadju single variety wines – These are new to the list this year and a great example of California wines that are not Cabernet or Merlot
Carmel has four single vineyard wines all at $46
Capcanes Peraj Habib – This wine may the bargain of the season at $45. For reasons still unexplained, this wine dropped in price by more than $10, and it’s still delicious.
Shiloh Mosaic - $70
Teperberg Legacy Cabernet Franc - $62
Carmel Limited Edition - $80
Castel Grand Vin - $95
Elvi Clos Mesorah - $80