An Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

Can we get a fine Kosher red wine at this price? ...

Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

If the Galilee region of Israel is good for wine, the Upper Galilee should be even better. The Segal family settled in Tel Aviv in 1925 where they set up the country’s first distillery. In the 1930s they ran distilleries in Beirut and Damascus. As of 1954 they concentrated on wine and have never looked back. Segal’s was purchased by Barkan Wines in 2001 but they retain their own installations and production process. The companion wine is a Chilean Kosher Merlot at about two-thirds the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed

Segal’s Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve 2007 13.5 % alcohol about $13 (I paid $19).

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “Grapes grown in the unique climate of the Upper Galilee from the super premium Dishon Vineyard in the Kadesh Valley are harvested at ultimate ripeness. The wine undergoes a protracted post-fermentation maceration on the skins as well as fourteen months aging in a mixture of French and American oak in order to arrive at the optimum extraction and balance of fruit, tannin and oak. This rich, complex, balanced wine will continue to improve for many years.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was powerful, mouth filling, and fruity. Japanese rice crackers featuring Wasabi and Edame along with peanuts and cashews made the libation’s plums come out. The initial meal centered on a packaged Eggplant Rolatini with Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and lots more that I slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. In response the Cab was mellow, fruity, and very pleasant. Fresh pineapple brought out the taste of copper and other metals.

This review of an Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2013/upper_galilee_cabernet_sauvignon.php

 

A Chilean Kosher Merlot

Alfasi Merlot

Over time we have done lots of Chilean wines, including several that fell into the inexpensive category. This is our third from the Alfasi (Kosher) winery. Winemaker Héctor Saldivia and his team work with over a thousand hectares (more than 2,500 acres) planted in international red grapes as well as Chardonnay. They have made a major commitment to the environment and fighting global warming. The companion wine is an Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon at about half again the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Alfasi Merlot 2011 13 % alcohol about $9.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Medium Ruby; light cherry, green pepper aroma; light flavours, moderate tannins.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was light, offering balanced acidity and tannins. Japanese rice crackers featuring Wasabi and Edame along with peanuts and cashews picked up the libation’s acidity. The initial meal centered on a packaged Eggplant Rolatini with Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and lots more that I slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. In response the Merlot was fruity and somewhat but not excessively sweet. I also noted a tinge of oak. Fresh pineapple had the hardly unexpected effect of muting the wine.

This review of a  Chilean Kosher Merlot continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2013/wine_lovers_bargain_review_ckme.php

Kabinett Rheingau Riesling

A Rheingau Kabinett Riesling

A wine writer said 91...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed

Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunner Riesling Kabinett 2009 10.5 % alcohol about $18.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : A hedonistic sweet-edged riesling from a renowned producer who once tried to grow chardonnay in Germany. Tangerine, apple, jasmine, lime candy drops and a lemon tart delivery. Mouth-wateringly good. Score – 91. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Aug. 22, 2011)” And now for my review. 

At the first sips this wine was deliciously honeyed with good acidity. The first meal centered on home made chicken breast nuggets dusted with garlic powder and black pepper. In response the Riesling was quite long and I noted tangerines. The side Matbucha salad consisting of tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet pimentos, hot peppers, garlic rendered the libation quite long and somewhat syrupy. Dousing the meat with Jalapeno pepper mix sharpened our German friend’s acidity while retaining its balance with the sweetness. It deepened and was so long. Fresh raspberries imparted tangy acidity to my glass along with lots of tangerines. 

This review of a  Kabinett Rheingau Riesling continues on my web site at

http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_articles/My_own_German_wine_articles/rheingau_kabinett_riesling.php

 

A Cooperative German Riesling

A Cooperative German Riesling

Can you get a decent somewhat sweet Riesling at this price?...

Moselland Riesling

The label has changed.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Moselland Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling 2011 9.5 % alcohol about $10.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Pale straw yellow colour; citrus, mineral and dried apricot aromas and flavours; balanced with crisp acidity in the finish. Serving Suggestion : Served chilled with pork, turkey or appetizers. Spicy asian dishes.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was pleasantly sweet with good acidity. The initial meal centered on home made chicken breast nuggets dusted with garlic powder and black pepper. The Riesling’s sweetness lightened as its acidity stepped up. The Matbucha salad consisting of tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet pimentos, hot peppers, garlic and more added lemons and some smoke to the libation. Dousing the meat with Jalapeno pepper mix imparted an aspect of candy to our German friend. Fresh raspberries rendered the wine thin but I did note fine acidity and pleasant sweetness in my glass.

This review of a Moselland German Riesling continues on my website at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_cgri.php