9/7/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Mondorion, Etoiles de Mondorion, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2021: Deep ruby appearance. The nose is clean, with notes of blackberries, black currants, wet earth, tobacco leaves, and a hint of bell pepper. Medium-bodied, medium intensity. On the palate, tart blackberries, graphite, some earthiness, a touch hollow on the mid-palate, some bell pepper, licorice, with notes of roasted coffee beans and mushrooms, medium acidity, and medium tannins and some cigar on a medium finish. Pleasant but the challenging vintage comes through very clearly. 12.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2029. 88+

2/8/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan, 2020: After a couple (extremely) impressive kosher cuvées in 2016/18, here is a more classic vintage which reminds me a bit of the 2004, although the quality here is still superior. Indeed, all the improvements and investments in the winery over the past two decades are paying off. Deep, inky purple in color. On the nose, notes of crushed blackberries and raspberries, followed by hints of wood smoke, tar and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky, elegant mouthfeel. The palate shows notes of tart, juicy black and red fruit, graphite, smoky tobacco, hints of wet earth, black licorice, medium-plus acidity, with tight-grained tannins, and a touch of fins espresso on the long and polished finish. Not as layered as the past few vintages but certainly promising, and I anticipate some serious evolution! 13.5% Abv. Drink 2030-2045, possibly longer. 92+

8/2/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Royaumont, Lalande-de-Pomerol, 2021: This kosher label of Château Lagravière was first produced in 2002. I gotta say that except for the 2013, I’ve been a fan of all vintages so far. I must confess that I was quite worried about the 2021. First of all, it’s undoubtedly the least successful Bordeaux vintage since 2013. Most of the entry to mid-level kosher 2021 Bordeaux I’ve tasted are mediocre at best. Secondly, for the first time the US allocation for this wine was made entirely mevushal. Now, while this is one of a handful of medium-high ($40-80) Bordeaux to have gone through the process with varying degrees of success since 2015, the combination with this difficult vintage was not very exciting on paper, to say the least. Good news, though. This is mevushal done well. Clear ruby red in color, medium intensity. The nose is pronounced with medium-plus intensity, clean, showing notes of raspberries, blackberries, with secondary notes of tobacco and cedar. Medium-bodied, dry, with on the palate slightly tart raspberries and blackberries, black plum skin, graphite, subtle earthy minerals, nice Cuban cigar, with high acidity and medium tannins that gently coat the gums and palate, with hints of espresso on the moderately long finish. Good balance, classic Lalande profile, young with good cellaring potential. Drinkable now with decanting but best 2027-2033, perhaps longer. 13.5% Abv. 91+

4/12/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Domaine de Montille, Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Les Chalumeaux, 2020: Those who know me well are aware that I have lost most of my interest in drinking and enjoying (still) Chardonnay wines. That includes the buttery, popcorny new world genre, but also steely, mineral-driven Chablis and others. I have nothing bad to say about Chardonnay of any style really, I just personally do not enjoy them anymore for some reason. However, there are a few exceptions, and this wine certainly is one of them. Us kosher wine lovers have been spoiled lately with wines from Bordeaux A-list producers such as Pontet-Canet, Léoville Poyferré, Smith Haut-Lafitte, Brunello A-list Tassi, Germany/Mosel A-list Von Hoevel and Nik Weis, etc. De Montille is of course an A-list Burgundy winery, hands-down the finest of the region to have made kosher wine. Clear, pale yellow appearance with light green reflections. Medium-plus intensity on the nose, with primary aromas of citrus, stone and green fruits such as lemon, green apple, freshly picked apricot, as well as honeysuckle, and secondary notes of smoke, lightly roasted almonds, crème fraîche and vanilla. On the palate, medium-plus body with medium-plus intensity showing multiple layers of primary and secondary notes of lemon zest, green apple peel, tart pear and apricor, fresh almonds, light toast, green tea, earthy and saline-like minerals such as flint and iodine, and medium-plus acidity making for a lively mouth-feel. The finish is long, complex, and elegant. Stunning wine, most definitely one of the very best kosher (white) wines ever produced. 12% Abv. Approachable now with lots of air, but best 2026-2035, maybe longer. 95+

1/25/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Bellefont-Belcier, Saint-Emilion, 2020: The first kosher cuvée for this Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion. Deep inky red with royal purple reflections. After extensive swirling in the glass, the nose starts to reveal notes of ripe black cherries and raspberries, lavender and pipe smoke with hints of dried mushrooms. Full-bodied, with medium-plus intensity as well as a velvety and caressing texture. The palate shows notes of juicy ripe blackberries, black cherries and raspberries as well as hints of black licorice, graphite, a touch of saline, earthy minerals, clove, pipe tobacco, with medium-plus acidity and mouth-coating, chewy tannins rising while highlighting notes of dark chocolate covered cherries on a long and elegant finish. Quite a bit of baby fat here but lots of promise! 14.5% Abv. Drink 2030-2043, maybe longer. 93-94

4/13/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils, Vieilles Vignes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2021: This wine is the kosher run of the Cuvée Impériale, a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre from century-old vines. Deep ruby red towards royal purple in color. On the nose, smoke, black cherries, dried strawberries, wild blueberries with hints of salami, mushrooms and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, medium-plus intensity, with a velvety texture. On the palate, primary notes of ripe red and blue fruit such as strawberries, juicy red cherries and ripe wild blueberries, secondary notes of vanilla and pipe tobacco, followed by tertiary notes of beef prosciutto, seared mushrooms, with hints of rosemary, medium acidity, with notes of dark chocolate covered coffee beans and chewy, mouth-coating tannins on a long, generous and elegant finish. Outstanding. While this is admittedly delicious now with decanting, yet mostly on the primary fruit as expected, the balance and structure indicate that it will evolve well with aging. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2029-2038, perhaps longer. 93-94.

4/12/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Domaine Raymond Usseglio, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2021: The first kosher release from this A-list Rhône producer, which join the ranks of Vignobles Mayard and Les Vins de Vienne. All I can say is this wine and its higher-end Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) sibling live up to the hype. Deep, clear ruby with a light purple hue. Ok the nose, alluring notes of potpourri, blackberries, freshly picked raspberries, cracked pepper, leather and clove. Medium-bodied, medium-plus intensity, the palate echoes the nose aromas with crunchy blackberries and raspberries, along spices such as nutmeg and clove with hints of charcuterie, medium-plus acidity and medium tannins that rise on a long, elegant and mouth-filling finish. 14% Abv. Drink 2027-2035, maybe longer. 92+

4/8/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 2019: Finally, more than a year after it was released, I got to properly taste the 2019, the first kosher cuvée of Pontet-Canet after a 15 years hiatus. I’m both proud and ashamed to have been probably the most vocal admirer of the 2003, which I’ve repeatedly proclaimed as the best kosher wine ever. Along with other “personalities” of our little world of kosher winos, we have created such a hype around this wine that the 2019 was sold out from Royal Wine (the kosher négociant, importer and distributor, which is also my employer) immediately following its release. Kosher retailers in the NY metro area and in Florida jacked up the price 20% and more above the standard retail price. This is how, despite being a senior manager, I couldn’t even purchase a single bottle from my employer. Call that karma if you wish lol… Anyway, here we go. Tasted without decanting and then after 1 and 6 hours of decanting. Deep ruby towards purple in color. The nose reveals notes of dried violets, crushed cassis, bramble, light wood smoke, damp earth as well as hints of wild mushrooms and gunpowder. Full-bodied, elegant, medium-plus intensity, showing a great deal of finesse and firm structure on the palate. The mouth reflects the nose quite well, with slowly unfolding layers of juicy yet tart cassis and wild blueberries, followed by pencil shavings, earthy minerals, black truffle, baker's chocolate with medium-plus acidity and firm, tight tannins leading to a silky and seemingly endless finish. This is superb, but at this point it doesn’t show as impressive as the eternally youthful 03 has over the past 10 years. Time will tell if it’ll reach its level. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2035-2050, probably longer. 95+

3/29/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Netofa, Tel Qasser, Moursyr, 2021: Previous vintages of this wine were riper and fruitier. This tastes like a nice young Rhone wine that is meant for drinking on the younger side. Garnet towards ruby in color. On the nose, aromas of violets, asphalt, blackberries, wild blueberries, roasted herbs, cracked pepper and clove. Medium-bodied, medium-plus intensity, elegant, with on the palate juicy wild blueberries, blackberries, cassis, a hint of pomegranate, fresh wet earth, black pepper, herbs and tar, medium-plus acidity and medium tannins that gently rise with notes of clove and Cuban cigar on the long finish. Complex and refined. 13.5% Abv. Drink now-2027. 91+

3/29/2023 - Gabriel Geller wrote:

Ephod, Hila, 2021: Deep ruby in color, with on the nose blackcurrants, bramble, a hint of black plum and light notes of smoked wood. Medium-bodied, the wine features on the palate blackcurrants and bramble with hints of coffee and tar, roasted herbs, medium acidity and soft tannins on a medium finish. Drink now-2027. 13% Abv. 86+

3/29/2023 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château des Laurets, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, 2020: Deep purple in color. On the nose, ripe blackberries, black cherries, hints of herbs, mushrooms and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, medium-plus intensity, with a gripping, slightly tannic texture. On the palate, ripe black berries, juicy cassis, raspberries, loamy dirt, graphite and tobacco with hints of herbs and mushrooms. Medium acidity and chewy, ripe, chewy tannins with notes of earth and soy sauce lurking on the long and generous finish. 14.5% Abv. Approachable now but best from 2027-2033.

3/10/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Yon-Figeac, Les Roches de Yon-Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2018: . Deep purple in color. On the nose, medium-plus intensity with hints of Brettanomyces. Primary aromas of black and red fruits, including ripe blackberry, raspberry, with secondary notes of tobacco and vanilla, and some tertiary notes as well, such as wet earth and dried mushrooms. Dry, medium body, medium flavor intensity, high alcohol, with a juicy texture on the palate. Primary notes of ripe blackberries and jammy red cherries, followed by black olives, secondary flavors of tobacco leaves, with medium acidity and medium tannins that gently coat the mouth with secondary notes of dark chocolate and tertiary notes of dried mushrooms that linger long on the peppery finish. 14% Abv. Approachable and ready now but can age further. Drink now-2028, maybe longer. 91

12/15/2020 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Yon-Figeac, Les Roches de Yon-Figeac, 2017: Deep cherry red in color, with on the nose raspberries, red cherries, hints of oak as well as cigar box. Medium, perhaps medium to full-bodied, with on the palate raspberries, juicy red cherries, loamy dirt, pencil shavings, a hint of vanilla, rich cigar tobacco, medium-plus acidity, with medium-plus tannins that rise on a long and elegant finish. Very nice wine that should develop and hold well for about a decade past harvest. 14% Abv. Drink 2024-2030. 92

12/13/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Terra di Seta, Guiduccio, Toscana, IGT, 2020: A brand-new, long-awaited flagship Super Tuscan from the star kosher winery of Tuscany. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot. Deep ruby. On the nose, clean pronounced intensity, menthol, eucalyptus, rosemary, ripe black cherry, ripe bramble, crème de cassis, hints of cigar box, developing. Full-bodied, dry, medium-plus intensity, high (but balanced) alcohol, velvety mouthfeel, ripe black cherry, ripe bramble, crème de cassis liquor, roasted rosemary, high acidity, high tannins, earth, seared mushrooms, dark chocolate, long finish. The finish here is incredibly long. Developing and approachable now but suitable for aging. This is a delicious, quite complex wine, which shows hints of tertiary notes lurking and pointing to a potentially phenomenal development in the coming decade or so. Very impressive. 14.5% Abv. Drink 2026-2035, perhaps longer. 94+

11/15/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Teperberg, Barbera, 2021: This is the new addition to a special series of wines produced by Daniel (Dani) Friedenberg, the talented and youngest of the winery’s trio of winemakers. Full disclosure: I’ve known Dani and his family for over 10 years, when he was fresh out of the IDF and more than three years before he went to study winemaking at Cornell University’s Faculty of Viticulture and Oenology. Now onto the wine> Deep, clean ruby in color, purple rim. Clean and youthful on the nose, with notes of freshly picked ripe raspberries and strawberries, black cherry, with hints of clove and thyme. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, medium-plus intensity, dry, medium, balanced alcohol, echoing the nose with flavors of juicy, fleshy strawberries, black cherries, and raspberry coulis, roasted herbs such as thyme and rosemary, high acidity, with medium-plus tannis and hints of licorice and vanilla bean on a long and velvety finish. Delicious, varietally true and charming Barbera. Great job! 13% Abv. Approachable now but best 2024-2029. 91

4/8/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Giscours, Margaux, 2019: Deep royal purple in color. The nose is redolent with perfumy aromas of dried lavender unusually but beautifully intermixed with black and blue forest berries, cigar box, spices and underbrush. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied (leaning to full), oh so delicately and elegantly polished, with great purity of fruit and silkiness without ever feeling too heavy. It is somewhat more old school by contrast to the flamboyant 2015/16/18, but it is clearly more exuberant than the austere and masculine 2017. As it opens up in the glass, it shows perfectly ripe black currants, blackberries and blueberries as well as juicy raspberries, followed by notes of graphite, earthy minerals and mushrooms, with a touch of black truffle, medium-plus acidity, with firm, tight-grained tannins that gain in intensity from the mid-palate throughout the long and lush finish which features hints of smoky wood and bakers chocolate. Margaux, oh Margaux, Giscours is your faithful subject... 13% Abv. Might be approachable around 2029, but best 2030-2047, likely longer. 95-96

8/14/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, 2019: Every release of the kosher SHL is a celebration. It happens every five years or so. IDS (the kosher négociant) and their predecessors have lucked out, as every time it was made was a very good to exceptional vintage. Yes, even 2002, which in my experience has proven to be a classic Bordeaux year, including for lower end wines (Rollan de By, Tour Seran, Royaumont…). While outstanding, the 2019 shows differently than its “colleagues” from this vintage (Pontet-Canet, Giscours, Lagrange). Tasted straight out of the bottle, then with 2 hours decanting, then 6 hours and 20 hours. In many ways, it is reminiscent of the 2009, albeit not as layered. Granted, I only tasted the 2009 once, in 2016. So it had a few more years of development under its belt. Deep inky purple. The nose shows notes of ripe blackberries, cassis, anis, Cuban cigar, vanilla and hints of earthy minerals. Full-bodied, tight, deeply extracted, slowly unfolding with velvety layers of ripe black fruits, ripe strawberries, black licorice, iron, graphite, black pepper, black truffle, medium-plus acidity, bakers chocolate and rich espresso, with firm, grainy tannins coating and saturating the mouth on a very long and generous finish. The ripeness and slightly agressive character caught me a bit off-guard, but the balance and structure of this wine are incredible. 15% Abv (yes, fifteen percent, not a typo.) Drink 2033-2055, maybe longer. 95-96

7/29/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Philippe-le-Hardi, Beaune 1er Cru, 2020: Deep, clear purple, with on the nose crushed blackberries and pomegranate seeds, with notes of anis and smoke. Medium-bodied, with nice concentration on the palate, featuring notes of ripe forest berries, pomegranate, licorice, and earthy minerals, with hints of pipe tobacco, as well as hints of orange peel, medium-plus acidity, and firm tannins drying out the mouth on the long and elegant finish. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2026-2032, maybe longer. 92.5

7/29/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Philippe-le-Hardi, Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Crais, 2020: Deep, clear garnet towards royal purple, with on the nose fresh, ripe strawberries, wild blueberries, and red currants, as well as hints of lavender and loamy dirt. Medium to full-bodied, with good concentration. On the palate, notes of ripe red and blue forest berries, juicy cherries, followed by hints of black tea, earthy minerals, savory seared mushrooms, with hints of tobacco, medium-plus acidity, with firm yet polished tannins that gently coat the gums and cheeks, highlighting more earth and herbaceous notes on the long and savory finish. 13% Abv. Drink 2025-2035, likely longer. 93.5

7/29/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Domaine du Château Philippe-le-Hardi, Chambolle-Musigny, 2020: Deep ruby towards royal purple, with on the slightly ethereal nose, dried flowers, crushed ripe strawberries and raspberries, black cherries, wild blueberries, anis, smoke, and tea leaves. Medium, perhaps medium to full-bodied, with good intensity. On the palate, notes of juicy ripe red berries, red currants, and pomegranate seeds, black licorice, followed on the mid-palate by earthy, mineral, and saline notes of dirt and crushed rocks, followed by subtle notes of black truffle, orange peel, with medium-plus acidity and searing tannins elegantly draping the mouth with more saline and earthy notes rising on the long, elegant and mouth-filling finish. Drink 2026-2035, perhaps longer. 13.5% Abv. 93

9/10/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Domaine Jean-Marc Brun (aka Jean-Philippe Marchand,) Aux Échalles, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, 2019: Deep ruby towards purple. The nose is redolent, with ripe blackberries, followed by raspberries and cherries, dried violets, smoke, and grilled mushrooms. Medium to full-bodied, nice concentration, with ripe and juicy black and red berries, earthy minerals, savory mushrooms, graphite and smoked meat, medium acidity, with notes of earth and soy sauce, powdery tannins on the long and plush finish. Rather exuberant for the appellation, this is delicious now with some decanting and should evolve nicely over the coming decade. 12.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2032. 91-92

11/5/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Herzog, Special Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2004: Deep garnet towards ruby at the rim. This mature wine features on the nose at this stage crushed forest berries, vanilla, cigar box and milk chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, with on the palate layers upon layers of juicy blackberries, cassis, sweet tobacco, licorice, spices, medium acidity, a little hint of tar and plush chocolate covered cherries with silky tannins rising on the long, persistent finish as the wine develops in the glass. Fully mature and quite lovely. Drink now and over the next couple years or so. 13.9% Abv. 91+

9/20/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Tassi, Bettina Cuvée, Franci, Brunello di Montalcino, 2016: This is a wine I had waited to taste for over 4 years. The first kosher, non-mevushal, Brunello di Montalcino from a great producer and vintage! Thank God, it does not disappoint. Deep cherry red in color. On the nose, a bouquet of cherries, plums, roasted herbs, leather, vanilla and wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied, medium-plus intensity, with on the palate, notes of morello cherries, rich earth, and gentle smokiness, oregano and thyme, with medium-plus acidity and firm, chewy tannins gently coating the mouth with hints of dark chocolate-covered coffee beans and dried porcini mushrooms on a long, elegant and luscious finish. Very young but immensely promising. 14.5% Abv. Drink 2026-2038, maybe longer. 94+

4/2/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Ramon Cardova, Reserva, Old Vines, Rioja, 2018: Deep garnet towards purple. On the nose, notes of ripe black cherries, dried strawberries, coconut, toasted oak, herbes de Provence, and coffee. Medium to full-bodied, with medium intensity. The palate shows notes of ripe black and red fruits, oregano, rosemary, mocha, medium acidity, with ripe tannins as well as hints of coconut and vanilla on a moderately long and juicy finish. Nice wine, not the blockbuster the 2016 was but good QPR nonetheless. 14.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2030, maybe longer. 90+

2/18/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

ESSA, Emunah, Hemel en Aarde Ridge, 2020: This is an intriguing and delicious Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa. Deep garnet towards purple. The nose delivers aromas of smoke, loamy dirt, ripe cassis, blackberries, tar, and black olives. Full-bodied, with nice concentration, with on the palate black currants and blackberries, black olives, cured meat, wet earth and herbs with medium acidity, and notes of dark chocolate with grainy tannins drying the mouth on the long and rich finish. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2023-2029. 91-92

10/12/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Nana's Chenin truly is an impressive wine. The variety is famous for its origins in France's Loire Valley. It is also quite successful in South Africa, and in California. Nana proves here that when irrigation and canopy management are properly done, the variety can shine in the scorching hot Negev Desert, as well. Very pale yellow color. On the nose, notes of fresh ripe quince, tangerines, black tea, and lemongrass. Light to medium-bodied, lively, tart, with on the palate quince, lime, lemongrass and orange zest with hints of green tea, minerals, medium-plus acidity, and a long, refreshing finish with lingering notes of Meyer lemon. Delightful. 13.2% Abv. Drink now. 91

3/14/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Tura Estate, Mountain Heights, Merlot, Samaria, 2018: Tura grows the grape for its iconic Merlot on Har Gerizim, also known as Har Bracha, located in the heart of the Shomron. It is a unique terroir, at 2,850 feet above sea level. The soil is rich in clay, and the high altitude provides frigid nights, along with a breeze coming from the Mediterranean sea. These combined conditions are ideal for Merlot. Deep cherry-red. The nose displays aroma of ripe, fresh raspberries and black cherries, tobacco leaves, toasted oak, and spices. Full-bodied, fleshy, with on the palate, juicy raspberries, cherries and plums, black pepper, earthy minerals, medium acidity, with hints of roasted herbs and spicy vanilla, as well as mouth-coating tannins on a long and generous finish. Mevushal. 14% Abv. Drink now-2025. 90

1/12/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Psagot, Merlot, 2019: Deep garnet towards purple. On the nose, ripe blueberries, fresh purple plums, raspberries, dried herbs, toasty oak as well as vanilla. Medium-bodied, with notes of ripe red and black fruits, dried strawberries, juicy plums, thyme, medium acidity with tobacco leaves, and vanilla, with gentle tannins on the moderately long finish. 14% Abv. Drink now-2025. 89

1/21/2022 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Pescaja, Soliter, Barbera d'Asti, 2020: Deep royal purple, with on the nose, smoked wood, raspberries, black cherries, cigar box, lavender, and new napa leather. Medium, perhaps medium to full-bodied, medium-plus intensity, with on the palate fleshy ripe raspberries, black cherries and blackberries, graphite, tobacco, medium-plus acidity, smoked wood, cured meat, with rich chili-flavored dark chocolate and plush ripe tannins on the long and velvety finish. Very nice, lots of potential here with more body and concentration than expected. Flattering and generous now, it will likely develop much more complexity over the coming decade. Best 2025-2031, likely longer. 14.5% Abv. 91-92

8/28/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Haut-Condissas, Médoc, 2019: No kosher 2018 was produced, unfortunately breaking an 8 consecutive vintages rollout. However, the 2019 more than makes up for it! Deep purple with a garnet hue. On the nose, freshly picked blackberries, cassis, licorice, light toasted oak, as well as distinct note of barnyard funk and loamy dirt. Full-bodied, well-extracted but not overly so, with on the palate juicy blackberries, cassis and a touch of ripe raspberries on first attack, followed by black olives, graphite and rich earth with a pleasant note of bittersweet licorice and porcini mushrooms, with medium-plus acidity and rich, grainy tannins along with baker's chocolate that lingers long on the polished and elegant finish. Delightful! 13.5% Abv. Drink 2025-2037, likely longer. 93+

10/8/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Malartic-Lagravière, Blanc, 2019: Pessac is the only Bordeaux appellation besides Sauternes and its neighbors (Barsac, Monbazillac, Cérons) that is celebrated also for its whites. One of only 6 Châteaux awarded the “Grand Cru Classé” title in the 1950s for both its red and white wines. When I heard this wine was made I was psyched! Having tasted the non kosher 2013/14/15/16/17s, I knew it was consistently among the very best white Bordeaux. This kosher 2019 certainly lived up to my expectations, delivering incredible depth, structure and complexity. I expect it to develop further and age respectably for 15-20 years. Bright gold with slightly green reflections. On the nose, lime peel, yellow grapefruit, citrus blossom, crème fraîche, with hints of wax and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, with nice viscosity and great tension on the palate. Deep and layered, the first attack is restrained and green but given vigorous swirling pops with generous notes of grapefruit, pomelo, white peach, salted almonds, earthy minerals, pith, high, intense yet well integrated acidity, creamy French butter, vanilla bean, with hints of lime zest and sourdough crust on a very long, elegant and plush finish. Gorgeous. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2034, likely longer. 94-95

11/27/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Lagrange, Saint Julien, 2019: There’s a blessing in hebrew that is recited prior to eating a fruit one never had or haven’t in a long time, or before wearing a new garment, or at the start of every major Jewish holiday called “Sh’hecheyanu”. We bless God for having allowed us to live and rejoice over those moments. Thank God, there isn’t one, but three Bordeaux wines from the outstanding 2019 vintage that would deserve reciting that blessing over. Château Lagrange is one of them. An iconic, highly-respected classed growth estate, producing superb wines. I have wished for many years that they would make a kosher cuvée. At last, my wish was granted! Deep royal purple with a gorgeous ruby rim. The color alone is a show-stopper. The nose is captivating, delicately perfumed aromas of black, blue and red fruits, loamy dirt, anis, smoke, clove, and vanilla. The palate, oh, the palate... Silky, caressing, sensual, lively, medium, perhaps medium to full-bodied, with precise, moderate extraction, sheer elegance, no excessive ripeness of any kind here. A throw back to old school Bordeaux but with the clean, perfectly crafted purity and structure modern technology and equipment allows. Notes of juicy, crunchy raspberries, blueberries and cassis, followed by licorice, light spices and vanilla, medium-plus acidity, deep earthy minerals, velvety tannins gently and slowly coating the mouth, with hints of menthol, mocha and more earth on a seemingly endless finish. A stunning masterpiece. 12.5% Abv. Drink 2029-2049. 95-96

11/20/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Mondorion, Etoiles de Mondorion, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2019: Deep garnet color. On the nose, blackberries, raspberries, hints of cedar, earth, and a charming touch of brett. Medium-bodied, elegant and deep. On the palate, juicy raspberries, crunchy blackberries, followed by green olives, graphite, and loamy dirt, with a pleasant note of anis, medium acidity, and polished, grainy tannins along with baker's chocolate that lingers long on a savory, earthy finish. 13.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2031. 91+

8/24/2021 - Gabriel Geller wrote:

Binyamina, Chosen, Tarshish, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017: Deep garnet towards purple. The nose shows jammy blackberries, cassis as well as hints of vanilla and sweet cedar. Medium to full-bodied, with on the palate ripe black fruits, dried figs, cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted herbs, lots of sweet oak, medium acidity, ripe, linear tannins as well as notes of raisins and milk chocolate on the long and ripe finish. Mevushal.14.5% Abv. Drink now-2024. 85-86

8/24/2021 - Gabriel Geller wrote:

Binyamina, Choshen, Diamond/Yahalom, 2017: Deep purple. On the nose, ripe forest berries and plums as well as cigar box and toasted oak. Full-bodied, with on the palate ripe, jammy blackberries, raspberries, plums, herbal notes, sweet cedar, with notes of vanilla, medium acidity, raisins and dark chocolate, with rich tannins rising on the long and concentrated finish. Mevushal. 14.5% Abv. Drink now-2024. 85

7/20/2021 - Gabriel Geller wrote:

Tzuba, Metzuda, 2017: Dark garnet toward purple, with on the nose, notes of overly ripe plums, blackberries, toasted oak and vanilla. Full-bodied, with ripe, sweet black forest berries such black currants and blackberries, black cherry jam, medium acidity, notes of oak and spicy-sweet dark chocolate with nearly sweet tannins rising on a long and ripe finish. 15% Abv. Drink now-2025. 85

8/24/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Faustino VI, Rioja, 2020 : 100% Tempranillo, unoaked. Red cherry garnet, with on the nose crushed blackberries, raspberries, with hints of espresso and leather. Medium-bodied with the palate echoing the nose, showing a juicy, fruit-forward albeit not jammy profile, together with notes of coffee beans, sage and thyme, medium-plus acidity, with soft tannins lingering on the medium finish. A lovely, easy-drinking Rioja. Real food wine and great QPR. 14% Abv. Drink now-2024, maybe longer. 90

9/13/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Vitkin, Grenache Blanc, 2018 : Bright yellow with green reflections. On the nose, hazelnuts, lime, citrus blossom, as well as hints of iodine. Medium-bodied, with good concentration yet restrained and elegant, this wine features a slightly oily texture from its barrel ageing, with notes of lime, loquat and yellow peach, saline mineral notes, followed by notes of roasted nuts and green apple peel, medium-plus acidity with hints of crème fraîche on the long and dry finish. Excellent, complex wine. 13% Abv. Drink now-2024. 92+

6/30/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Barkan, Platinum, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018: Yes, this TN is real. Dark, royal purple, with on the nose blackberries, black cherries, hints of toasted oak, nutmeg, fresh herbs and green foliage. Medium to full-bodied, nice concentration, with healthy, juicy black, purple and blue fruit upfront, hints of graphite and licorice, notes of spices, basil, and tobacco, medium-plus acidity, with mouth-coating tannins rising towards a long and mouth-filling finish. I'm stunned. This is by far the best Barkan red I have tasted since the 2009 Assemblage Tzafit. A very well-made, approachable and balanced CabSav. Just feels like a wine properly made from quality fruit. 14% Abv. Drink now-2024. 90+

6/16/2021 - Gabriel Geller Does not like this wine:

Tabor, Cabernet Sauvignon, Judaica Vineyard, 2017: The Judaica vineyard is situated at 940 meters above sea level. Dark, inky purple in color with on the nose, intense notes of jammy blackberries, prunes, black cherries, and hints of green foliage, toasted oak, and black pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated, with pruney, dried fruits, ribbons of prune, as well as herbaceous notes, a touch of black licorice, vanilla with hints of sweet cedar and mocha, with medium acidity and sweet tannins on a long, pruney finish. Way overripe for me, nothing special. Drink now-2024. 14.5% Abv. 83

5/14/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château du Tertre, Margaux, 2018: Deep garnet towards royal purple. On the nose, cigar box, ripe forest berries, menthol, freshly brewed coffee and a hint of cocoa. Full-bodied, extracted yet elegant, with a rich and silky texture. The palate displays notes of ripe raspberries and blackberries, graphite, hints of earth, tea leaves, bittersweet cocoa, cigar tobacco and nutmeg. Medium acidity and firm, searing and ripe tannins with notes of tar and dark chocolate on a long and powerful finish. While it doesn't have as much finesse and feminine Margaux character as the 2016 at this early stage, there is undoubtedly lots of potential here but it needs more time to reveal itself. 14.5% Abv. Drink 2030-2040, perhaps longer. 92-93

5/7/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Giscours, Margaux, 2018: While a couple producers or so struggled to keep the ripeness in check, 2018 overall has yielded some truly impressive Bordeaux wines. Giscours, as always, does not disappoint. Dark, inky purple. On the nose, raspberries, cassis, blueberries, dried violets and cedar box. Full-bodied, with a velvety, rich and vibrant mouthfeel. The palate shows great purity, and layers slowly unfolding with complex notes of ripe cassis, raspberries and wild blueberries that while ripe and juicy never feel jammy. On the mid-palate, pencil shavings, rich and savory notes of loam and earth, along with luxurious tobacco and hints of iron, medium-plus acidity and tight, powdery tannins enveloping the mouth with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans and umami undertones lingering on a long and racy finish. Gorgeous wine. 14.5% Abv. Drink 2030-2042. 95-96

3/24/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Valle Reale, Botteoto, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2019: Deep ruby towards garnet. On the nose, ripe cherries, dried strawberries, with a touch of cloves. Medium in body, with juicy ripe red cherries, strawberries and plums, hints of saline minerals, medium acidity, soft, integrated tannins with notes of cherry skins on the medium finish. Try this with some good pasta in tomato sauce or some light charcuterie. 13.5% Abv. Drink now-2022. 88

4/20/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Valle Reale, Botteoto, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019: Deep, clean black cherry red. On the nose, cassis, cherries, earth, green foliage, a subtle hint of smoke and black pepper. Medium-bodies, juicy and elegant on the palate with notes of tart cassis, blackberries and cherries, followed by delicate savory and earthy undertones, medium-plus acidity, soft tannins and more earth and berries on the moderately long finish. Very pleasant food wine! 12.5% Abv. Drink now-2023. 89+

5/17/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Château Royaumont, Lalande-de-Pomerol, 2018: This wine opened up after 2 days... Dark garnet. On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherries, raspberries, rich pipe tobacco, bell pepper, and toasted oak. Full-bodied, concentrated, this is by far the biggest vintage for this wine. This is layered, rich, velvety, yet the ripeness is kept in check with abundant balancing acidity. The palate shows ribbons of ripe black and red berries, with notes of nutmeg, loamy dirt, chewy tobacco, bracing acidity, with mouth-coating tannins and notes of espresso and unsweetened, rich dark chocolate on a very long and voluptuous finish. If you are looking for a superbly made Bordeaux that’s in your face without falling into the jammy mess trap, this wine is the right fit for you. 15% Abv. Drink 2028-2035. 93

4/22/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Pescaja, Tuké, Nebbiolo, Terre di Alfieri DOC, 2019: Quite a treat to see more kosher wines from this producer whose Arneis 2019 is one of my favorite white wines. It is also one of less than a handful of quality Italian Nebbiolo available in kosher. Dark ruby toward purple, with on the nose ripe black cherries and black currants and hints of wet dirt, roasted herbs, and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied, good intensity with on the palate fleshy black cherries, black plums, cassis, some tobacco and herbs upfront and on the mid-palate, along with hints of licorice, rich earthy minerals, medium-plus acidity with some earthy/umami notes, soy sauce and roasted portobello with rich tannins on a long and generous finish. Quite a delicious wine! 14.5% Abv. Drink 2024-2031. 91+

4/22/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Famiglia Cotarella, Ferentano, Lazio IGT, 2018: Falesco made a kosher run of this wine before, in 2005. Unfortunately I never got to taste it. This wine is made of a very rare grape variety named Roscetto, which is indigenous to Italy. In fact, only Ricardo Cotarella produces a varietal wine with this variety, and he is said to have solely saved it from extinction. Shiny gold, with green reflections, the nose on this wine shows notes of orange blossom, lime, ripe pear, white peach, mirabelle plum, with subtle waxy notes and hints of toasted oak. Medium-bodied, dry but not sharp, with great concentration on the palate, vibrant and a lush creamy texture, really nice viscosity, with notes of lime, juicy yellow plum, pear, apple, orange blossom water, medium-plus acidity, earthy minerals, with touches of lemon curd, almonds and honeycomb on the long and elegant finish. Truly a fascinating, highly complex white wine. 12.5% Abv. Drink now-2024, maybe longer. 92-93

5/1/2021 - Gabriel Geller Does not like this wine:

Domaine J. de Villebois, Rosé, Sancerre, 2020: Bright cherry light red/pink, with on the nose aromas of cooked strawberries, black cherries and prune. Medium-bodied, with on the palate sweet strawberries and cherries, medium-minus acidity, hints of watermelon and some sweet cherries rising on the medium finish. 13% Abv. Drink up. 80

4/22/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Jean Luc & Paul Aegerter, Nuits Saint-Georges, Premier Cru Les Vallerots, 2019: Deep ruby towards garnet, with on the nose crushed red currants, black cherries and strawberries with notes of smoke, leather, and wet earth. Medium-bodied, with on the palate juicy tart strawberries, red currants, cranberries, rich earth and minerals with beautiful saline and savory notes and touches of orange peel, followed by notes of roasted mushrooms, medium-plus acidity, silky yet firm tannins, with a hint of Dutch cocoa on the long, elegant and racy finish. More approachable than the Grand Cru but just as pretty, true joy in a bottle. 13% Abv. Drink 2027-2035. 93-94

4/22/2021 - Gabriel Geller Likes this wine:

Jean Luc & Paul Aegerter, Corton-Vergennes, Grand Cru, 2019: Kudos to IDS and Dr Ralph Madeb for producing this first kosher Grand Cru Bourgogne since the Château de La Tour Clos Vougeot 2004! Surprisingly approachable on opening, it went mute a few hours later. Deep ruby, with on the nose freshly picked red cherries, ripe strawberries, lavender, moss, tilled earth, dried mushrooms and a hint of menthol. Medium-plus in body, with great intensity on the palate, showing layers of red fruits, juicy red cherries, ripe red currants, wild strawberries followed by rose water, dried mushrooms, loamy dirt, earthy minerals, with medium-plus, well-integrated acidity as well as notes of mint and umami white truffle with tight, grainy tannins lingering long on the elegant finish. Absolutely gorgeous wine. 13% Abv. Drink 2029-2038, likely longer. 95