JJ Hornblass

9.0

In Paris at Chez Franck
#kosher — 2 months ago

GraceAnne Howe

9.3

Backsberg
Sustainably farmed
Kosher
Brut 2018
Méthode cap classique
South Africa — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Razi’el – Red Blend – 2021
Jerusalem – Haute Judée (Judean Hills), Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A beautifully crafted Mediterranean red blend dominated by 70% Syrah, 25% Carignan, and 5% Grenache, grown at high elevation (≈700 meters) in the Judean Hills near Jerusalem. Hand-picked fruit, fermented with care, and aged 18 months in French oak, this bottling is a striking example of how Israel’s terroirs can mirror, and sometimes rival, the finesse of top Rhône estates. A Not “Mevushal” wine.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark berries, plum skin, violets, roasted herbs, cracked pepper, and a touch of smoky mineral. The Carignan brings juiciness and lift; the Grenache contributes subtle red-fruited charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet structured, expressive yet refined. Medium-plus body with excellent balance and tension. The finish is long, smooth, and beautifully integrated, remarkably elegant for a warm-climate blend.

Food Pairings
Lamb shawarma, herb-roasted chicken, grilled eggplant, beef kebabs, mushroom ragù, or Provençal stews.

Verdict
A sophisticated, Rhône-inspired red with Israeli soul. Juicy, polished, and impressively detailed, far more refined than many expect from the region. This is a world-class offering and a standout in the Kosher category. A Not “Mevushal” wine that truly delivers.

Did You Know?
Razi’el is produced by the Ben Zaken family of Domaine du Castel, one of Israel’s most influential wineries. Planted in limestone-rich, high-altitude vineyards, the site naturally channels a Rhône-like profile, cool nights, rocky soils, and intense sun exposure working together to produce wines of concentration and elegance. — 7 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

#KosherWineSunday

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium plus intensity.

Fruity nose of black currants, cooked plums, licorice, light wood, tobacco, chocolates and black pepper.

Medium plus in body and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with blueberries, blackberries, black plums, cooked cherries, oak, licorice, light vanilla, herbs, tobacco, peppercorn, dark chocolates and light earth.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon based blend is drinking beautifully now. Complex and engaging. Fruit forward and elegant. Soft and smooth.

Easy drinking and good right out of the bottle, and better after an hour of airtime.

This 6 year old is delicious right now, and drinking at its peak. Will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had it a 3 years ago, and decided to wait for another 3 years and let it mature. That was a good choice, as it is drinking so much better now.

A great sipping wine. Delicious stuff.

A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Shiraz and 10% Petit Verdot. Grapes are grown in the Galilee region, and aged for 16 months in oak barrels. Kosher and Mevushal.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$100. — 9 months ago

Hayley Lalchand

9.0

very spicy yummy rich savory — a year ago

"Odedi"

9.1

#kosherWineSunday

Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.

Light nose with chocolates, black fruits, light earth, tobacco leaf and light wood.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, cooked cherries, spices, oak, light vanilla, licorice, tobacco leaf, light earth, herbs and black pepper.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 7 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from California is drinking very nicely now. Easy drinking, tangy and interesting. A good sipping wine.

Nicely balanced with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 30 minutes in the glass.

Good by itself or with food. Will pair nicely with barbecue meats. I paired it with a baked Brie cheese.

Kosher and Mevushal.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45 (current vintage). — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.0

Pale Lemon in color.

Very aromatic nose with lots of gooseberry and citrus notes.

Medium in body with medium plus acidity.

Fruit forward with mild complexity.

Dry on the palate, crisp and refreshing.

Showing limes, citrus, light grapefruits, green apples light herbs, minerals and spices.

Tangy finish with limes and light almonds.

This Israeli Sauvignon Blanc is nicely balanced and enjoyable by itself. Easy drinking, tangy and a little bit spicy. Fresh and fruit forward.

I've had a few vintages of this Sauvignon Blanc before, and it is very consistent.

A great party wine, and good for the pool too.

Grapes are grown in the Golan Heights region. Kosher.

13% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$20. — 3 years ago

Stuart Pollack

9.1

Good Kosher Syrah. Real Syrah flavor in a Kosher wine. Nice pepper. Somewhat overpowering. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Covenant – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023
Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A bold, expressive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Covenant, crafted in a richer “valley-floor” style with generous ripeness and concentration. This bottling shows Covenant’s signature combination of power and polish, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon and produced as a Non-Mevushal and vegan-certified wine, an excellent option for those seeking upscale kosher reds with true Napa character.

Aromas & Flavors
Black currant, blackberry compote, cassis, baking spice, cedar, a touch of mocha, and subtle graphite. Ripe yet not overdone, the fruit leads, but there’s enough structure to keep it focused.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, plush, and deeply fruited. Smooth tannins wrap around the palate with richness and warmth, supported by balanced acidity. The finish is long, dark, and satisfying, classic modern Napa Cab energy.

Food Pairings
Ribeye steak, lamb chops, brisket, barbecue short ribs, mushroom-braised dishes, or aged cheddar.

Verdict
A powerful, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Napa Valley boldness. Approachable now, yet structured enough to improve with short-term aging. A high-impact, Non-Mevushal kosher Cabernet that easily stands toe-to-toe with many mainstream Napa labels.

Did You Know?
Covenant was founded by Jeff Morgan, a chef-turned-winemaker who helped redefine the identity of premium kosher wines in California. His stylistic goal has always been simple: make world-class wines first, that also happen to be kosher. — 7 months ago

"Odedi"

9.3

#KosherWineSunday

Inky in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose of blue and black fruits with mediterranean spices, light cedar, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, light earth and black pepper.

Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruit forward on the palate with black currants, black plums, blackberries, cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, light earth, chocolates, coffee and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 6 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel is drinking wonderfully now. Rich and elegant. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Nicely balanced and soft.

Good right out of the bottle and better after 2 hours of airtime.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 10 years.

Complex and engaging. Tangy and spicy.

Interesting, and good by itself as a sipping wine.

Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Kosher.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$50. — 8 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

#kosherWineSunday

Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.

Fruity nose of blueberries, black plums, cherries, spices, light oak, diet cola, light bell pepper, chocolates, black pepper and herbs.

Full bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.

Very dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cooked cherries, oak, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco, dark chocolates, green vegetables, light earth, herbs and black tea.

Nice length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a very tasty 9 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Lake County in California. Fruit forward and spicy.

Good right out of the bottle, and gets earthier and spicier as it opens up.

I had this vintage 5 years ago and it is drinking so much better now. Will not improve from this point on, so drink up.

Easy drinking and good by itself or with food.

Kosher and Mevushal.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50 (current vintage). — 9 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Deep inky in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose with black plums, black currants, blackberries, cedar, licorice, cassis, light vanilla, spices, tobacco leaf, herbs, light vegetables and chocolates.

Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruit forward on the palate with plums, currants, oak, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, peppercorn, light earth, dark coffee and light black tea.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a delicious Merlot-based blend from Bordeaux. Complex and interesting. Fruit forward and elegant.

This 6 year old Merlot will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years. I had this vintage two years ago, and it would be nice to revisit it again in 5 years.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after an hour in the decanter.

Easy drinking and well-balanced.
The high alcohol is nicely integrated now, so watch out.

Good by itself as a sipping wine, and will also pair nicely with barbecue meats.

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Kosher and not Mevushal.

15% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$50. — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.0

#KosherWineSunday

Pretty color of ruby/purple with a wide reddish rim.

Very aromatic nose of blue and black fruits, violets and chocolate notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with red currants, light oak, cherries, blueberries, licorice, chocolates and peppercorn.

Short finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 7 year old Shiraz from Israel is still drinking nicely, although not at its peak anymore.

Needs an hour to open up properly, although good right out of the bottle too. The Syrah notes show up after 2 hours of airtime.

A tasty Shiraz that is lighter than I expected it to be. I liked the nose better than the palate at this point.

I had this vintage 3 years ago, and it is drinking better now. Rich, juicy and elegant.

100% Shiraz grapes from the Galilee were handpicked and aged for 14 months in oak barrels. Kosher and not Mevushal.

14% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$35. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2003 vintage kosher version. Classic Pauillac nose with lead pencil and cassis. Dense and layered with very good acidity in this very hot vintage. Impressive. — 4 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

#KosherWineSunday

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and very fruity.

Showing red and black fruits with light wood, spices, licorice, coffee, dark chocolates, peppercorn, tobacco, bitter herbs, light vegetables, dried meats and light iron notes.

Medium plus on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 8 year old Syrah blend from Israel is drinking at its peak now. Elegant and nicely balanced. Spicy and fruit forward. Complex and interesting.

I had this vintage 5 years ago, and it is drinking better now. Will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

Wine Enthusiasts 90 points.

Good right out of the bottle, and good by itself or with food.

A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre. Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months. Kosher and not Mevushal.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$30 (at release). — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

The Cave – Red Blend – 2020
Galilee, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A powerful Bordeaux-inspired blend composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot, sourced from high-elevation vineyards in the Upper Galilee. Aged 24 months in French oak inside the historic Carmel Mountain cave, a naturally cool, humidity-stable cellar that shapes the wine’s depth and structure. Mevushal / Kosher for Passover.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark mulberries, black plum, and blackberry compote meet cedar, mahogany wood, espresso, and subtle graphite. The Petit Verdot adds an herbal-floral edge, giving the wine both muscle and nuance.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, assertive tannins and a deep, wood-toned intensity. Concentrated, layered, and long, with an oaky spine that lingers on the finish.

Food Pairings
Braised lamb shoulder, smoky short ribs, aged Gouda, slow-roasted brisket, or charred portobello mushrooms.

Verdict
One of Israel’s most characterful red blends, bold, structured, and cellar-worthy. The interplay of fruit density, mineral tension, and pronounced oak makes this a standout Mevushal wine for those who appreciate power and polish. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The Cave winery ages its wines in a 250-year-old man-carved cave in Carmel Mountain, originally quarried in the 18th century and repurposed in the 19th century as a brandy cellar. Its natural insulation provides ideal conditions for long élevage, giving these wines their signature depth and aging potential. — 7 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

#KosherWineSunday

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim. A very pretty color.

Fruity nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing blueberries, sweet plums, cooked cherries, light oak, spices, chocolates and licorice.

Nice length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a very tasty 8 year old Marselan from Israel. Nicely aged now, and drinking better than when I last had it four years ago.

Elegant and nicely balanced. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Spicy and entertaining.

Needed 45 minutes to open up and show the beautiful nose. What a great surprise.

Wine Enthusiasts 90 points.

Drinking at its peak now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

Good by itself as a sipping wine.

100% Marselan grapes from the Galilee were aged in French oak barrels for 16 months. Kosher.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$25 (at release). — 9 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

#kosherWineSunday

Inky in color with a short purple rim. Not showing age at all.

Fruity nose of blackberries, black plums, cedar, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, cola, vanilla, licorice and spices.

Full-bodied, bold and smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with black currants, black plums, blackberries, licorice, chocolates, cedar, tobacco, spices, light earth and herbs.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a delicious Syrah blend from Israel. Rich and extracted. Fruit forward and elegant.

This 6 year old is showing a soft mouthfeel, and in your face kind of wine. Nicely balanced with nice complexity.

Good right out of the bottle and easy drinking. Good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of 85% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah and 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in French oak barrels for 14 months. Kosher and not Mevushal.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$55. — 10 months ago

"Odedi"

9.0

#KosherWineSunday

Dark golden in color.

Light on the nose and full bodied with medium minus acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing red apples, pears, apricots, light oak and spices.

This 5 year old white wine from Israel is still drinking very nicely. Rich and elegant.

Showing nice complexity, nicely balanced and soft. Very enjoyable by itself or with food.

Will not get any better from this point, so drink up.

Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.

100% Roussanne grapes were aged in oak barrels for 10 months. Kosher and not Mevushal.

12.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$40. — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Dark ruby in color with a reddish/ brick rim.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing red and blue fruits with earth, wood, spices, licorice, light vegetables, herbs, pencil lead, metals, tobacco, coffee, cola and peppercorn.

Medium finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 9 year old, Single Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel is still drinking nicely, but past its prime. I've had this vintage 3 years ago, and it was better then.

Spicy and fruit forward. Rich, yet elegant with a nice mouthfeel.

Really loved the nose right out of the bottle, but it changed as it opened up.

Good by itself or with food.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged for 18 months in French Oak barrels. Kosher.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45. — 3 years ago