Wine Enthusiast - Israel wine notes

[David Raccah]

This was sent out by the Wine Enthusiast - I get the magazine, but I have yet to receive the print version with the write up and article around the kosher or Israeli wines.

Advance Buying Guide for April 2012
Wines
Wine is an important part of many religious occasions including the Jewish holiday Passover, where four cups of wine are consumed during the holiday dinner, or seder. Historically, the kosher wines consumed during this time have had a poor reputation in the minds of the consumer when compared to their non-kosher peers. Recent advances in production have created greater variety and improved quality in the kosher wine category, especially in selections from Israel.

April's Buying Guide begins with Israeli wines and continues on to present selections from Alsace, Australia, Chile, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the U.S.

Our Advance Buying Guide contains all the wines reviewed for the April issue, including hundreds that will not appear in the print magazine because of space considerations.

Finally, remember to visit our online Buying Guide (http://buyingguide.winemag.com/) for all of our more than 110,000 published reviews, complete with easy-to-print shelf talkers.

Spirits
You won't find London Dry gins in this month's Buying Guide, but you will find a diverse selection of gins that incorporate flavors such as saffron, black pepper or lemongrass. They're sure to give a new twist to your favorite gin cocktail.

Beers
Saisons (French for season) are a good way to get through the transition from the winter months to the warmer spring and summer ones thanks to their moderate alcohol and significant hop and spice flavors.

Click here for this issue's Advance Buying Guide (http://www.cprpt.com/WineEnthusiast/10002/redirect.asp?sid=32860&vid=0&lid=1426611)

David

[David Raccah]

OK, first just wanted to post the email - now for a better breakdown of the data. Some obvious points first - all wines are Israeli and kosher. Those two points are third rail enough, but we will move on. Most are Royal Wines, while the rest are Yarden wines.

Gary can fill us in with more data, but why not exapnd the article to include more wines that are Israeli and not Royal or Yarden, like Recanati or Dalton or etc. Also, why include more wines that are kosher from around the world - even if we stay just in the Royal portfolio?

I hope Gary can shed some light on these thoughts - though any news is good news is definitely correct here - the scores are nice and the wines are nice! Also, this is the usual article that is clearly written for Passover - but as always - good to see.

My initial thoughts:

1) Overall many of the scores are lower than Daniel's scores and many other forumites (myself include). Further, some are WAY higher than they should be - again both Daniels and other forumites.
2) The scores start with the whites and then go into the rest of the best buys and such - continue reading, the reds from Israel follow all those pictures/images.
3) Israeli whites continue to be under appreciated. I know Yossie will totally disagree with the score for the Blanc de Blanc
4) The red scores are a bit better and more in line with Daniel and my scores.
5) Some wines are still way over scored - like the Gamla wines. They are nice but not 90 point wines.
6) Some other INTERESTING points - there are many Flam wines throughout the lists that are not kosher but brought in by Royal - I doubt that. Also, they list the Shiloh Legend under Cab!
7) Lots of 2008 (shmitta) wines from Yarden - which is great with me - just a heads up
8 ) Lots of scores in the reds that are way under what they should be - which goes to prove a point that the hot weather wines (those showing date and raisin) are going to continue to score lower than the more balanced and constrained (old-world) wines.
9) Eli R correctly showed me that there are two "Best Buy" kosher wines from both Galil and Yarden that are after the Israeli white wines! Kudos to Galil and Yarden. With the Galil being an Editors Choice as well - though both are Shmitta wines (FYI)
10) Again to be fair - the Gamla 2009 The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee) also received a Editor's Choice - Kudos

That said - GREAT news overall and many wines that scored very well and have good notes. KUDOS to Royal and Yarden for getting WE to taste, score, and write up so many Israeli wines. I hope we see more of this and NOT just around the Passover time period.

David

[Gary J]

Gary can fill us in with more data, but why not exapnd the article to include more wines that are Israeli and not Royal or Yarden, like Recanati or Dalton or etc. Also, why include more wines that are kosher from around the world - even if we stay just in the Royal portfolio?

Thanks David. Royal Wine Corp sends wine in to the various critics who review Israeli wine. In this case Lauren Buzzeo, whom I respect very much professionally and like a lot personally. She knows her wine (and beer btw) and who was recently named Tasting Director by Wine Enthusiast. A far cry from the days of the low level critic being given low level wines (such as Israeli) to review.

My guess why she didn't write about more Israeli wines is that she was not sent more Israeli wines.

I hope Gary can shed some light on these thoughts - though any news is good news is definitely correct here - the scores are nice and the wines are nice! Also, this is the usual article that is clearly written for Passover - but as always - good to see.

My initial thoughts:

1) Overall many of the scores are lower than Daniel's scores and many other forumites (myself include). Further, some are WAY higher than they should be - again both Daniels and other forumites.

5) Some wines are still way over scored - like the Gamla wines. They are nice but not 90 point wines.

David - you are way too smart to make such an asinine comment. YOU may not think they are 90 point wines and that is certainly your prerogative. But to say they are "WAY higher than they should be" & "not 90 point wines"...please man, qualify that comment by saying "in my opinion"... To say that you know more than Lauren Buzzeo and are right while a professionally trained and seasoned taster is wrong...well, I believe you know how foolish it sounds.

8 ) Lots of scores in the reds that are way under what they should be - which goes to prove a point that the hot weather wines (those showing date and raisin) are going to continue to score lower than the more balanced and constrained (old-world) wines.

David...you are KILLING me man..."scores in the reds that are way under what they should be"....what does this mean??? Pleeeease....IN YOUR OPINION...OK, but stop insulting the intelligence of those on this forum.

10) Again to be fair - the Gamla 2009 The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee) also received a Editor's Choice - Kudos

Thanks!

That said - GREAT news overall and many wines that scored very well and have good notes. KUDOS to Royal and Yarden for getting WE to taste, score, and write up so many Israeli wines. I hope we see more of this and NOT just around the Passover time period.

David

[Pinchas L]

Thanks David. Royal Wine Corp sends wine in to the various critics who review Israeli wine. In this case Lauren Buzzeo, whom I respect very much professionally and like a lot personally. She's a cool chick who knows her wine (and beer btw) and who was recently named Tasting Director by Wine Enthusiast. A far cry from the days of the low level critic being given low level wines (such as Israeli) to review.

Gary,

To call a professional wine taster, or any women for that matter, in the context of a post "[a] cool chick," is sexist, and unprofessional. Consider editing your post and I'll remove my comment.

Best,
-> Pinchas

[David Raccah]

I must have gone through 4 or 5 different responses to your comments, before coming up with a response I know will not be too offensive In the end thanks for being part of the forum, and please remember that I never have or ever will be a person who takes his opinion too seriously - hence the reason why I love this forum!

David

[Gary J]

Thanks David. Royal Wine Corp sends wine in to the various critics who review Israeli wine. In this case Lauren Buzzeo, whom I respect very much professionally and like a lot personally. She's a cool chick who knows her wine (and beer btw) and who was recently named Tasting Director by Wine Enthusiast. A far cry from the days of the low level critic being given low level wines (such as Israeli) to review.

Gary,

To call a professional wine taster, or any women for that matter, in the context of a post "[a] cool chick," is sexist, and unprofessional. Consider editing your post and I'll remove my comment.

Best,
-> Pinchas

Wow... I have no idea how to react here. I was most concerned about offending my friend David. Little did I know I might offend others and come off as sexist. Pinchas - what might you suggest as another way for me to convey my respect & sincere admiration for a young woman whom I obviously hold in high regard?

Do others (females in particular - Yamit?) feel that my comment was sexist and unprofessional? I want to learn for myself and any future writing.

Thanks for bringing to my attention Pinchas. I will of course consider editing, but would be interested in hearing other opinions...

[Yakov F]

I'm with you Gary. The criticism shocked me and should have been checked out before condemning where the opposite was true. It was a manner of speech that if understood correctly was complimentary. To me it actually conveyed that you have regard for her as a person. Quite the opposite of sexism.

I believe you deserve an apology.

[Pinchas L]

Hi Yakov,

That Gary was complimenting Ms Buzzeo is besides the point, and I acknowledge that, though this form of complement is typically used when something other then ones professional abilities are being complimented. That my criticism seems so out of place so as to shock you, makes me wonder on what planet you reside. The form of speech Gary used is one that is used in an all boys club, and not one that is used when a modicum of respect and dignity is called for. I understand the cultural and social sensitivities play a role in determining whether or not this kind of language is acceptable, but given the broad audience of this forum I am firmly of the opinion that it should not be used here.

Best,
-> Pinchas

[Gary J]

I must have gone through 4 or 5 different responses to your comments, before coming up with a response I know will not be too offensive In the end thanks for being part of the forum, and please remember that I never have or ever will be a person who takes his opinion too seriously - hence the reason why I love this forum!

David

We are good David. I still love ya. Just that I feel comfortable enough with you at this point to call you out when I think it will benefit your overall impact. Though obviously, I may be way off base.

No worries either way. But in my very humble opinion you MAY want to consider qualifying your statements in the future...

[Gary J]

Hi Yakov,

That Gary was complimenting Ms Buzzeo is besides the point, and I acknowledge that, though this form of complement is typically used when something other then ones professional abilities are being complimented. That my criticism seems so out of place so as to shock you, makes me wonder on what planet you reside. The form of speech Gary used is one that is used in an all boys club, and not one that is used when a modicum of respect and dignity is called for. I understand the cultural and social sensitivities play a role in determining whether or not this kind of language is acceptable, but given the broad audience of this forum I am firmly of the opinion that it should not be used here.

Best,
-> Pinchas

Point taken Pinchas. In the mean streets of NYC (where I reside) it might be suitable, but you are right, given the broad audience it could be taken out of context. I have edited my initial post. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[Samuel A]

Hey Pinchas -

Where were you when David Raccah characterized Gary J as "PIMPING" his wine education videos on youtube?

You prefer "pimp" to "cool chick"?

Your planet sure has interesting rules of common decency

[Pinchas L]

Hi Samuel,

I don't comment on the language used by anyone from the West Coast.
Secondly, that was in reference to Royal Wines, did you really expect me to object.
Now do you want me to retract my criticism and condone the pimping of a cool chick on this forum?

But seriously, Adam had already called David out on that one, what else was there for me to do.

Best,
-> Pinchas

[Yamit E]

Well, Gary, what can I tell you.... I like to pick and choose my battles; and I am still licking my wounds from my post from the other day. I personally wasn't offended, and have been called worse, both in NYC and in Israel... But I could see how someone could conceivably take offense, particularly if they don't have an appreciation of the personal friendship that you have with the woman to which you are referring. Don't sweat it - I know you only had the best of intentions and have the highest regard for Lauren as a wine professional and a respected human being!

[Samuel A]

Very funny, Pinchas. That made my day!

[Pinchas L]

Hi Gary,

Thanks! Do you now want me to delete all of my comments, or has this thread taken on a life of its own and you are fine with it?

Best,
-> Pinchas

[Yakov F]

Hi Yakov,

That my criticism seems so out of place so as to shock you, makes me wonder on what planet you reside. The form of speech Gary used is one that is used in an all boys club, and not one that is used when a modicum of respect and dignity is called for.

Pinchas,

Speaking of the respect and dignity you claim to preach, and which your response to Gary sorely lacked, the planet I live on is one one that inquires before condemning, and one where the benefit of the doubt and a presumption of decency is granted. Is that not considered respectful and dignified on your planet? Your response to Gary and to me is much more reminiscent of an all boys club mentality than your misrepresentation of Gary's intent.

[Alek W]

Please excuse me for intruding, just wanted to note that Rogov would cut short this discussion long ago. In MY opinion.

[Pinchas L]

Yakov,

I never accused Gary of bad intentions. I object to the use of "cool chick," in reference to a cool and capable women, plain and simple.

Best,
-> Pinchas

[Gary J]

Well, Gary, what can I tell you.... I like to pick and choose my battles; and I am still licking my wounds from my post from the other day. I personally wasn't offended, and have been called worse, both in NYC and in Israel... But I could see how someone could conceivably take offense, particularly if they don't have an appreciation of the personal friendship that you have with the woman to which you are referring. Don't sweat it - I know you only had the best of intentions and have the highest regard for Lauren as a wine professional and a respected human being!

Thanks Yamit. And happy to hear it was taken in the intended context.

Hi Gary,

Thanks! Do you now want me to delete all of my comments, or has this thread taken on a life of its own and you are fine with it?

Best,
-> Pinchas

It is all good. Though this thread unfortunately took an unintended turn, it is what it is. No harm no foul.