Yarden 2T 2009

The 2009 Yarden 2T was the talk of Vinexpo in Bordeaux this year. This intriguing blend of two Portuguese varieties, Tinta Cao and Touriga Nacional, drew international wine experts to the Golan Heights Winery’s booth at the festival. One Portuguese producer thanked the Israelis, “for treating our varieties so well.” A true compliment.

Spicy chocolate aromas from the 2T envelop the senses and these are balanced out by the long berry and plum flavors that linger on the palate. This wine is full bodied and has a very concentrated flavor that will accompany any number of beef or lamb dishes.

Galil Mountain, Yiron 2009

An award winning wine gracing the shelves this Rosh HaShannah is the Galil Mountain Winery’s 2009 Yiron blend which picked up the Israel prize at the Citadelles du Vin awards. This wine also hit the headlines this year when stars of TV’s scandal were blown away by the quality of Israeli wines on a recent press trip to the country with the Yiron being a particular favorite.

Deep red in color, the 2009 Yiron displays strong aromas of berries, blueberry and cassis on a background of vanilla and toasted oak. With a unique flavor, perhaps enhanced by the small amount of Petit Verdot in the blend, (in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), this wine is a great accompaniment to a festive meal.

Gilgal Chardonnay

White wine, when paired correctly, can undoubtedly enhance a festive meal. Given that this year Rosh HaShannah is bordered by Shabbat, the change in wine style will demark yet another festive meal.

For a refreshing white wine, the Gilgal Chardonnay fits the bill.  Chardonnay is a beloved wine variety and in recent years the Gilgal series has developed a reputation as an affordable brand with an unusually high quality. The Gilgal Chardonnay’s fresh, fruitiness balances well with the sweetness and light acidity of its lively citrus notes. It is aged for four months in oak barrels, lending it a subtle richness complementing the ripe notes of pear, lemon, and tropical fruits present in every glass.

While the Gilgal Chardonnay will go perfectly with a varied range of poultry or fish dishes, this Rosh HaShannah, try it with roasted chicken and apple salsa.

And for dessert….

Yarden Heightswine 2011

The Yarden Heightswine has become the talk of the kosher wine world. Once, the very mention of sweet, kosher wine produced memories of the sickly sweet beverage marketed as a sacramental wine. Thankfully this stigma has been rebuffed by the award winning wines being produced in Israel and worldwide. Most are now aware that sweet wine can be elegant, mouth-watering and of an extremely high quality; the Yarden Heightswine is proof of this.

Having won an international award in almost every continent, this dessert wine knocked competitors out of the water when it won the best sweet wine at the recent Decanter awards in London. The 2011 Yarden Heightswine showcases an intense and aromatic mix of litchi, pineapple, apricot, melon and citrus characters with a subtle hint of honeysuckle and spice. Such a luxurious wine can be served as a dessert on its own or accompany a rich fruit tart to make this a truly Sweet New Year.