Awards, top ratings and gold medals keep flowing for kosher wines from all over the world. Over the last couple of weeks, the results of two highly regarded wine competitions have been published, proving once again that kosher wines compete very well with the best wines in the world.
The Golden Cluster competition is the most respected of its kind in Israel. Every year, a jury composed of winemakers, wine writers and sommeliers reviews hundreds of the latest released wines entered in the race for the coveted gold and silver medals.
The Tabor Adama II Zohar won a gold medal at the Golden Cluster. This original blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Colombard is as original as it is excellent, with aromas and flavors of fresh pear and citrus fruit.
Psâgot Winery can be reassured of having made the right choice when they hired the talented Yaacov Oryah as their new head winemaker. And Oryah can be proud, as the Chardonnay he made was selected among the top three Chardonnays. It is not so much of a surprise for those having tasted it, as this delicious wine is mouth-watering, with its flavors of lemons, apples and a touch of fresh butter.
Zion Winery was awarded a gold medal for its Armon as one of the best red blends, a full-bodied wine with aromas of dark berries, herbs and chocolate. It is an impressive achievement as this category is one of the most competitive for Israeli wines.
Netofa, Shiloh, Carmel, Teperberg and Bazelet Hagolan also won some well-deserved prizes in recognition of the quality of their wines.
Earlier this week, it was the 2016 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging that published its ratings. This competition counts among the most professional ones in America, as over 35 percent of the wines are randomly reevaluated to ensure the accuracy of the awards.
Herzog Wine Cellars, from California, scored some impressive results this year, as four of its wines won gold and double gold medals.
The Herzog Anniversary Edition Camouflage, a great and innovative field blend from 12 varieties grown in the Herzog family’s vineyard, won a gold medal. Gold medals were also awarded to the Baron Herzog Chardonnay as well as to the Baron Herzog Old Vines Zinfandel. These wines collect awards and the highest accolades almost every year. The Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc won the double gold medal. This delightful wine, which represents fantastic value for money, is a constant crowd-pleaser and a winner at professional tastings and competitions.
If these wines are so much acclaimed by the professional tasters, does it mean they would appeal also to the amateurs and occasional drinkers as well? There’s only one way to check: Try them out!
By Gabriel Geller, Kedem Wines
