The High Holidays are right around the corner and I thought this would be a good time to sample a few kosher wines in case you need some recommendations. If you are having friends over during the holidays you might need to have something on hand that your friends will enjoy. Rosh Hashanah is on September 29th. Most people are fasting on this day. So, plan on having a "break the fast" meal at your place on Yom Kippur which is on October 9th.
My first attempt at drinking any kosher wines was terrible. The only kosher wine I was familiar with growing up was Mogen David which is what was served on Friday nights at the temple. Immediately following the service there was Kiddush, which is the prayer said over wine, and traditionally announces the beginning of the Sabbath.
I remember my fright when I was invited over to a friend's house for a second night Passover Seder. I asked "What could I bring?" "Why don't you bring the wine?" my friend replied. Somehow, I knew Mogen David was not going to cut it. So my journey began.
As Passover got closer that year, I called my friend and asked if I should bring red or white hoping this would make it easier for me. "Bring a couple of each", he replied. I survived and we did not have Mogen David that night, or any Seder night since.
In those days, I did not have a friendly wine retailer so I went to the city's largest liquor store and asked the guy there for some advice. One of the wine brands he told me about was Baron Herzog. Recently I had a chance to sample the Baron Herzog Chardonnay. Here's the report:
Baron Herzog
2004 Chardonnay - Central Coast
13.5% Alc by Vol $6.99
Kosher for Passover Mevushal
Baron Herzog
This Chardonnay comes from the Central Coast and Russian River area. The grapes are fermented in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks for 7 months. On the nose, there is a hint of oak but it is light and not a heavy smell. There was a hint of fruit like a grapefruit essence. The smell reminded me of the buttery smell of J Lohr Chardonnay. The taste was also reminiscent of the J Lohr Chard. Very light oak in the taste and it was very nice on the palate.
You can take a look at the front label of this wine right here: Baron Herzog 2004 Chardonnay Front Label
Baron Herzog winery is going green with sustainable winegrowing. From the back label comes this statement, "Reflecting our desire to improve the environment, Baron Herzog Wines are produced utilizing "sustainable winegrowing policies and practices" directed toward improving our wines and our environment. To learn more, visit our website at Baron Herzog ."
Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.?
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