Blog Post #629
Drappier Vintage Champagne!!
Champagne Drappier is truly one of my favorite champagnes, and I’m thrilled that they’ve introduced one of the first, if not the first, kosher vintage champagnes. This is a significant milestone, as vintage champagnes are rare in the kosher world, yet they’re a staple in the non-kosher world. Kudos to Royal Wine Corp and Drappier for pushing boundaries and offering something truly unique!
The Drappier Millesime Exception 2018 has officially been released, and its limited production has made it a highly sought-after gem. Those who have managed to acquire a bottle are indeed among the fortunate few. We can only hope that Royal Wine Corp and Drappier will produce more exceptional vintages in the future. For now, let’s take a closer look at this remarkable cuvée and explore the nuances of vintage champagne.
Champagne, that quintessential sparkling wine from France’s eponymous region, boasts a rich heritage and an air of sophistication. Within the world of champagne, vintage cuvées stand out for their exceptional quality and distinctive character. These wines are crafted from grapes harvested in a single year, carefully vinified to showcase the unique nuances of that particular vintage.
Vintage champagne is distinguished by its singular expression of terroir and climate. The careful selection and vinification process imbue each bottle with the essence of its birth year, reflecting the subtleties of weather patterns, soil quality, and grape ripeness. This attention to detail and commitment to quality result in a product that is often considered superior to non-vintage blends.
One of the hallmarks of vintage champagne is its remarkable aging potential. As these wines mature, they develop complex flavors and aromas, revealing new layers of depth and sophistication. For the discerning wine enthusiast, vintage champagne offers a rich and nuanced experience, perfect for savoring on special occasions or pairing with exquisite cuisine.
Whether you’re marking a milestone event or simply indulging in a passion for fine wine, vintage champagne is an exceptional choice. Its unique character and storied heritage make it a true connoisseur’s delight, offering a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression.
The Drappier Millesime Exception 2018 has an open nose, with great power and remarkable complexity. It reveals spicy and floral aromas. On the pallet, this vintage offers, an exotic array of flavors, where licorice notes, intertwine, bringing unexpected depth and richness. The tasting concludes with a refreshing finish.
I was fortunate enough to secure a bottle thanks to my persistence and early whispers about the vintage champagne’s development. Having been informed of its limited nature, I had been inquiring with my local supplier for months. Although I typically purchase significant quantities of champagne, I had hoped to acquire a case or two of this exceptional vintage. However, it turned out to be even more scarce than anticipated, with stores being allocated only one case in total which undoubtedly got sold to their most valued customers.
Despite its price tag, which is twice that of their other kosher cuvées, the Drappier Millesime Exception 2018 showcased exceptional quality and characteristics that rival some of the finest kosher champagnes I’ve had the pleasure of trying – champagnes that typically command a significantly higher price point. For me, this is a testament to the excellence of the Drappier name, which shines brightly alongside its outstanding and unique beauty.
As a champagne obsessor, I’m absolutely delighted with what Royal Wine Corp and Drappier have achieved. If you can get your hands on a bottle, I highly recommend that you do. Store it in a cool and dark place and only open it years and years later for one of the warmest and brightest moments in your life! L’chaim.
Blog Post #628
A Journey Through the Kosher Wines of Napa Valley and Beyond
Last May, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Napa Valley, one of the world’s premier wine regions. As kosher wine enthusiasts, we were thrilled to explore the best kosher wines and wineries in the area. Our journey began at Covenant Winery in Berkeley, where we were warmly welcomed and treated to an exceptional tasting experience. The wine maker took us on a behind-the-scenes tour, even climbing through the barrels to give us samples of some of the most amazing wines.
Next, we headed to Hagafen Winery, the only fully kosher winery in Napa Valley. We were blown away by the quality and variety of their wines, and we had the pleasure of speaking with the wine maker for over an hour. The passion and expertise that goes into crafting each bottle of wine is truly inspiring.
At Marciano Estate, we were treated to a private tasting in the barrel room. The wines were exceptional, and the estate’s beauty was breathtaking. We felt like we were in a different world, surrounded by rows of barrels well, just outside the vines and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze was truly remarkable and a testament to why their scenery is what’s on their label of their flagship wine.
Mayacamas Estate was another highlight of our trip. The tour of the rolling hills and vineyards was stunning, and the wines were truly exceptional. Sipping on a wonderful bottle of white wine while overlooking Napa Valley was truly something. We felt grateful to have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the estate and the passion of the wine makers.
After exploring Napa Valley, we headed to the Santa Cruz mountains to visit Four Gates Winery, a kosher boutique winery renowned for its exceptional wines. We were warmly welcomed by the famed wine maker, Benyo, who took us on a tour of the mountain and introduced us to some of his magnificent wines. We also shared some of the wines we had brought along from our previous visits, and the tasting was truly unforgettable(in part because my fellow Kosher Wine Guy can really cook and manned the barbecue for us all!).
One of the highlights of our trip was walking through the various vineyards while sipping on wine. The combination of the beautiful scenery, the fresh air, and the exceptional wines was truly otherworldly. We felt like we were in a different world surrounded by nature’s beauty and the passion of the wine makers.
Our trip to Napa Valley and beyond was truly a trip of a lifetime. We were blessed with an amazing experience, and we feel grateful to have had the opportunity to explore some of the world’s best kosher wines. As we look back on our journey, we can’t help but feel inspired to continue exploring the world of wine.
Now that we’ve experienced the magic of Napa Valley, we’re eager to continue our journey and explore other wine regions around the world. Our next stop? Bordeaux, France! We’re excited to visit some of the famous châteaux and taste some of the world’s most renowned wines. We hope to create more unforgettable memories and continue to share our passion for kosher wine with others.
Our trip to Napa Valley and beyond was an unforgettable experience that we’ll always treasure. We’re grateful for the opportunity to explore some of the world’s best kosher wines and to meet some of the passionate wine makers who craft these exceptional wines. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue our journey and explore more of the world’s wine regions.
To Age or Not to Age: That Is the (Wine) Question
When it comes to aging wine, there two kinds of people. On one side, you’ve got the “instant gratification” crowd who insist that great wine is ready to enjoy straight off the retail shelf. “Why fuss with cellars and wait years?” they ask. “It tastes great now!” On the other side, you’ll find the “dusty bottle devotees,” those who believe that the older the wine, the better—regardless of the grape, the storage conditions, or whether the wine was even meant to age in the first place. They’ll spot some dusty bottles in grocery store’s wine section from many moons ago and believe they’ve struck vinous gold.
The truth? It’s not quite that simple. Wine, much like us, goes through a life cycle—beginning in youth with bold energy and raw edges, maturing into something deeper and more refined, and eventually, if left too long, fading into tiredness. But unlike us, not every wine benefits from a long life.
Only wines with the right structural backbone—fruit concentration, tannins, and acidity—have the potential to transform and improve with age.
Let’s break that down:
Fruit concentration is all about quality—from the vineyard to the winemaker’s technique to the weather during the growing season. If the wine tastes thin or muted, it’s probably not built to last.
Tannins—those mouth-drying compounds from grape skins and seeds—are essential. They give the wine structure and the ability to evolve.
Acidity, that lip-smacking zing that makes you salivate, acts like a preservative and helps keep the wine fresh as it matures.
These three elements work together like a well-rehearsed trio. Over time, they bond into more complex compounds, changing the wine’s flavor and texture. Eventually, these compounds form sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing—proof of transformation in action. Meanwhile, what you’re left with in the glass is smoother, more layered, and filled with those elusive tertiary flavors: dried fruit, leather, earth, and spice.
Even the wine’s appearance changes. Bright purple and ruby hues slowly give way to warm tawny and amber tones, mirroring the deepening complexity of flavor.
But here’s the kicker—not all wines are cut out for this kind of glow-up. Simple reds, rosés, and light-bodied whites are made to be enjoyed young, fresh, and lively. Let them sit too long, and they lose what made them charming in the first place.
If you do find a wine with aging potential, proper storage is key. Think cool, dark, and stable—around 55°F, on its side, with moderate humidity, and minimal movement. Buy it young, give it a good home, and let time do the rest.
Many wine lovers buy multiple bottles of a promising wine and open them at different points in its evolution. It’s like watching a movie in chapters—each stage offers something new. Some prefer the juicy fruit-forward flair of youth, while others are drawn to the depth and elegance that only time can bring. Neither is wrong—it’s all about personal taste and curiosity.
So, should you age your wine? It depends on the wine—and on you. Aging wine isn’t just about patience or prestige. It’s a journey, one that blends science with art, timing with taste. Whether you pop the cork today or ten years from now, the best wine is the one you enjoy drinking. Cheers to making that choice with confidence and a touch of adventure.
Blog Post #626
Welcome to Kosher Wine Guys! My Endless Problem!!
*The Wine Collector’s Conundrum: Storage Woes and the Allure of New Vintages*
As wine collectors, we’re constantly torn between two passions: accumulating exceptional wines and finding adequate storage space for our growing collections. It’s a never-ending cycle of desire and dilemma.
On one hand, we’re driven to acquire the latest and greatest vintages, often without considering the practical implications. A new release from a renowned winemaker, a rare bottling, or an exceptional vintage can spark an irresistible urge to add it to our collection.
On the other hand, our storage spaces are often already bursting at the seams. Climate-controlled cellars, wine fridges, and even makeshift storage solutions are frequently pushed to their limits. We’re left wondering where we’ll find room for the next coveted bottle.
This stress-inducing paradox is a rite of passage for many wine collectors. We rationalize our purchases, convincing ourselves that we’ll somehow magically create more space or that the new bottle will replace an existing one (though we know it rarely does).
The allure of new vintages is powerful, and our desire to stay current with the latest releases often outweighs practical considerations. We fret about missing out on a remarkable wine, fearing it will become unattainable or skyrocket in value.
So, how do we reconcile this passion-driven conundrum?
*Strategies for the Storage-Challenged Wine Collector*
1. *Reassess and reorganize*: Take stock of your collection and storage space. Consider consolidating bottles, reconfiguring your storage layout, or investing in space-saving solutions.
2. *Prioritize and focus*: Set clear goals for your collection, focusing on specific regions, grape varieties, or styles. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and make more targeted buying decisions.
3. *Explore alternative storage options*: Consider renting a wine storage locker, using a climate-controlled storage facility, or investing in a wine storage unit for your home.
4. *Trade and sell*: Periodically review your collection and consider trading or selling bottles that no longer fit your focus or are duplicates. This will help you make room for new additions and maintain a curated collection.
5. *Seek support and community*: Connect with fellow wine collectors, join online forums or local wine groups, and attend wine events. Sharing experiences and advice with like-minded enthusiasts can help you navigate the challenges of wine collecting.
In the end, the thrill of the hunt and the joy of sharing exceptional wines with friends and family make the storage struggles worthwhile. So, go ahead and indulge in that new vintage – just be sure to make room for it first!
