Dignitary by Sonoma-Loeb – Pinot Noir – 2023
Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Crafted under the Sonoma-Loeb label and guided by renowned winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus, this is a polished, approachable Pinot Noir made in small lots. 100% Mevushal and Kosher for Passover, yet impressively fresh and varietally true, it leans toward the generous, juicy side of Sonoma County while retaining enough brightness to stay balanced and food-friendly.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, strawberry compote, plum skin, and hints of baking spice. A subtle touch of vanilla rounds it out without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, soft, and easygoing. The tannins are silky, the acidity moderate, and the overall texture smooth and inviting, perfect for casual sipping or pairing.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken, turkey with herbs, salmon teriyaki, mushroom pizza, or lighter pasta dishes.
Verdict
A friendly, fruit-driven Sonoma Pinot Noir with the signature polish Phillip Corallo-Titus brings to every project. Juicy, clean, and well-crafted, an excellent Mevushal Pinot option that doesn’t compromise on character.
Did You Know?
Sonoma-Loeb was founded in 1990 by Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr., originally focused on boutique Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from top cooler-climate vineyards. Phillip Corallo-Titus has been the winemaker guiding the program for over three decades. — 3 days ago
Flowers Vineyards & Winery – Chardonnay – 2022
Sonoma Coast AVA – Sonoma County, California 🇺🇸
Overview
A pure expression of the broader Sonoma Coast AVA, this Chardonnay blends fruit from multiple coastal sites to deliver Flowers’ signature style: bright, fresh, and mineral-driven. Less oak-forward and less textural tension than their single-vineyard bottlings, this cuvée leans into steeliness, lift, and coastal clarity. Tropical fruit plays a leading role while creaminess takes a gentle back seat, exactly the balance that makes this wine so inviting.
Aromas & Flavors
Pineapple, Meyer lemon, green apple, and white peach, intertwined with coastal salinity, crushed shells, and light honeysuckle. Subtle hints of vanilla and toasted almond sit quietly in the background.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, clean, and vibrant. Marked by high natural acidity and a steely mineral line that keeps everything refreshing. The finish is bright and persistent, more fruit-driven than creamy.
Food Pairings
Lemon-herb chicken, grilled halibut, shrimp linguine, caprese salad, or sushi with citrus accents.
Verdict
A beautifully balanced, coastally expressive Chardonnay that prioritizes freshness over opulence. Tropical lift, minerality, and gentle oak integration make this a standout for those who prefer precision over butter.
Did You Know?
Flowers was one of the pioneers of the far Sonoma Coast, planting vineyards in the early 1990s when few believed coastal farming was viable. Their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is crafted to showcase the AVA as a whole, combining multiple sites to capture the region’s signature brightness and maritime drive. — 4 days ago
The Cave – Red Blend – 2020
Galilee, Israel 🇮🇱
Overview
A powerful Bordeaux-inspired blend composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot, sourced from high-elevation vineyards in the Upper Galilee. Aged 24 months in French oak inside the historic Carmel Mountain cave, a naturally cool, humidity-stable cellar that shapes the wine’s depth and structure. Mevushal / Kosher for Passover.
Aromas & Flavors
Dark mulberries, black plum, and blackberry compote meet cedar, mahogany wood, espresso, and subtle graphite. The Petit Verdot adds an herbal-floral edge, giving the wine both muscle and nuance.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, assertive tannins and a deep, wood-toned intensity. Concentrated, layered, and long, with an oaky spine that lingers on the finish.
Food Pairings
Braised lamb shoulder, smoky short ribs, aged Gouda, slow-roasted brisket, or charred portobello mushrooms.
Verdict
One of Israel’s most characterful red blends, bold, structured, and cellar-worthy. The interplay of fruit density, mineral tension, and pronounced oak makes this a standout Mevushal wine for those who appreciate power and polish. Cheers!
Did You Know?
The Cave winery ages its wines in a 250-year-old man-carved cave in Carmel Mountain, originally quarried in the 18th century and repurposed in the 19th century as a brandy cellar. Its natural insulation provides ideal conditions for long élevage, giving these wines their signature depth and aging potential. — 3 days ago
Old Winery Road – Sauvignon Blanc – 2024
Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A 100% Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc that leans more muscular and textured than the typical coastal expressions. Still bright and refreshing, but with added depth, weight, and ripeness that reflect Napa’s warmer valley-floor influence.
Aromas & Flavors
Grassy freshness layered with citrus zest, ripe pear, white peach, and hints of gooseberry. Subtle floral and herbal tones add complexity without losing purity.
Mouthfeel
Crisp yet fuller-bodied, offering a broader mid-palate than many California SBs. Clean acidity keeps the wine lifted, while the finish is refreshing, dry, and neatly polished.
Food Pairings
Grilled shrimp, ceviche, fennel–orange salads, herbed chicken, goat cheese crostini, or light pasta with lemon cream.
Verdict
A bolder, more complex take on Sauvignon Blanc that still delivers the clarity and crisp finish SB lovers expect. Fresh, grassy, and confidently Napa in style, an enjoyable, satisfying bottle.
Did You Know?
Old Winery Road references one of California’s earliest premium winery sites, originally established in 1857. It stands among the oldest historic winery legacies in the entire state and helped shape Northern California’s early winegrowing identity. — 3 days ago
Flowers – Pinot Noir – 2023
Fort Ross–Seaview AVA – Sonoma Coast, California 🇺🇸
Overview
An extraordinary expression of extreme-coast Pinot Noir from one of California’s most dramatic AVAs. Sourced from Flowers’ high-elevation, wind-swept ridge sites planted directly above the Pacific, this 2023 Fort Ross–Seaview bottling captures the brightness, purity, and natural tension that define the far Sonoma Coast. A stunning balance of freshness, precision, and site-driven finesse, easily one of my favorites from this AVA.
Aromas & Flavors
Vivid red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and rose petal, supported by crushed coastal herbs, orange rind, and a whisper of sea-spray minerality. Oak is subtle and beautifully integrated, offering gentle spice without overshadowing the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Energetic, lifted, and exceptionally pure. Silky tannins glide across the palate while the natural coastal acidity delivers brightness and length. The finish is long, vibrant, and deeply expressive of its ocean-cooled origin.
Food Pairings
Seared tuna, roasted duck breast, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or soft-ripened cheeses.
Verdict
A true benchmark for the far Sonoma Coast. Fresh, bright, and impeccably made, this is Flowers at their most brilliant. For Pinot lovers, this is absolutely a must-try.
Did You Know?
Fort Ross–Seaview is one of the most extreme viticultural zones in California, with vineyards often planted above the fog line at 1,000–1,800 ft. elevation. This elevation split creates naturally high acidity, low yields, and an intense purity of fruit that you can taste in every sip. — 4 days ago
Covenant – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023
Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸
Overview
A bold, expressive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Covenant, crafted in a richer “valley-floor” style with generous ripeness and concentration. This bottling shows Covenant’s signature combination of power and polish, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon and produced as a Non-Mevushal and vegan-certified wine, an excellent option for those seeking upscale kosher reds with true Napa character.
Aromas & Flavors
Black currant, blackberry compote, cassis, baking spice, cedar, a touch of mocha, and subtle graphite. Ripe yet not overdone, the fruit leads, but there’s enough structure to keep it focused.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, plush, and deeply fruited. Smooth tannins wrap around the palate with richness and warmth, supported by balanced acidity. The finish is long, dark, and satisfying, classic modern Napa Cab energy.
Food Pairings
Ribeye steak, lamb chops, brisket, barbecue short ribs, mushroom-braised dishes, or aged cheddar.
Verdict
A powerful, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Napa Valley boldness. Approachable now, yet structured enough to improve with short-term aging. A high-impact, Non-Mevushal kosher Cabernet that easily stands toe-to-toe with many mainstream Napa labels.
Did You Know?
Covenant was founded by Jeff Morgan, a chef-turned-winemaker who helped redefine the identity of premium kosher wines in California. His stylistic goal has always been simple: make world-class wines first, that also happen to be kosher. — 3 days ago
Hajdu – Rosé – 2025
California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A vibrant kosher rosé from California with a profile that immediately evokes the charming, fruit-forward style of Rosé d’Anjou from the Loire Valley. Soft, inviting, and effortlessly drinkable, this rosé leans into freshness and friendly aromatics rather than sharp acidity or austerity.
Aromas & Flavors
Red berries, strawberry compote, watermelon rind, and a touch of white peach. Hints of soft florals add an elegant lift, keeping it playful yet refined.
Mouthfeel
Round, smooth, and lightly off-dry in impression, even if technically dry. Medium acidity keeps the wine balanced, with a supple texture that makes it incredibly approachable.
Food Pairings
Perfect with salads, mezze spreads, sushi rolls, shrimp cocktails, or casual cheese boards. Also ideal as an aperitif on a warm day.
Verdict
A delightful, easygoing California rosé with Loire-like charm, soft, fruity, and refreshing. A great choice for anyone seeking a friendly kosher rosé with real personality.
Did You Know?
Hajdu is one of California’s most respected boutique kosher producers, known for small-lot, minimal-intervention wines that highlight freshness and purity of fruit.
— 3 days ago
Flowers – Pinot Noir – 2023
Sea View Ridge – Sonoma Coast (Fort Ross–Seaview), California 🇺🇸
Overview
The pinnacle of the Flowers portfolio, Sea View Ridge is a pure and breathtaking expression of the far Sonoma Coast. Farmed and vinified from their dramatic estate vineyard overlooking the Pacific, this 2023 bottling captures the harmony, balance, and energetic freshness that define some of the most exhilarating Pinot Noirs in California.
Aromas & Flavors
Bright cherry, pomegranate, wild berries, rose petal, and a whisper of coastal herbs. Subtle forest floor and mineral lift add depth without overshadowing the purity of fruit.
Mouthfeel
Elegant, vibrant, and perfectly weighted. Silky tannins guide a precise, flowing texture, while the natural acidity keeps everything lifted. The finish lingers gracefully on the back palate—longer, deeper, and more resonant than the regional cuvées.
Food Pairings
Wild mushroom risotto, herb-roast chicken, grilled salmon, duck confit, or alpine cheeses like Comté and Gruyère.
Verdict
A masterclass in coastal Pinot Noir. Seamless balance, coastal tension, and expressive clarity make this the crown jewel of Flowers’ lineup. For any true Pinot lover, this is an essential benchmark of the Sonoma Coast.
Did You Know?
Sea View Ridge sits more than 1,400 ft. above sea level, planted directly on wind-exposed coastal ridgelines. These extreme conditions yield naturally small berries with intense flavor concentration, one reason the wine shows such purity, brightness, and length.
— 4 days ago
Domaine de Fontenille – Sauvignon Blanc – 2024
Pouilly-Fumé AOP – Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc from the eastern bank of the Loire River, directly across from Sancerre. This 2024 Pouilly-Fumé highlights the appellation’s signature flinty minerality (“fumé”) with a clean, focused, and refreshing profile. More expressive than expected for the price point, and surprisingly elegant.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, lime peel, and fresh pear layered with wet stone, subtle smoke, and chalky minerality. Crisp, bright, and linear, with a purity that leans toward the leaner, more textural side of Loire Sauvignon Blanc.
Mouthfeel
Dry, energetic, and sharp, medium-light in body with elevated acidity and a long minerally finish. Refreshing and beautifully balanced without any heaviness.
Food Pairings
Oysters, scallops, goat cheese crostini, sushi, ceviche, grilled white fish, or simple salads with citrus vinaigrette. Also excellent with herb-roasted chicken or asparagus dishes.
Verdict
A flinty, refined Pouilly-Fumé that outperforms expectations at this tier. Clean, mineral-driven, refreshing, and stellar value. Elegant simplicity done right.
Did You Know?
Pouilly-Fumé gets its name from the “smoky” flint soils (silex) that often impart a subtle gunflint or smoky edge unique to the appellation, one of the key differences between Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre. — 5 days ago
Freddy R. Troya
Pradis Vineyards – “Brilliance” Red Wine – 2021
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A powerful, Cabernet-driven Napa red that lives up to its name. Deeply concentrated, meticulously crafted, and designed to make an impression from the first sip. The 2021 vintage shows remarkable purity of fruit, structure, and precision, the kind of wine that immediately delivers the “whoa” factor.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, and dark plum layered with cocoa dust, graphite, cedar, and a hint of warm spice. The fruit expression is bold yet clean, with evolving notes that unfold as the wine opens.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and great mid-palate density. Multilayered and progressive, it carries intensity without heaviness. The finish is long, structured, and confidently built.
Food Pairings
Ribeye with rosemary butter, slow-braised beef short ribs, grilled portobello mushrooms, pecorino romano, or a peppery New York strip.
Verdict
A striking, expressive Napa Cabernet-style red that overdelivers on impact and finesse. If bold structure, richness, and precision are your style, Brilliance stands tall among the emerging stars of modern Napa craftsmanship.
Did You Know?
Pradis Vineyards established the “Brilliance” label to showcase small-lot Cabernet expressions sourced from select hillside parcels, focusing on concentration, purity, and minimal intervention winemaking to let the vineyard speak with clarity.
— 2 days ago