Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Razi’el – Red Blend – 2021
Jerusalem – Haute Judée (Judean Hills), Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A beautifully crafted Mediterranean red blend dominated by 70% Syrah, 25% Carignan, and 5% Grenache, grown at high elevation (≈700 meters) in the Judean Hills near Jerusalem. Hand-picked fruit, fermented with care, and aged 18 months in French oak, this bottling is a striking example of how Israel’s terroirs can mirror, and sometimes rival, the finesse of top Rhône estates. A Not “Mevushal” wine.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark berries, plum skin, violets, roasted herbs, cracked pepper, and a touch of smoky mineral. The Carignan brings juiciness and lift; the Grenache contributes subtle red-fruited charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet structured, expressive yet refined. Medium-plus body with excellent balance and tension. The finish is long, smooth, and beautifully integrated, remarkably elegant for a warm-climate blend.

Food Pairings
Lamb shawarma, herb-roasted chicken, grilled eggplant, beef kebabs, mushroom ragù, or Provençal stews.

Verdict
A sophisticated, Rhône-inspired red with Israeli soul. Juicy, polished, and impressively detailed, far more refined than many expect from the region. This is a world-class offering and a standout in the Kosher category. A Not “Mevushal” wine that truly delivers.

Did You Know?
Razi’el is produced by the Ben Zaken family of Domaine du Castel, one of Israel’s most influential wineries. Planted in limestone-rich, high-altitude vineyards, the site naturally channels a Rhône-like profile, cool nights, rocky soils, and intense sun exposure working together to produce wines of concentration and elegance. — 8 days ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A blend of Syrah, CS, PV and Merlot. Very round and smooth — 9 months ago

Stuart Pollack

9.4

Another hit from Tzora. Excellent Sauvignon Blanc provides strong citrus flavors that are perfectly balanced by Chardonnay to create an elegant white wine. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Five Stones Vineyards – Nobility 215a White Blend – 2023
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A tribute cuvée composed of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in French oak. The 2023 vintage sits beautifully between the richer 2021 and the brighter 2024, showing greater depth, more mid-palate weight, and a remarkably polished finish, arguably the most complete expression of Nobility 215a to date.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pear, baked apple, lemon curd, and subtle pineapple, woven with toasted brioche, vanilla bean, and delicate spice. Compared to 2024, this vintage reveals more concentration, smoother integration of oak, and a gentle mineral note that adds refinement.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body, rounder and more structured than 2024, with a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity. The finish is long, elegant, and beautifully layered, showing the precision of high-altitude Judean Hills fruit.

Food Pairings
Butter-poached halibut, roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta, seared scallops, or soft Mediterranean cheeses.

Verdict
The 2023 Nobility 215a is the standout vintage, richer than 2024, more focused than 2021, and exceptionally well-balanced. A sophisticated Israeli white showcasing tension, elegance, and depth in perfect harmony.

Did You Know?
“Nobility 215a” honors Sergeant Maj. Yitzhak Tamir, whose radio code (215a) became a symbol of courage during the Yom Kippur War. The wine was created as a tribute to his legacy. — 8 days ago

Iwan

9.2

Castel always delivers. Elegant. — 9 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Zwebner Estate Vineyard Judean Mountains 35.6.18 Red 2017, Bethlehem

#KosherWineSunday

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, black plums, currants, raspberries, light oak, spices, chocolates, licorice, coffee, tobacco leaf, herbs, earth, peppercorn and black tea.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 6 year old red blend from the Judean Mountains in Israel, is showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel. Elegant and spicy.

Fruit forward right out of the bottle, and even better after an hour of airtime.

This Single Vineyard is good by itself or with food. A great sipping wine.

I Had the 2015 a few years ago, and it is very consistent. Delicious stuff.

A blend of Grenache, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Kosher.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$50. — 2 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.0

Very tanin. Needs more years — 2 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.3

A tasty Syrah from the Judean hills. Good dark garnet color, pleasant nose and a smooth palate — 6 months ago

Harvey Raben

9.1

This is a very concentrated wine with lots of black fruit and spices. The palate is complex and layered. The blend of Merlot and Cabernet carries the day.The. Petit verdot provides substantial color making this wine opaque. — 8 months ago

"Odedi"

9.5

#AgedWineTuesday

Dark ruby in color with a reddish brick rim.

Pretty nose and dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing plums, cooked cherries, light oak, spices, vanilla, licorice, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, wet leaves and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This 17 year old is peaking now. Soft and rich, yet elegant. A gorgeous wine.

A great sipping wine to have all by itself, and will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

I've had a few vintages of this Cabernet, old and young, but this one was the best so far.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. Aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Unfiltered and kosher.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

95 points.

$75. — 2 years ago