Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
april 2014 / the tasting panel / 69 says eighth-generation Joseph Herzog, Director of Herzog Wine Cellars in California. His family's Royal Wine Corp., based out of New York and distributed nationally, has revolutionized the world's view of kosher wines, importing premium wines from 48 wineries in about 15 countries. FROM JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: MONTEFIORE New with Royal Wine Corp. is Kerem Montefiore, a small boutique winery founded in 2010 to celebrate the 150th anniver- sary of the first neighborhood out- side the Old City walls of Jerusalem, Mishkenot Sha'ananim. The grapes are grown in vineyards in the Judean Hills, where vines have grown since biblical times. The wines were launched in 2013 and have been praised by the press and connoisseurs. The New Israel Wine Guide listed Montefiore Red as one of Israel's top ten wines. FROM NAPA VALLEY, CA: HERZOG SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON As Joe Hurliman goes into his 16th harvest with Herzog Winery, his pet project is going into its fifth year. Every year since 2007 Hurliman has chosen a single vineyard from California's best growing regions from which to craft a luxury wine. Just released is the Herzog 2011 Basin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($75). "This is from a true microclimate," explains Hurliman. It comes from a 1,100-foot elevation in the northernmost part of Napa Valley—almost into Lake County. In 2011, this vineyard achieved a perfect ripeness and plenty of warm sun exposure. The wine aged for 18 months in oak [92% French and 8% American]." Asked why he chose this vineyard site, Hurliman replies: "I fell in love with the volcanic influence in the soil." The wine is focused, chewy, sinuous and broad. Cherry-coffee, pencil lead and vanilla-caramel-cedar lay the foundation for the dark black, plummy fruit that winds its way around the wine's savory depth. Arnon Geva is the founder and CEO of Kerem Montefiore. Herzog winemaker Joe Hurliman, with this year's "rock star" single-vineyard project release. Montefiore 2010 Petite Sirah, Judean Hills is aged in small French oak barrels for 14 months. Violets, grilled meats, blackberry and plum permeate this red, and with only 13% alcohol, its roundness is unlike many Petite Sirahs that rake the teeth and tongue with huge tannins. Limestone soil show- cases a lean minerality. "Wherever there is great wine to be produced, we are there," TP0414_034-71.indd 69 3/21/14 2:42 PM