Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
106 / the tasting panel / april 2015 David Herzog (right), Steve Padis and his daughter Alexis show off the Padis Vineyards "Brilliance" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The mevushal wine is made from grapes grown on steep hillsides on 15 acres in the Oak Knoll District. "The Mevushal process helps open the aromatics, if aged properly," explains Steve Padis. Earth, grilled meat and a phenomenal open- ness of fruit offer a wine that grips without tannins—lush and velvety. Gary Freeman of Oakland Kosher Wines told us, "Brilliance is one of the best kosher wines I have tasted in years. Capçanes Cellar Master Jürgen Wagner mesmerizes us every year with his Spanish wines. La flor del flor de primavera "Samsó" (Samsó is the varietal name for Carigneña in Spain's Monsant region) is 100% old vines Carineña, a big-bodied beauty that billows up with fresh fruit, not over-extracted, but subtle and forward, representing the best from primavera (springtime). Yatir Forest is the largest forest planted in Israel. With its high altitudes and cool climate in the Southern Judean Hills, the small, state-of-the-art Yatir winery is a joint venture between Carmel winery and the vineyard owners of the region. Making a star out of Petit Verdot, the 2010 Yatir blends in 15% Merlot and brings out ripe cherry and stunning violets in a New World passion of sunshine and soil. Oren Sela, owner/CEO of Israel's Tabor winery, is one of the most highly rated Israeli wines in the U.S. "These are great value kosher wines," Sela tells THE TASTING PANEL. None of these wines are above $20. We loved French-oak aged Tabor 2012 "Thunder," a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from the fertile Galilee at the foothills of Mt. Tabor. Grown in Terra Rosa soil and limestone, it is concen- trated and rich in fruit and minerality and bequeathed with stunning aromatics.