Yarden: In The Press 2024

FIOR SCOTCH

Fior Scotch is the only U.S. veteran-owned Scotch, and only Black-owned Scotch, available on the market. Fior Scotch stands out not only for its exceptional quality but also for the remarkable journey that led to its creation. After a distinguished 20-year military career with three tours in Iraq and two in Okinawa, Dominijanni started to mix a variety of his good scotches into a mixture which ultimately turned into a super blend! To fulfill his dream, Major Dominijanni tapped an industry expert to help recreate it. Fior Scotch is now conveniently available for online purchase nationwide online. With each bottle purchased, a donation is given to veterans’ causes, including Operation Gratitude.

GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY

Golan Heights Winery is proud to announce the debut of Yarden Cru Elite, the first single-vineyard, single-block duo of wines specially crafted to commemorate the winery’s 40th anniversary. Yarden Cru Elite is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, meticulously cultivated in individual blocks from the Bar’on Vineyard. These two exceptional wines are available exclusively as pairs and are the first to bear the prestigious “Yarden Cru Elite” designation, representing the pinnacle of winemaking quality from Israel. Golan Heights Winery has produced price of $2,000. Imported by Yarden Wines in the U.S. and available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers, as well as online.

GRAND BRULOT

Grand Brulot combines the finest VSOP Cognac with rich Robusta coffee from Ecuador for the ultimate palate-pleasing blend that doesn’t overpower or underplay its two key ingredients. Grand Brulot revives a 200-plus-year-old French tradition where rich coffee was blended with Cognac to create an exquisite tasting drink: The Brulôt. Hand-crafted by the Tardy family on their estate in the Cognac region of France, cellar master Christoph Tardy meticulously selects the finest ‘eaux de vie’ to craft a unique VSOP Cognac which is blended with premium Ecuadorian 100% Robusta coffee beans selected for their concentrated richness. The blend is then aged in French oak barrels to allow the melding of beloved bars and restaurants in the world.

Mina de Matzah with 10 Kosher Whites and Rosés for Passover

April 12, 2024

Circulation: 443,407 Magazine

From Naama Shefi’s new cookbook, The Jewish Holiday Table, this classic Sephardi pie makes a beautiful dish for Passover celebrations, and we picked 10 fresh kosher wines to match Olivia Nolan

Upon seeing the beautiful, bright cover of The Jewish Holiday Table: A World of Recipes, Traditions and Stories to Celebrate All Year Long, one might immediately assume this new book is full of traditional recipes for every occasion, from the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to the springtime celebrations of Purim and Pesach (Passover). While the book certainly has all these things, it is much more than just a compilation of recipes.

“This is also a history book,” author Naama Shefi tells Wine Spectator. “It connects us to the shared stories that make Jews a people, and it does so through the powerful medium of food. My hope is that this book helps everyone expand their perception of what Jewish food is and who Jewish people are.”

Shefi is one of the founders of the Jewish Food Society, a non-profit organization that, in their own words, “works to preserve, celebrate, and revitalize Jewish culinary heritage from around the world in order to provide a deeper connection to Jewish life.” Since 2017, the group has been building an online collection of family recipes from across the Jewish diaspora, and this year the project has finally made it onto paper, with the publication of The Jewish Holiday Table.

For Shefi, the book reflects “a rich cultural food history” that spans both generations and continents. “I had the opportunity to learn about so many unique traditions from across the diaspora and [wanted] to preserve and highlight these recipes and stories. We brought to light cuisines and communities we don’t hear about as often.”

Shefi’s approach is exemplified in one of the book’s many featured recipes for Passover: mina de espinaca. This particular matzah pie hails from a Sephardic Jewish community in Izmir, Turkey, by way of Mexico City. A Sephardic speciality for Pesach, mina de matzah is a savory, layered pie made in many variations, including with fillings of seasoned meat or spinach and cheese. Its unique use of matzah to replace pastry dough creates a beautiful pie that makes a perfect celebratory centerpiece.

This mina recipe is from the kitchen of Alexandra Zohn, a New York City pastry chef and cookbook author who now works as a nutritionist and health coach. She was born and raised in the diverse Jewish community of Mexico City, to which her family immigrated from Turkey in the 1920s. Zohn’s family recipes were passed down by way of her great-greatgrandmother Rosa, who was the first woman in her family to teach herself to read and write.

In the book, Zohn recalls that “Rosa’s recipes were often a part of [the] holiday meals my grandmother hosted for our entire family. Traditional dishes were key to the holidays. For Passover that meant charoset, matzah fritters, called buñuelos, and minas, pies layered with sheets of matzah stacked high with either meat or spinach, cheese and potatoes. I wish I had met Rosa, but I know she is part of my DNA. Her recipes are the best way I have to communicate with her.”

No matter what you choose to cook this Pesach, wine is always a must. “I love drinking wine; it is always on my table. I try to support small Israeli makers when I can,” says Shefi. “Passover is exciting in that context, as it has four glasses of wine built into the dinner as part of the ritual of the Seder.”

Below you will find Zohn’s mina de espinaca recipe for Passover, along with Wine Spectator’s 10 recommended wine pairings. The light textures and bright flavors of Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay and rosé all complement the fresh, mildly vegetal elements in this mina de matzah and are ideal choices for celebrating springtime this Passover.

10 Kosher White and Rosé Wines for Springtime

Note: The following list is a selection of outstanding and very good wines from recently rated releases. More options can be found in this recent Tasting Highlights featuring kosher wines or in our Wine Ratings Search

It is important to note that 2022 is considered a "schmita" vintage in Israel. Every seventh year, Israeli winemakers producing kosher wine let the land "rest," and while the wines produced from the land during this time can be made kosher, they cannot be sold as kosher for Passover for those most strictly observing the holiday.

TZORA

Judean Hills White 2022

Score: 91 | $38

WS Review: Balances richness with a racy beam of acidity, which cuts through honeyed apple, warm spice and subtle brioche flavors. Opulent and creamy, with fleur de sel and crushed flint echoing on the long, well-rendered finish. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2028. 1,800 cases made, 150 cases imported. K.B.

TZORA

Shoresh White Judean Hills 2022

Score: 90 | $45

WS Review: A well-made version, with an appealing mix of peach, melon and citrus notes revved up by racy acidity and zesty minerality. Shows savory, smoky accents that hang in the backdrop alongside floral high tones. Creamy to slightly chalky in texture on a medium-weight frame. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2028. 900 cases made, 60 cases imported. K.B.

COVENANT

Rosé Red C Lodi 2023

Score: 88 | $24

WS Review: Tart and snappy, offering fresh orange peel and watermelon flavors that end on a zesty accent. Grenache. Drink now. 350 cases made. T.F.

GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY

Sauvignon Blanc Galilee Yarden 2022

Score: 88 | $24

WS Review: A softer style of Sauvignon Blanc defined by peach, lemon pith and a vein of salty minerality. Midweight and open-knit on the palate, with flint and smoke accents and succulent acidity. Kosher. Drink now. 6,915 cases made, 210 cases imported. K.B.

DOMAINE DU CASTEL

La Vie Blanc du Castel Haute-Judée 2023

Score: 88 | $35

WS Review: Flinty, fresh version with light-to-medium weight to crunchy nectarine and lime blossom. Chopped chives, green pea and wet stone add dimension. Round in feel with modest zip holding the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Drink now. K.B.

SHILOH

Judean Hills Rosé 2023

Score: 88 | $25

WS Review: Rose hip perfume and ripe melon introduce this very floral rosé, that shows good fleshiness. Distinct in style, with orange peel acidity and wet stones powering through. Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Barbera. Drink now. 951 cases made, 560 cases imported. K.B.

SHILOH

Sauvignon Blanc Judean Hills 2023

Score: 88 | $29

WS Review: This shows some concentration and ripeness to melon and key lime with a slight tropical edge. Creamy on the palate with lushness supported by tangy acidity and crushed herbs and mint detail. Chalky mineral depth plays out along the finish. Drink now. K.B.

RECANATI

Gris de Marselan Galilee 2022

Score: 87 | $30

WS Review: Delivers delicate strawberry and white peach notes that turn soft and broad on the palate. Shows a nice mineral edge that adds freshness, with orange peel acidity. Drink now. K.B.

DALTÔN

Chardonnay Galilee Unoaked 2023

Score: 87 | $30

WS Review: Direct and well-made version, with orchard fruit and citrus blossom flecked with salt and driven by lime-edged acidity. Chalky-textured and bright. Drink now. 3,333 cases made, 700 cases imported. K.B.

RECANATI

Yasmin White Galilee 2022

Score: 86 | $16

WS Review: Shows a charming aromatic profile of delicate passion fruit, nectarine and tangerine elements on a lithe palate, filled out with savory spices. Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard. Kosher. Drink now. K.B.

Exciting Kosher for Passover Treats And Spirits To Try This Holiday

Aly Walansky

Passover 2024 will begin at sundown on April 22 and continue through April 30. For those observant, this means a week of strict dietary guidelines and a completely different kind of keeping kosher than the rest of the year.

But all the rules to keep in mind, from only eating foods and beverages marked as certified kosher for Passover, to avoiding leavened bread and grains such as wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye, there’s actually a lot of fun sweets and treats – and libations – to enjoy while celebrating this holiday.

That includes some old favorites as well as new-to-market items for this season that seem especially exciting.

Yarden Brut Rose

A little bit of bubbles is always a good idea, and this Kosher for Passover Yarden Brut Rose ($47) is made with a blend of 73% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir grapes. This could be a good choice as welcome bubbles when gathering friends and family for the seder, or enjoyed any time at all it’s a holiday, we don’t need more reason than that!

March 22, 2024 Circulation: 84,460,132

Celebrate Passover with These 14 Kosher Wines Up to 92 Points

Find wines for your celebrations with these new reviews of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and more from leading wineries across Israel Rachel Whiteman

April 18, 2024

Circulation: 443,407

Magazine

At sundown on Monday, April 22, Jewish people all over the world will begin celebrating Passover. The seder (meaning "order" in Hebrew) is a ceremonial dinner that tells the story of the Jewish people’s journey to freedom from slavery through prayers, food and, yes, wine. In fact, wine is such an integral part of the Passover seder that drinking four full glasses is explicitly written into the ceremony. But for a holiday that embraces food and wine so wholeheartedly, there is still confusion around what wines are appropriate to serve.

Today, producers are making more high-quality kosher wines than ever before, so there's much more available than the traditional bottle of Manischewitz (a sweet red wine produced from the Concord grape and associated with Jewish religious celebrations). Star producers throughout Israel’s diverse regions, like Tzora in the Judean Hills and Golan Heights Winery in Galilee, push quality higher every year, even in times of extreme turmoil. Supporting Israeli winemakers by purchasing their wines today does not mean sacrificing quality; their best bottlings are on the same level as top wines made anywhere.

What Makes Wine Kosher? What Are the Rules?

While most American Jews do not keep the strictest kosher rules, it is always best to confirm everyone's preferences before bringing a bottle to someone’s home for Passover. For a wine to be kosher, a Sabbath-observant Jewish person must partake in all steps of the winemaking process, ensuring that no non-kosher additives, preservatives or other ingredients are used. To be designated "kosher for Passover," which is different from the standard kosher designation, the wine must be aged in a cellar that does not contain any grain, bread, wheat or, most importantly, yeast that has been in contact with leavened grain products.

Reading Labels: How to Tell if a Wine Is Kosher

A bottle of kosher wine will have a K or a U in a circle on its back label; meanwhile, labels will explicitly state when a wine is kosher for Passover. It's also important to observe which vintage the wine is from: In Judaism, there is a law that requires the agrarian land of Israel to take a sabbatical every seven years, letting it rest from all agricultural activity. These off years are known as shmita years, the most recent being 2022. Those who observe the strictest kosher rules are generally not permitted to purchase or consume bottles from shmita vintages, because it is forbidden to waste even a single drop of this wine.

Wineries and Types of Wine Across Israel

The diversity of Israel’s terroirs allows for a wide range of wines and styles. In the limestone soils of the Judean Hills, one of the most exciting wine regions in Israel today, brothers Gilad and Golan Flam lead their namesake winery, where they craft their polished White Label Red from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Neighboring winery Tzora is another rising star (and, with Flam, recently branched out to France's Bordeaux); its flagship blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet and Syrah is a powerful and complex red that will pair deliciously with your grandmother’s brisket and potato kugel (among other holiday meal favorites).

A pioneer in the Judean Hills region, vintner Eli Ben Zaken draws inspiration from farther afield at his Domaine du Castel; here, he balances the influences of Israel's warm Mediterranean climate with the hallmark characteristics of Bordeaux wine. Meanwhile, producers in more traditional regions, including Galilee in the north, are also increasing the quality of Israel's wine. Look for wineries with great track records, including Galil Mountain and Recanati.

Can You Drink White Wine on Passover?

While kosher reds receive a lot of attention, fans would be missing out if they didn't try kosher white wines as well. Even better, you can absolutely serve white wines with a Passover meal! Pair lighter holiday dishes (like roast chicken or salmon) with some of Israel’s increasingly excellent white wines, such as Yatir's glossy and rich Mt. Amasa, a Rhône Valley–inspired blend, or Daltôn’s vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, included below. Nana is another name to look out for; working in Israel's driest and hottest region, the Negev desert, the winery makes a Chardonnay that is creamy, alluring and just plain delicious. Chag sameach!

Wimemaker Micha Vaadia of Galil Mountain Winery in Israel's Upper Galilee region (Courtesy of Galil Mountain Winery)

GALIL MOUNTAIN

Yiron Galilee 2020

Score: 91 | $50

WS review: A sleek, modern-styled red, with generous layers of black currant, chocolate and cherry flavors that spill across the silky palate, all shored up by serious graphite-powered energy. Reveals sweet oak and warm toast notes that linger on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Kosher. Drink now through 2030. 10,910 cases made, 462 cases imported. K.B.

GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY

Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee Yarden 2020

Score: 91 | $53

WS review: A plush, full-bodied red anchored by generous mineral energy and iron. Shows a suave profile, with silky tannins and notes of dark plum, black cherry preserves, iron shavings and dried herbs. Persistent finish, with nice elegance despite its heft. Kosher. Drink now through 2030. 27,549 cases made, 2340 cases imported. K.B.

GALIL MOUNTAIN

Syrah Galilee Yiron 2019

Score: 90 | $48

WS review: A sleek, voluptuous style, with ripe black cherry and mocha flavors flecked with spices and toasted anise, revealing licorice root and graphite details. Almost glycerol in feel, this glides through with a subtle tug of iron-edged tannins, all the while maintaining focus. Kosher. Drink now through 2030. 1,216 cases made, 319 cases imported. K.B.

Sommelier suggests ‘beautiful’ kosher wines for Passover and every day

Logan C. Ritchie

April 18, 2024

Circulation: 133,069 Newspaper

Elina Brager’s job as a sommelier and wine consultant is to taste, serve, and sell wine to clients who are building their wine collections. Brager listens closely to their preferences and presents wines she considers off the beaten path.

“I seek out great tasting wines that overdeliver for the price. They’re small boutiques, really well-made wines, frequently organic or sustainable, small production, and hard to find,” Brager said. “That is my brand. That is my promise.”

Brager is an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, a two-time graduate of Georgia Tech, a sommelier, and co-owner of CellarFiller, a business that helps clients build their wine collections.

Brager and her business partner, Galina Yildirim, are certified wine specialists. Ten years ago, Brager was running wine tastings and events for clients who were often looking for consultation on their cellars.

Because Brager tastes wine with her clients and listens carefully to their feedback, she can present unique, small-production wines. She and the client build the cellar together. It’s a niche, she said. Even more niche is Atlanta’s demand for kosher wine. There are very few people who buy only kosher wine, she admitted, and kosher wine has a reputation for being low quality or sugary sweet like Manichewitz.

One of the kosher wine-making laws is that at some point in the process, the wine must be brought to 185 degrees to destroy insects and mold. Due to advancements in winemaking technology, kosher wine is no longer thought of as “boiled.” Wineries have been using the same flash detente method in Europe since the 1990s. It is especially used on red wines in Burgundy and Rhone.

“To this day, kosher wines are just not considered great wines because of how they’re made. Having wine at Passover is obligatory because you have to have four cups of wine, so a lot of times we will just buy it and suffer through,” she said.

Hosting a Passover seder often means there’s a lot of kosher wine and traditional food but that doesn’t mean people should suffer through the wine, she said.

“I have made it a point to find wines that are great and also are kosher,” she laughed. “Four cups of wine is not for the faint of heart.”

Here’s a list of Brager’s top picks for kosher wine:

• Start with a sparkling bottle of Gilgal; a kosher wine from Golan Heights. It pairs well with appetizers before the seder, salads, and gefilte fish. Another option: prosecco or rose.

• Galil is a dry, blanc de noir; a white wine made from a red grape. “It’s a very pretty wine” that pairs well with salads and fish.

• To pair with brisket or roasted chicken, plan on red wine. Brager suggests Covenant out of Napa Valley or the Mensch Zinfandel; a full-bodied red wine with complex flavors and aromas. Bereshit [pronounced bear-sheet] is the first word of the Bible meaning “in the beginning”. Try the medium-bodied pinot and cabernet blend.

• Bartenura Dolce Noir is a sweet red wine that pairs well with kosher for Passover Jordan almonds.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, Brager has not seen an interruption in Israel’s wine production or imports from Israel to the United States.

“From a food and wine perspective, I have not seen shortages,” she said.

Wineries are likely experiencing labor shortages because “anybody and everybody” who could be drafted has been called up by the Israel Defense Forces.

“As far as I know, people are just living their lives and moving forward – because that’s the only thing that keeps you sane in this situation,” she said. “So people are forging ahead. They’re doing work as best they can.”

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

Pick These Wines for Your Passover Table in Westchester Cheers to a holiday filled with rich traditions and superb sips. Bill Tisherman

Adobe Stock/ Milan

March 22, 2024

Circulation: 158,177

Digital

The funny thing about Passover is that while the Seder meal is literally scripted, many elements — from the seder plate to the Haggadah readings through the hidden afikomen — enjoy ample flexibility. Fortunately, that flexibility extends to wine. Here are some tips for optimizing the wine selection for the Passover table.

Don’t sweat the details of what makes a wine Kosher; the most critical distinction is higher standards of supervision. (Since when was that a bad thing?) Quality and variety have never been better. Many Kosher wines are from Israel, but they are made (well) all over the world. Bartenura Moscato from Italy and Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand have earned shelf space year-round.

Exemplary wines are also coming from California (Baron Herzog), Tuscany (Cantina Gabriele), Rioja (Ramon Cardova), and all over France. Proof that kosher winemakers are keeping pace is seen in the increasing array of both dry rosés and creative blends.

The Gilgal 2021 Galilee Blanco — a snappy blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Canelli — will please a spectrum of white-wine fans. And the brand new 2022 Mount Hermon Red blend from Golan Heights Winery delivers juicy, ripe fruit amid a food-friendly texture.

When it comes to the meal proper, Passover is not unlike Thanksgiving with its a veritable riot of flavors. Brisket, the traditional choice, can swing wildly in preparation. Whether sweetish or savory, the final dish will be rich — which calls for a red on the big side. I concur with David Gellman, manager of Seasons Kosher market in Scarsdale, who suggests Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

Perhaps the best way to complement and compliment— a favorite brisket is to splurge a bit. Yarden Cabernet (about $50) can hold its own with its peers. Other reliable high-end labels include Covenant, Petit Castel, Recanati, and Segal.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

Jacqueline Coleman

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

Israeli Wines For Passover

Randy Fuller

If you are planning on picking up some wines for Passover, you probably already know about Golan Heights Winery, one of Israel's premier producers.

The 2020 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon is a varietal wine made from grapes grown in the cool, high altitude, rocky soil of the Golan Heights in Galilee. Head winemaker Victor Schoenfeld feels that this wine is a great addition to your Passover meal.

The wine was aged in French oak for 18 months. It carries alcohol at 14.5% abv and retails for $50. I was reminded of the Cabs from Paso Robles, with their rambunctious nature and chalky mouthfeel.

This kosher wine, the 38th vintage of the label, is a dark wine, with an aroma profile that seems to match. The nose has a tarry sense to it, with notes of cedar, cigars and clove buoyed along by the blackberry and cassis fruit smells. The palate is dark, too, with blue and black fruit, clove and pepper and oak notes providing complexity. The acidity is fresh and the tannic grip is firm. It will pair well with meat dishes and provide a pleasant experience as a sipper, if you wish.

The 2022 Yarden Chardonnay also hails from the hills of Galilee. The wine aged for seven months in oak and underwent partial malolactic fermentation to give it a complex presentation. Alcohol is a tad lofty for a white wine at 14% abv. The retail price is $28.

This wine has a remarkable fruit profile on the nose, with lemon aromas being predominant. The is a slight herbal note along with a very reasonable amount of oak spice. The barrel aging, which was only seven months, comes on most noticeably on the palate, but the wood is used to great effect.

The Yarden sparkler was made from 73% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir grapes, fermented in the bottle in the traditional method. Alcohol is a comfortable 12% abv and it retails for $52.

The 2017 vintage of the Yarden Galilee Brut Rosé has a golden, light copper hue in the glass. Bubbles are plentiful on the pour, but don't look away. They dissipate quickly. The nose brings mineral aromas along with stone fruit and just a hint of toast. The palate shows a yeasty side with lemon and apricot fruit. The acidity is refreshing. As with most sparkling wines, it will pair with everything.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

IG Story promoting Food, News & Views episode with Victor from Jacqueline Coleman April 4, 2024 | Total Circulation: 11,907

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

Pairing Wine at the Pesach Seder

Jacqueline Coleman

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

10 Best Passover Wines for Your Holiday Seder

Kara Zauberman

The Jewish holiday of Passover is known for many things (including tasty matzo ball soup and coconut macaroons), but one thing it's not necessarily known for is good wine. That's not to say that wine isn't consumed on Passover. In fact, one of the many religious rituals at the Passover Seder is that each adult is supposed to drink four cups of wine! Whether or not you drink the whole glass or just take a sip, having a good bottle of kosher wine for Passover is clearly important. But we know what you're thinking: kosher wine often brings about memories of sugary-sweet bottles from the days of yore. Not to worry! These Passover wines have come a long way, and they're actually wines that you'll enjoy drinking.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

February 27, 2024

Circulation: 2,476,244

Golan Heights Winery Launches First-Ever Yarden Cru Elite, a Limited, Single Block Release Specially Crafted for 40th Anniversary Press Release

A Tribute to Excellence in Israeli Wine, Yarden Cru Elite is a limited-edition wine duo that showcases Golan Heights Winery's dedication to quality and innovation

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ Golan Heights Winery, Israel's leading producer of quality wines, is proud to announce the debut of Yarden Cru Elite, the first single-vineyard, single-block duo of wines, specially crafted to commemorate the winery's 40th anniversary. Yarden Cru Elite is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, meticulously cultivated in individual blocks from the Bar'on Vineyard. These two limited-edition wines are the first to bear the prestigious "Yarden Cru Elite" designation, and represent the pinnacle of winemaking quality from Israel.

"At Golan Heights Winery, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence," says Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker of Golan Heights Winery. "It's been a privilege to work in the Golan Heights for more than 30 years, and we're always exploring the unlimited potential of our vineyards and expanding people's perception of what Israeli winemaking can accomplish. Yarden Cru Elite showcases the exceptional talent of our viticulture and winemaking team; every new release reveals more about the complexity of Golan Heights and what the future can bring."

The launch of Yarden Cru Elite pays homage to the visionary spirit of Golan Heights Winery, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of Israeli winemaking since its inception in 1983. Guided by Schoenfeld's commitment to innovation and sustainability, this extraordinary wine release is sourced from the Bar'on Vineyard, nestled amidst the volcanic terrain of the Golan Heights and situated at a significant elevation of 3,400 feet. As one of the first vineyards directly managed by Golan Heights Winery, Bar'on Vineyard embodies a seamless, holistic approach to meticulous winemaking from vineyard to cellar. Bar'on Vineyard was rigorously analyzed using electroconductivity scanning, allowing for precise planting strategies tailored to the natural variations of the basalt and tuff soils. This approach, coupled with the winery's longstanding partnership with ENTAV, the global leader in the propagation of ultra-quality vine scion and rootstock material, supports consistently high-quality wines year after year. Furthermore, Bar'on Vineyard is among the few to receive certification from the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, underscoring Golan Heights Winery's dedication to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.

To showcase the exceptional terroir of Bar'on Vineyard, Golan Heights Winery has bottled two individual blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon in a very limited quantity. Affectionately referred to as "fraternal twins" by Schoenfeld, these wines offer a nuanced expression of the vineyard's distinct character and are available exclusively as pairs. Each duo set is accompanied by a bespoke digital collectible design, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this offering. Golan Heights Winery has produced a limited edition of 265 pairs of Yarden Cru Elite wines with a suggested retail price of $2,000. Imported by Yarden Wines in the U.S. and available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers, as well as www.yardencruelite.com.

YARDEN CRU ELITE TASTING NOTES:

2020 ALHCS09338SO ('A') Block: Dark, almost inky, color; aromas of ripe blackberries and black cherries layered with notes of chocolate, coffee, and hints of Sichuan peppercorn and mint; densely flavored, impressive and gains complexity with age.

2020 ALHCS09338RM ('Z') Block: Dark color combined with aromatic ripe fruits such as cherries and plums, along with notes of earth, spice, cocoa, and black pepper; concentrated flavor combined with lively acidity; expressive, youthful yet approachable.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

February 27, 2024

Circulation: 14,900,000

Golan Heights Winery Launches First-Ever Yarden Cru Elite, a Limited, Single Block Release Specially Crafted for 40th Anniversary

Kim Badenfort

A Tribute to Excellence in Israeli Wine, Yarden Cru Elite is a limited-edition wine duo that showcases Golan Heights Winery's dedication to quality and innovation

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ Golan Heights Winery, Israel's leading producer of quality wines, is proud to announce the debut of Yarden Cru Elite, the first single-vineyard, single-block duo of wines, specially crafted to commemorate the winery's 40th anniversary. Yarden Cru Elite is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, meticulously cultivated in individual blocks from the Bar'on Vineyard. These two limited-edition wines are the first to bear the prestigious "Yarden Cru Elite" designation, and represent the pinnacle of winemaking quality from Israel.

"At Golan Heights Winery, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence," says Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker of Golan Heights Winery. "It's been a privilege to work in the Golan Heights for more than 30 years, and we're always exploring the unlimited potential of our vineyards and expanding people's perception of what Israeli winemaking can accomplish. Yarden Cru Elite showcases the exceptional talent of our viticulture and winemaking team; every new release reveals more about the complexity of Golan Heights and what the future can bring."

The launch of Yarden Cru Elite pays homage to the visionary spirit of Golan Heights Winery, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of Israeli winemaking since its inception in 1983. Guided by Schoenfeld's commitment to innovation and sustainability, this extraordinary wine release is sourced from the Bar'on Vineyard, nestled amidst the volcanic terrain of the Golan Heights and situated at a significant elevation of 3,400 feet. As one of the first vineyards directly managed by Golan Heights Winery, Bar'on Vineyard embodies a seamless, holistic approach to meticulous winemaking from vineyard to cellar. Bar'on Vineyard was rigorously analyzed using electroconductivity scanning, allowing for precise planting strategies tailored to the natural variations of the basalt and tuff soils. This approach, coupled with the winery's longstanding partnership with ENTAV, the global leader in the propagation of ultra-quality vine scion and rootstock material, supports consistently high-quality wines year after year. Furthermore, Bar'on Vineyard is among the few to receive certification from the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, underscoring Golan Heights Winery's dedication to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.

To showcase the exceptional terroir of Bar'on Vineyard, Golan Heights Winery has bottled two individual blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon in a very limited quantity. Affectionately referred to as "fraternal twins" by Schoenfeld, these wines offer a nuanced expression of the vineyard's distinct character and are available exclusively as pairs. Each duo set is accompanied by a bespoke digital collectible design, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this offering. Golan Heights Winery has produced a limited edition of 265 pairs of Yarden Cru Elite wines with a suggested retail price of $2,000. Imported by Yarden Wines in the U.S. and available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers, as well as www.yardencruelite.com.

YARDEN CRU ELITE TASTING NOTES:

• 2020 ALHCS09338SO ('A') Block: Dark, almost inky, color; aromas of ripe blackberries and black cherries layered with notes of chocolate, coffee, and hints of Sichuan peppercorn and mint; densely flavored, impressive and gains complexity with age.

• 2020 ALHCS09338RM ('Z') Block: Dark color combined with aromatic ripe fruits such as cherries and plums, along with notes of earth, spice, cocoa, and black pepper; concentrated flavor combined with lively acidity; expressive, youthful yet approachable.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

March 28, 2024

Circulation: 85,646

Digital

Pairing Wine at the Pesach Seder

Elizabeth Kratz

I like bold, full-bodied red wine with a leisurely meal, but not for the four cups at the Passover seder. In my book, red wine is to be sipped and savored. At that rate, the seder would last all night and everyone else at the table would mutiny. I usua lly have Malaga; the warm sweetness brings back memories of long ago seders in my childhood home. But I admit that the third and fourth cups are more pain than pleasure. I am ready to graduate, and find quality wines I can drink at the pace required.

Elizabeth Kratz, editor of the Jewish Link Wine Guide, says Yarden makes a pink, bubbly, not too sweet Brut sparkling wine that’s one of the best on the market. Razi’el Rose is another good sparkling wine. Kratz also suggests the Ya’acov Oryah sweet wines. SMLH stands for Skin Macerated Late Harvest. “It’s sweet but complex, interesting and different,” she said.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

Golan Heights Winery turns 40 with exclusive Yarden Cru Elite

Carin Smilk

February 27, 2024

Circulation: 612,010

Digital

These limited-edition wines push the "boundaries of winemaking excellence," says Victor Schoenfeld, Golan Heights Winery's head winemaker.

Golan Heights Winery, Israel’s leading producer of quality wines, is proud to announce the debut of Yarden Cru Elite, the first single-vineyard, single-block duo of wines, specially crafted to commemorate the winery’s 40th anniversary. Yarden Cru Elite is produced from 100% cabernet sauvignon grapes, meticulously cultivated in individual blocks from the Bar’on Vineyard. These two limited-edition wines are the first to bear the prestigious Yarden Cru Elite designation, and represent the pinnacle of winemaking quality from Israel.

“At Golan Heights Winery, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence,” says Victor Schoenfeld, head winemaker of Golan Heights Winery. “It’s been a privilege to work in the Golan Heights for more than 30 years, and we’re always exploring the unlimited potential of our vineyards and expanding people’s perception of what Israeli winemaking can accomplish. Yarden Cru Elite showcases the exceptional talent of our viticulture and winemaking team; every new release reveals more about the complexity of Golan Heights and what the future can bring.”

The launch of Yarden Cru Elite pays homage to the visionary spirit of Golan Heights Winery, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of Israeli winemaking since its inception in 1983. Guided by Schoenfeld’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, this extraordinary wine release is sourced from the Bar’on Vineyard, nestled amidst the volcanic terrain of the Golan Heights and situated at a significant elevation of 3,400 feet.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

As one of the first vineyards directly managed by Golan Heights Winery, Bar’on embodies a seamless, holistic approach to meticulous winemaking from vineyard to cellar. Bar’on Vineyard was rigorously analyzed using electroconductivity scanning, allowing for precise planting strategies tailored to the natural variations of the basalt and tuff soils. This approach, coupled with the winery’s longstanding partnership with ENTAV, the global leader in the propagation of ultra-quality vine scion and rootstock material, supports consistently high-quality wines year after year. Furthermore, Bar’on Vineyard is among the few to receive certification from the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, underscoring Golan Heights Winery’s dedication to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.

To showcase the exceptional terroir of Bar’on Vineyard, Golan Heights Winery has bottled two individual blocks of cabernet sauvignon in a very limited quantity. Affectionately referred to as “fraternal twins” by Schoenfeld, these wines offer a nuanced expression of the vineyard’s distinct character and are available exclusively as pairs. Each duo set is accompanied by a bespoke digital collectible design, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this offering. Golan Heights Winery has produced a limited edition of 265 pairs of Yarden Cru Elite wines with a suggested retail price of $2,000. Imported by Yarden Wines in the United States, it is available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers, as well as at www.yardencruelite.com.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

February 27, 2024

Circulation: 30,920

Golan Heights Winery Launches First-Ever Yarden Cru Elite, a Limited, Single Block Release Specially Crafted for 40th Anniversary

Kim Badenfort

A Tribute to Excellence in Israeli Wine, Yarden Cru Elite is a limited-edition wine duo that showcases Golan Heights Winery's dedication to quality and innovation

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ Golan Heights Winery, Israel's leading producer of quality wines, is proud to announce the debut of Yarden Cru Elite, the first single-vineyard, single-block duo of wines, specially crafted to commemorate the winery's 40th anniversary. Yarden Cru Elite is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, meticulously cultivated in individual blocks from the Bar'on Vineyard. These two limited-edition wines are the first to bear the prestigious "Yarden Cru Elite" designation, and represent the pinnacle of winemaking quality from Israel.

"At Golan Heights Winery, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence," says Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker of Golan Heights Winery. "It's been a privilege to work in the Golan Heights for more than 30 years, and we're always exploring the unlimited potential of our vineyards and expanding people's perception of what Israeli winemaking can accomplish. Yarden Cru Elite showcases the exceptional talent of our viticulture and winemaking team; every new release reveals more about the complexity of Golan Heights and what the future can bring."

The launch of Yarden Cru Elite pays homage to the visionary spirit of Golan Heights Winery, which has consistently pushed the boundaries of Israeli winemaking since its inception in 1983. Guided by Schoenfeld's commitment to innovation and sustainability, this extraordinary wine release is sourced from the Bar'on Vineyard, nestled amidst the volcanic terrain of the Golan Heights and situated at a significant elevation of 3,400 feet. As one of the first vineyards directly managed by Golan Heights Winery, Bar'on Vineyard embodies a seamless, holistic approach to meticulous winemaking from vineyard to cellar. Bar'on Vineyard was rigorously analyzed using electroconductivity scanning, allowing for precise planting strategies tailored to the natural variations of the basalt and tuff soils. This approach, coupled with the winery's longstanding partnership with ENTAV, the global leader in the propagation of ultra-quality vine scion and rootstock material, supports consistently high-quality wines year after year. Furthermore, Bar'on Vineyard is among the few to receive certification from the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, underscoring Golan Heights Winery's dedication to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.

To showcase the exceptional terroir of Bar'on Vineyard, Golan Heights Winery has bottled two individual blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon in a very limited quantity. Affectionately referred to as "fraternal twins" by Schoenfeld, these wines offer a nuanced expression of the vineyard's distinct character and are available exclusively as pairs. Each duo set is accompanied by a bespoke digital collectible design, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this offering. Golan Heights Winery has produced a limited edition of 265 pairs of Yarden Cru Elite wines with a suggested retail price of $2,000. Imported by Yarden Wines in the U.S. and available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers, as well as www.yardencruelite.com.

YARDEN CRU ELITE TASTING NOTES:

• 2020 ALHCS09338SO ('A') Block: Dark, almost inky, color; aromas of ripe blackberries and black cherries layered with notes of chocolate, coffee, and hints of Sichuan peppercorn and mint; densely flavored, impressive and gains complexity with age.

• 2020 ALHCS09338RM ('Z') Block: Dark color combined with aromatic ripe fruits such as cherries and plums, along with notes of earth, spice, cocoa, and black pepper; concentrated flavor combined with lively acidity; expressive, youthful yet approachable.

VARDEN �WINEIMPORTS

April 15, 2022

Circulation: 2,000,000+

Cali Wine Time

Bob Howell