2009 Segal’s Fusion Dry Red Wine

2009 Segal’s Fusion Dry Red Wine

This Kosher wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that was a great pairing with rosemary and garlic-marinated lamb chops.

The inky-colored hue of this Galilee Heights wine hints to a heavy wine, but I was surprised by a medium-bodied, elegant one instead.

The nose on this Israeli wine is stone fruits, dark berries and slight spice.  In the mouth it’s bolder, plummy with traces of licorice.  The slight pucker caused by the tannins mixed with the fatty, rosemary-infused lamb was a winner.  The finish is of medium length, dry and pleasant.

About $16.

Galil Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Galil

Galil

Uncorked this full-bodied Israeli wine with a filet mignon fondue recently and was pleased with my selection.  This wine is dark ruby in color, rich with ripe cassis, offer a medium finish and shows great legs.

About $15 per bottle.

Israeli wine anyone? Count me in

Last night, I had the pleasure of sharing a bottle of Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon with some guests at my home.  What was neat about the wine, is that:

  1. It was my first taste of Israeli wine – definitely not my last
  2. The bottle was recommended by Avi, a wine communications consultant from Ranaana who I ‘met’ on Twitter (@hakerem) – how great is social media?!
  3. I was able to find, order online and receive the wine within 2 business days from the savvy folks at Wine Library in Springfield, NJ, who I also exchange Tweets with (@winelibrary).

I opened the bottle of 2004 Segal’s Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve a couple of hours prior to dinner, and when I first tasted it, I felt like it could improve from decanting for all the elements to come together.

After about 45 minutes in the decanter, I found the beautifully dark wine to be rich, spicy and full of bold red current flavors.

We enjoyed the well-priced wine with grilled filet mignon kabobs, basmati rice and a four pepper sauce, enhanced by a splash of the Segal’s.  I feel the meal was a worthy pairing to the well-balanced oak and tannins of this pleasant wine.

For more information and for a buying guide on Israeli wines and kosher wines, visit:  www.israeli-wine.org