Kosher Food and Drink

Leftovers aren’t always a happy event, but this past Shabbos, I had some leftovers from a wine event I worked this past week, and was more than pleased to see how they held up over the course of the week. Adding to the intrigue was was the fact that these wines, and all of the wines from the event (standard for American supervised affairs) were mevushal. For the event, we did seven or eight very high quality wines, all mevushal. While many mevu wines may actually be more approachable upon opening, there is the thought that perhaps they don’t quite age as well. Until I see some actual science, we’ll assume the verdict is still out.

Lending interest to the event lineup, we served three whites which were all Sauvignon Blanc, but very different stylistically from each other. More on that in another post. The leftovers from the event were the two Sauvignon Blanc seen here and the Capçanes. You might recall I hosted ESSA winemaker Josh Rynderman recently but we did not have a chance to taste the Petit Verdot that night. So I wanted to check that out and pulled a bottle from my cellar. The Chateau Montviel, Pomerol, 2018 was a gift from our generous Friday night frequent guest. The man knows wine and knows my taste in wine as well.

Domaine de Panquelaine, Sancerre, 2023: a classic Loire 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and a perfect wine for a large wine tasting. Sancerre tends to please all palates- approachable for the novice, attractive for the refined. The ’23 Panquelaine is fun and expressive, notes of grapefruit, fresh cut grass, flint, pear, with racy acidity and vibrant citrus. While this was one we served at the Tuesday tasting, this bottle was opened fresh on Friday night. Lovely wine. $34, 13% ABV, M

By contrast, the Gazin Rocquencourt, Pessac-Léognan, Grand Vin, Blanc, 2021, while also Sauvignon Blanc, is the mature elder statesman, elegant and refined. Gazin Rocquencourt is a piece of the Malartic Estates, and rightfully so. Whereas the Panquelaine is made in a fresh, racy style, the Rocqencourt is oak aged. And while I often do not care for oak in Chardonnay, I really do enjoy it in Sauvignon Blanc. Particularly when done this well. Showing good complexity, a waxy/oily character, and creaminess, with the expected citrus/white flower/flint, and great acidity. Such good wine. Will age. Drink now until 2030. $50, 12.5% ABV, M

Capçanes, La Flor del Flor de Primavera, Samsó, 2021 was a big hit at the event. I always find it interesting on any given night which wine “takes off.” Guests, both men and women, kept returning for this wine. And this open bottle held up thru Shabbat, 4 days later. A very nice Cariñena (aka Caignan, aka Samsó) from hundred year old vines. Tart blackberrry, herbal, vanilla, balsamic. Medium+ body, nice acid, so pleasant. $75, 13.5% ABV, M

The ESSA, Petit Verdot, 2022. Petit Verdot, a notorious fickle grape as it pertains to ripening in France, is at home in warm South Africa, where it can ripen fully. In the glass, dense purple, black cherry, plum, cocoa, cassis. The palate shows ripe, with lush dark fruit, pleasant acid, fine-grained tannins. Nice effort. $29, 14% ABV, NM

The Château Montviel, Pomerol, 2018 is opulent and decadent. Decanted for 3 hours before dinner. Deep dark ruby in the glass. Lush red/black fruit, Merlot is queen here (80%) with Cabernet Sauvignon bringing muscle to the blend. Rich, ripe fruit, earth, tobacco, chocolate. Quite tannic, particularly for Pomerol. Come back to this baby in at least 5 years. One of the best deals in Bordeaux in my opinion. Drink 2029-2039 or longer $55, 14.5% ABV, NM

These wines are all available at kosherwine.com (feel free to use code KENNY5 for 5% off your order) or in many local shops nationwide.