Celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut - Israel Is Only A Glass Away:

Here at Acker Merrall & Condit we tasted hundreds of Kosher wines, some great—some not so great, to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut we bring you 9 wines.

Hevron Heights 2009 Reserve Syrah $47.99

Mount Hevron Syrah is grown at high elevation (950 meters) in the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. Aged for 20 months in new French and American Oak Barrels and then carefully brought together to produce of Israel’s most outstanding Syrah. Non-filtered, this wine features rich cassis, spicy plum flavors, and of soft vanillin oak characteristics that have developed with an additional 4 years of bottle age. Serve with Balsamic Pepper Brochettes, grilled roasted kobe beef or filet mignon.

Hevron Heights 2012 Makhpelah $64.99

Makhpelah is the name of the ancient Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hevron. At Makhpelah cave are buried Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah, Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Jewish People. Produced at Hevron Heights Winery in Hevron, this wine which is composed of 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 percent Merlot is a worthy tribute to our forebear. The grapes for this Reserve wine were grown at high elevation, 950 meters, in the heart of the Judean Mountains, aged for 24 months in the finest French Oak Barrels and combines spicy aromas with a touch of vanilla. The well balanced palate is soft and rich with plum and dark cherry flavors highlighted by fine tannins.

Yarden 2013 Katzrin Chardonnay $32.99

This wine is one of Yarden’s flagship wines which are reflections of the philosophy and vision of the Golan Heights Winery-that perfection lies in the details. This essence comes to life and reflected in all aspects of the winery’s creation, from the vineyard, and the individual treatment of the various blocks, to the final character, personality and experience of our wine, all while striving for uncompromising quality and excellence. The Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay shows off pleasing layers of lemon, pear, peach and tropical fruit characters, along with hints of fresh flowers and French oak. This elegant Chardonnay combines lushness with attractive freshness and complex aromas. Yarden Katzrin wines are produced only in outstanding vintages.

Galil Mountain 2012 Yiron $34.99

The Galil Mountain Yiron is a complex blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 7% Syrah grown in the  higher elevations of the Upper Galilee, which is considered the best winegrowing area in Israel. The wine is aged for 16 months in small French oak barrels, which highlight the complexity and elegance of the  wine showing a rich, black cherry and blackberry nose, balanced with fine notes of dried herbs, vanilla and oak.

Hevron Heights 2009 Armagedon $109.99

Tradition is the key word to describe this rare wine, elaborated exclusively from grapes growing on the Judean Mountains, at high altitude (950m.) We faithfully uphold the custom of hand picking during the harvest and do a long and warm fermentation in small open vats. Aged for 24 months in French oak barrels this powerful and rich wine presents a deep color, with intense aromas of blueberry, blackcurrant and chocolate with hints of spices. Decant an hour prior to drinking and serve at 65°F.

Jerusalem Hills 2011 Reserve Red $19.99

Jerusalem Hills Reserve is a deep wine produced in the Judean Hills by blending our best cabernet sauvignon 70%, merlot 20%, and syrah 10%, then aged 12 months in french oak barrels. Rich red in color, the nose is intense with aromas of ripe cassis, liquorice, and spicy notes, combined with fine smoky oak. It is best served with grilled meats and full flavored ethnic dishes.

Galil Moutain 2012 Ela Red Blend $17.99

A rich blend of 61 percent Syrah, 32 percent Barbera and 7 percent Petit Verdot, the Galil Ela 2012 is a full-bodied kosher wine with a deep violet color. This wine comes from high quality grapes of the Galil Mountain Winery and has undergone 12 months of aging in French oak barrels. Expect strong aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry as well as spices and oak. The berry and toasty flavors only improve, as this wine will age well for three to five years after harvest.

Gilgal 2013 Pinot Noir $14.99

The 2013 Gilgal Pinot Noir displays an aromatic mixture of violet, berry and spice notes with nuances of French oak. This medium- to light-bodied Pinot is bright and elegant.
Ready to enjoy now, the 2013 Gilgal Pinot Noir should remain in excellent drinking condition for about four years from harvest. The wine pairs wonderfully with plank-grilled salmon steaks, roast duck with crispy skin, or pan-seared chicken breasts with a spice rub of smoked paprika, cumin and sumac.

Yarden 2014 Galilee Chardonnay $21.99

The 2014 Yarden Galilee Chardonnay presents attractive notes of lemon zest, ripe pear and tropical fruits on a background of French oak. A medium- to full-bodied Chardonnay, this elegant wine is fresh, flavorful and drinkable. Though ready to drink now, the wine will continue to evolve for a number of years from harvest, and should remain in great drinking condition for  five to seven years from vintage."
 

Cliff Korn has worn nearly every hat at Acker Merrall throughout the years, currently serving as Senior VP as well spending time in the California sunshine where he makes his own wine named “No Limit” http://nolimitwine.com

Matt Reiser received critical acclaim as the wine director of Boston’s UpStairs on the Square for more than a decade. Reiser is a certified sommelier and joined the Acker family in November.

If you can’t find these wines or wish to provide feedback you can call Cliff or Matt at 212-787-1700 or contact Cliff at Cliff@ackerwines.com.