Mixing it up

This past Friday night I was introduced to the first mixed grape wine that I really liked. (Alright, alright, thats not exactly true. many of the supposed single grape wines I like are actually mixes, but this was the first that had enough of a mix to be required to state it.) It was the 2005 Yogev Cab/Shiraz, and I loved it.

In the past I have avoided mixes as a general rule. This is not due to some snooty belief in their inferiority, but more an unwillingness to buy something I know so little about. (I do not have the experience or money to be snooty about anything.) This bottle was brought to me as a gift by my Shabbat dinner guests.

Normally I would allow a wine like this some time to breathe (for those unfamiliar with this, it really does change the taste and overall experience of a wine), but I accidentally had no other wine for Kiddush. So I opened it and pored. In my defense I use a glass Kidush cup and small glass cups for everyone else. In this manner I was expecting that it would not be a complete waste, merely a premature tasting. Boy was I in for a surprise.

While it could definitely use some air, it was instantly likable, with a strong fruit and berry flavor. It was so good I sat and stared at my glass for a couple of seconds before remembering to poor for everyone else. After allowing it to sit for a few minutes, other flavors and tones came out and the fruit mellowed a bit. I was very sorry to see the bottle disappear so quickly (six people, one glass each plus kiddush....gone).

I also discovered the major flaw with how I write these reviews. Drinking the wine on Shabbat, writing no notes and having no extra wine for after shabbat..... many of my thoughts and reactions get lost by the time I can write them down. Oh well, such is life.

I was however very happy to discover that this is by no means an expensive wine. www.kosherwines.com has it for $14 a bottle. A quick search on www.wine-searcher.com turned up a place in NJ that ships, offering it at $11.

This one goes down on my list of wines to be kept in the house. Inexpensive enough to be opened even when your not sure anyone else will drink, but good enough that it will suprise and delight the drinkers and be enjoyed. At this price it also makes a good thank you gift for small favors.

If your intersested, here is a review of the wine from the kosher wine guy:
Binyamina Yogev Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005 Another of Binyamina's new Yogev Series wines, this was my favorite red. The Cab delivers lots of ripe berry fruit while the Shiraz adds just the right amount of spice to give the wine a real personality. This is a very good wine for food.

So it would seem that the word is out, I am not the only one who has found this wine and that is exactly how it should be. Its a good wine at a good price.

Drink responsibly, L'Chaim!