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Efron’s Cave Reserves
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Abarbanel is pleased to reintroduce our Efron’s Cave brand from Israel with a whole new line of Reserve-level wines for Passover 2009. The grapes for the new Efron’s wines come primarily from carefully tended and highly pruned artisanal vineyards in the Jerusalem Hills situated between and around Domaine Castel and Katlav. The Jerusalem sub-region of the Judean Hills is proving to be a wonderful micro-climate for growing world class varietal grapes. In honor of the provenance of the grapes all our Reserve wines are named after Jerusalem, our holy city. We see the flourishing of vineyards surrounding Jerusalem as the fulfillment of Nevuah (prophesy) that the “ancient vineyards will be replanted” and great wines shall come from them. The wines were hand crafted by the creative winemakers at Arad’s Asif Winery for Abarbanel. The wines’ style is very much “Old World,” European, especially French in approach and character as French Oak Barrels are used exclusively for aging and flavor.
All Efron’s Reserves are Non-Mevushal, under the strict Orthodox kosher supervision of the O-K Laboratories, Rabbi Don Yoel Levy. They come packed in cartons of six bottles each. These wines have been produced in very limited quantities and are both age able and collectable.
Jerusalem Hills
Jerusalem Hills is a blend of 45 percent Grenache (a very rare grape variety in Israel, known primarily in France and Spain), 45 percent Syrah and 10 percent Merlot which is similar to the blends of Rhone wines in France. Grown in small vineyards in the Jerusalem Hills and hard-harvested, this wine is soft, round and flowery with a range of diverse aromas. Aged for 18 months in French Oak Barrels, this wine has medium body with soft tannins and the flavor of red forest fruits, pomegranates, dried cranberries, fruit candy, red roses, violets, spices and nuts. We recommend opening and decanting the wine for at least a half hour prior to consumption. 2006 vintage. Pair with poultry dishes either grilled or in sauce. Especially nice with duck.
Jerusalem Gold
Aged 18 months in 100 percent French Oak Barrels this is a classic Bordeaux-style blend comprising 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, Nine percent Cabernet Franc and six percent Merlot. The Cabernet in this wine is a blend of Cabernet grapes from several diverse vineyards from different parts of the Jerusalem Hills all with the common denominator of being round, fruity, deep and rich. We added Cabernet Franc which contributed a range of aromas and flavors of red fruits. The smidgen of Merlot enhanced the wine’s structure and added spicy notes. This is a very well balanced, rich dry wine with a medium to full body with notes of cherries, blackberries and raspberries along with a nose of lavender, Indian spices, cloves, cigar box and chocolate pralines. We recommend opening and decanting the wine for at least a half hour prior to drinking. May be aged for several years or drunk now. 2006 vintage. Enjoy this wine with steak, roasts, beef of any kind. Excellent as well with lamb.
Jerusalem Rosé
This is a blend of 95 percent Syrah and five percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Two-thirds of the Syrah was aged for four months in 100 percent French Oak Barrels prior to blending with other Syrah Rosé that underwent cold-temperature slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The result is a complex, aromatic and velvety Rosé blend that works well with a variety of cuisines. The wine is dry and fruity with a strawberry pink hue, a medium body and supporting acidity. There are notes of raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates and fresh red fruits. Made in the Loire/Tavel style. We recommend serving this wine ever so slightly chilled, no more than an hour maximum in the fridge. Too cold and you’ll chill the fruit right out of it. Pair with Asian cuisine, Thai, Japanese or Chinese. Excellent also with grilled or sautéed fish. Nice also with poached or smoked salmon. Great on its own with small plates and finger foods. 2007 vintage.
Jerusalem White
This white encompasses the best of all Israeli wine appellations. It is a striking blend of 48 percent Sauvignon Blanc from the Upper Galilee along with 42 percent Chardonnay from the Jerusalem Hills with 10 percent Semillon, the traditional marriage partner to Sauvignon Blanc which you will find in many wines from the Sauternes and Bergerac regions of France. The Chardonnay was aged for four months in French Oak Barrels prior to blending. This is a white wine with a bright straw hue paired with aromas of green tropical fruits and a nose of jasmine and citrus blossoms. The wine has as medium body with refreshing acidity and flavors of lime, pears and green apple. We recommend serving this wine only slightly chilled, no more than two hours maximum in the fridge. Too cold and you’ll chill the fruit right out of it. 2007 vintage. Pair this wine with grilled poultry, grilled fish, salads and cheeses.
Reviews
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GOLD MEDAL 2006 Reserve Jerusalem Gold Red Blend "Garnet. Rich aromas of roasted peppers, exotic peppercorns, rosemary and spicy plum chutney follow through on a round, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with notes of sundried tomato, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Finishes with a crisp and lively fade. A juicy, tasty table wine." World Wine Championships |
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Silver Medal 2006 Reserve Jerusalem Hills Red Blend "Ruby color. Aromas of cranberries, tomatoes on the vine, black pepper and pencils follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with ripe raspberry and cherry notes. Finishes in a woody, spiced nut accented fade with a touch of dirt. A nice table wine." World Wine Championships |
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Silver Medal 2007 Reserve Jerusalem Rosé "Pale scarlet color. Pleasing aromas of strawberry jam and pepper on toast follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with tangy citrus peel, cherry pit, and delicate spice notes on the crisp finish. A sturdy rosé for sipping or the table." World Wine Championships |
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Bronze Medal 2007 Reserve Jerusalem White "Pale golden yellow color. Aromas of roasted Brazil nuts, baked plantains, and delicate brown spices follow through on a brisk entry to a dry light-to-medium body with baked apple and lemon notes and a tart finish." World Wine Championships |
Awards
GOLD MEDAL
2006 Reserve Jerusalem Gold Red Blend
World Wine Championships
Beverage Testing Institute
August 2009
Silver Medal
2006 Reserve Jerusalem Hills Red Blend
World Wine Championships
Beverage Testing Institute
August 2009
Silver Medal
2007 Reserve Jerusalem Rosé
World Wine Championships
Beverage Testing Institute
August 2009
Bronze Medal
2007 Reserve Jerusalem White
World Wine Championships
Beverage Testing Institute
August 2009
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