2018 Abarbanel Chateau de Pougelon Beaujolais-Villages

"Violet color. Aromas of ripe blackberries, pomegranate, black pepper, and dried herbs with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, medium-length charcoal finish with coarse tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid red that’s easy to pair with."

88 Points - Tastings.com - November 2019

Abarbanel 2018 Château de Pougelon Kosher (Beaujolais-Villages)

"This wine is full of bright red-berry flavors with a perfumed aftertaste. With density as well as attractive acidity, the wine is balanced and ready to drink. Kosher. Abarbanel Wine Company. — R.V. abv: 14% "

87 Points - November 2019

ABARBANEL/CHATEAU DE POUGELON BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES ‘18

87 Points, Silver Medal
USA Wine Ratings - August 2019

March 1, 2019

"The Abarbanel, Beaujolais Villages, Château de Pougelon, Batch 90, Old Vines, 2018 ($16-17): Bright crimson with a lustrous deep purple highlights, this delightful wine offers appealing outdoorsy aromas of flowers and red and black summer fruits, leading to yummy flavors of raspberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries, subtle blanched almonds, a little violet, and all with a light strawberry overlay. Well-balanced with nice acidity and mild tannins, this can play down as a simple but oh-so-pleasurable quaffer to accompany light meals, picnics, or a pre-dinner cocktail hour, but can just as easily play up to hearty meat meals with just enough felicitous complexity to hold the attention. This is a lovely Beaujolais Villages!"

87 RATING

Abarbanel 2002 Château de la Salle Old Vines (Beaujolais-Villages) “Fruity and fun, with plum, cherry, raspberry and herb flavors that go down easily. Soft, supple and light textured, the wine shows its terroir well, finishing with a bright edge.” The Wine Enthusiast April 2004

86 RATING

SILVER MEDAL "Best Buy " Abarbanel 2007 Château de la Salle, Beaujolais-Villages Rich ruby color. Aromas of strawberry compote, chocolate covered cherries follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium body with tangy spiced apple, raspberry, and orange notes. Finishes with a powdery tannin fade with a touch of nutskin and spice. Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships August 2009

86 RATING

SILVER MEDAL "Highly Recommended" Abarbanel 2006 Chateau de la Salle, Beaujolais-Villages Rouge Ruby purple color. Bright jammy blackberry and currant aromas follow through to a bright, lively entry leads and a fruity, lightly tannic light-to-medium body with a crisp, zippy citrus and peach marmalade accented fade. A crisp, taut, refreshing red to sip or serve with turkey dishes. Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships November 2007

85 RATING

Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages 2005 “Just what you expect from a Beaujolais Villages. Light-to medium-bodied, fresh and round, with black cherry, grape and spicy aromas and flavors that sit nicely on the palate. A fine quaffing wine, perhaps best served lightly chilled. Drink now or in the next year or so.” Daniel Rogov Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune November 2006

85 RATING

Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages, Château de la Salle, Vieilles Vignes, 2002 “A simple but remarkably quaffable Beaujolais, fresh and refreshing, with an appealing cherry-red color matched by cherry-berry fruits. Nothing at all complex here but a fun match to pizzas, burgers and chicken salad. Drink up.” (Tasted 22 Sep, 2004) Daniel Rogov Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune September 2004

83 RATING

SILVER MEDAL Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages '05 "Kosher Dark cherry red and purple color. Bright black cherry, mineral, and spice aromas. A round entry leads to a dry light-to medium-bodied palate with tart black cherry and strawberry skin and flinty mineral flavors. Finishes with a quick tart mineral fade. Pair with sirloin burgers." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships August 2006

Double Gold Medal
Tasters Guild International
April 2001

Gold Medal
The International Eastern Wine Competition
May 2006

Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2009

Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
November 2007

Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

Silver Medal
The Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Silver Medal
The Los Angeles County Wines of the World Competition
May 2006

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
April 2006

Silver Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
April 2002

Silver Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
2002

Silver Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
1999

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International
1999

Bronze Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

Bronze Medal
Tasters Guild International
2004

Bronze Medal
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
2002

Bronze Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
2001

Bronze Medal
Tasters Guild International
1998

Bronze Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
1998

SILVER MEDAL – ABARBANEL CAB ’16

Silver Medal
Los Angeles Int’l Wine Competition - August 2019

ABARBANEL BATCH 22 CABERNET SAUVIGNON ‘17

84 Points, Silver Medal
USA Wine Ratings - August 2019

September 29, 2016

"Abarbanel, Batch 22, Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon, Pays d'Oc, 2015 ($14; mevushal): This is an inviting, food friendly light-to-medium bodied cab, sourced from the Les Dolmens Rouges, a single vineyard near Ouveillan in the Aude River Valley (Languedoc); offering clean currant, dark berry, and herbal notes, with slightly rustic tannins, this is a simple yet very engaging quaffer, and a solid choice for a basic red."

"Ruby black color. Roasted aromas and flavors of char-roasted nuts, espresso, and cocoa with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, brisk grilled cherries and apples and bark finish with crunchy, firm tannins and moderate oak. A crisp, oaky cabernet quaffer."
- Tastings.com, December 2016

85 RATING

Abarbanel Cabernet Sauvignon, Aude Valley Estate, Vin de Pays de l'Aude, 2003 "A very pleasant country style red, medium-bodied with somewhat chunky tannins that come together nicely with berry and currant fruits, an appealing light hint of bitterness and a medium-long finish. Drink now-2006.”(Tasted 22 Sep, 2004)" Daniel Rogov Ha’aratez and International Herald Tribune September 2004

2017 Abarbanel Special Reserve Rouge Pays d'Oc IGP

"Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, red currants, charcuterie, spiced nuts, and dried herbs with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish that shows nuances of pickled strawberry and tobacco. A satisfying, table-friendly French red that will be a real crowd pleaser. "

89 Points - Tastings.com - November 2019

Options for Cup 3: "The Abarbanel, 25th Anniversary, Special Reserve, Rouge, 2016 ($17-$20): Value-priced, light-to-medium-bodied, and light in tannins, this is an all-around inviting and enjoyable single vineyard blend of cabernet sauvignon (65%) and merlot (35%) from the Aude River Valley in the South of France. This is easy drinking and food-friendly, offering aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, and cassis with some subtle herbs and light tobacco, and perhaps a whiff of coffee.. Let it breathe in the glass a little first."

"Finally, for those seeking a budget-friendly quaffer to quench thirsts and accompany the proceedings nicely, consider the newly released The Abarbanel, 25th Anniversary, Special Reserve, Rouge, 2016 ($20; currently available for $17 at kosherwine.com): Value-priced, light-to-medium bodied, and light in tannins, this is an all-around inviting and enjoyable single vineyard blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot (35%) from the Aude River Valley in the South of France. This is easy drinking and food friendly—though let it breath in the glass a little first; offering aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, and cassis with some subtle herbs and light tobacco, and perhaps a whiff of coffee. L’Chaim!"

2019 Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay

"Straw color. Aromas and flavors of soft apple, apricot, fondant, hints of popcorn, and praline with a satiny, bright, light body and a smooth, compelling, medium-length finish with shades of puff pastry with moderate oak flavor. An oaky but restrained Chardonnay that will pair well with fish."

87 Points - Beverage Testing Institute - Best Buy

2018 Abarbanel Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay

"Golden straw color. Aromas of golden apples, green apple candies, and circus peanuts with a supple, bright, fruity light body and a smooth, short apple muffin and orange spritz finish. An easy Chardonnay quaffer."

83 Points - Tastings.com - November 2019

May 18, 2018

"The Abarbanel, Les Chemins de Favarelle, Batch 30, Chardonnay, Unoaked (Pays d’Oc, IGP, France), 2016 ($15; mevushal): Sourced once again from a single vineyard in the Aude River Valley of the Languedoc in southwest France, this latest vintage is fresh, clean, and inviting with notes of citrus and stone fruits, a little spice, and nice balancing acidity. From year to year, this represents consistently great value."

Please note that of all the Chards reviewed, we are the most popularly-priced and affordable by a wide margin. Scores high on the price/value ratio.

"Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of bubble gum dust, green apple, pineapple gravel, and dried canvas with an tangy, dry medium-full body and an interesting, brisk finish with cottony, earthy tannins and a suggestion of oak. A better than average quality example."
- Tastings.com - December 2016

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September 29, 2016

"Abarbanel, Batch 30, Unoaked Chardonnay, Pas d'Oc, 2015 ($14; mevushal): an enjoyable, straightforward, chardonnay sourced from the Les Chemins de Favarelle single vineyard in the Aude River Valley of the Languedoc, with clean and inviting notes of citrus and pear, some lovely spice, nice balancing acidity, and an agreeably creamy mouth-feel. Refreshing."

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Top 10 Value-Priced Kosher Wines of 2015
Abarbanel Batch 30 Chardonnay '13
Ranked #3 of 10 Best Kosher Wine Values in America!
Washington Jewish Week and Grapelines.com
September 25, 2015

"Abarbanel, Batch 30, Unoaked Chardonnay 2013 ($14): Uncomplicated with clean and inviting notes of melon, citrus, apple, pear and light clover honey, with just enough balancing acidity to keep it all genuinely refreshing to drink."

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Winner of the Médaille d’Argent (Silver Medal) at the Brussels Concours de Vin 2013

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By Joshua E. London and Lou Marmon
Washington Jewish Week - March 18, 2015

"The world has a love/hate relationship with Chardonnay. On the one hand, it is one of the most widely planted grapes, while on the other hand, it tends to elicit scorn and even contempt. Many consumers continue to ascribe to the ABC school of wine selection: 'Anything But Chardonnay.'
A rise in the grape varietal’s popularity in the 1980’s led to increased production without a concomitant attention to quality. The result was an ocean of over-oaked, flabby and out-of-balance Chardonnay wine that rarely displayed any character or charm. Oak can be used to hide a lot of faults, especially lazy winemaking and poor viticulture. Chardonnay remains popular, but there has been a steady movement toward lighter, less oaky white wines like Pinot Grigio.
Thankfully there are still many winemakers and growers out there who treat Chardonnay with some respect, and allow this grape to really shine.
For an enjoyable and food friendly example, consider the mevushal Abarbanel, Batch 30, Unoaked Chardonnay 2013 ($14), from the Les Chemins de Favarelle single vineyard in the Aude River Valley in southwest France. The Abarbanel Chardonnay is uncomplicated with clean and inviting notes of melon, citrus, apple, pear and light clover honey, with just enough balancing acidity to keep it all genuinely refreshing to drink. It’s a lovely little quaffer."

85 RATING

Abarbanel Chardonnay, Aude Valley Estate, Vin de Pays de l'Aude, 2001 “Brilliant straw-copper hue. Pear and citrus aromas. A rich entry leads to a moderately full-bodied palate with forward fruit and a rich finish with fine acidity.” Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com April, 2002

84 RATING

Abarbanel Chardonnay, Aude Valley Estate, Vin de Pays de l'Aude, 2003 “Simple but pleasant, a light straw colored, somewhat buttery wine with clean fruits and nuts on the nose and palate. Perhaps a bit of residual sugar here but a good match with food.” (Tasted 21 Sep, 2004) Daniel Rogov Ha’aratez and International Herald Tribune September 2004

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Silver Medal
Tastings.com World Wine Championships
June 2016

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International
June 2003

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International
May 2002

Bronze Medal
The Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Bronze Medal
Tasters Guild Consumer Judging
August 2004

ABARBANEL LEMMINADE BATCH 69 GEWURZTRAMINER ‘16

91 Points, Gold Medal
Los Angeles Int’l Wine Competition - August 2019

ABARBANEL GEWURZTRAMIER ‘16

85 Points, Silver Medal
USA Wine Ratings - August 2019

(Abarbanel's Gewurztraminer has been consistently regarded as one of the best kosher white wines in the world)

"Exceptional. Straw green color. Fruity, floral, earthy aromas and flavors of lychee, honeysuckle and geranium patch, and clementine with a supple, tangy, fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long apple and pear and hint of potpourri finish with fine, dusty, fruit tannins and no oak. A crisp, lightly floral and earthy gewurztraminer that pair nicely."
- Tastings.com

"Abarbanel Lemminade Gewurztraminer ’15 is the #2 Rated Gewurztraminer in the America according to Tastings.com/World Wine Championships!"

September 29, 2016

"Abarbanel, Lemminade, Gewurztraminer, Vin D'alsace, Old-Vine, 2015 ($23; non-mevushal): this is a beautiful, bright, vibrant, somewhat rounded yet refreshing and very slightly sweet Gewurtz with tingly acidity, and wonderful aromas and flavors of white peach, lychee, and wild flowers, with notes of ginger and cloves. Serve only slightly chilled with poultry, Asian cuisine, Cajun cooking."

90 RATING

Abarbanel Gewurztraminer 2006 "This is a fantastic example of an Alsatian style Gewurztraminer with an intense nose of ginger and spice, and lingering cloves and incense on the finish. Well-balanced with a round, rich mouthfeel, this wine is a true delight." Kosher Wine Society

89 RATING

SILVER MEDAL "Highly Recommended" Abarbanel Gewurztraminer 2006 "Yellow straw color. Lychee, beeswax, and floral peach jam aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of ripe nectarine, wet sandalwood, and pistachio oil flavors with a crisp, yet round chalk accented fade. Nicely style for the table; serve with mild Asian cuisine or muenster cheese or a sipper." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships November 2007

87 RATING

Abarbanel Gewurztraminer '04 "Kosher Pale golden yellow straw color. Fresh lychee and peach aromas. A round entry leads to a dryish, lightly glycerous medium-bodied palate with tangy stone fruit and delicate allspice flavors. Finishes with a breezy fruity fade. A nice quaffer or serve with mildly spicy foods." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships, August 2006

86 RATING

Abarbanel Gewürztraminer Alsace Mevushal 1999 "Restrained, this white shows grapefruit and litchi flavors matched to a firm, lean structure, yet it's balanced and harmonious. Good lingering finish. Kosher. Drink now." Wine Spectator September 30, 2001

85 RATING

Abarbanel Gewürztraminer Alsace Mevushal 2000 "Intense aromas and flavors of pear, with a hint of banana. Not typical for the variety, yet it’s an attractive white, soft and inviting. Drink now." Wine Spectator July 31, 2004

85 RATING

Abarbanel Gewurztraminer 2006 "Pale yellow in color, this Gewurz has aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear and cantaloupe complemented by flavors of fresh peach and light ginger spice. A round, somewhat fat mouthfeel followed by a crisp and peppery finish closes the wine nicely." Wine Enthusiast April 2008

Abarbanel 1997 Gewurztraminer was rated as
one of America's Top Kosher Wines by Bon Appetit Magazine

"The Abarbanel Vin d'Alsace Gewurztraminer 1999 Estate Bottled packs a wallop of perfume and spices, with layers of chrysanthemums and dried fig on the palate,
and a mineral chalky finish"
Deborah and Howard Spiegelman
Washington Jewish Week
March 2001

Gold Medal
Tastings.com World Wine Championships
July 2016

Gold Medal
The Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Gold Medal
International Eastern Wine Competition
May 1997

Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
November 2007

Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International
April 2004

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Competition
August 1998

Silver Medal
Tasters Guild International
April 1997

Bronze Medal
Tasters Guild International
April 2002