Herzog's Kosher Wines

Joe Hurliman and this Cellar in Oxnard California offer Baron and Reserve Label Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Old Vine Zinfandel and Syrah

May 22, 2006

These value-priced Baron Herzog wines are clean and varied while the reserve wines have garnered Wine Enthusiast and Beverage Testing Institute ratings as high as 94.

When we think about kosher wine, the first thing that comes to many minds is the sweet, inexpensive, alcoholic red wine that provide traditional accompaniment to Jewish feasts. Practicing orthodox Jews were unable to enjoy the wide variety of delicious table wines many of us have taken for granted because they were not made in accordance with Kosher laws. Now that barrier has been removed, thanks to a new effort by Herzog Wine Cellars of Oxnard, California, to produce excellent quality varietal wines without trespassing on kosher traditions.

has been making kosher wines in New York since the 19th century, and in California since 1985. In 2005 a large state-of-the-art winery was built near Ventura, California, under the direction of winemaker

one of California's brightest rising stars. Joe had previously been Assistant Winemaker at Alban Vineyards in San Luis Obispo and had helped create Alban's legendary Roussanne and Syrah, regarded as among California's best.

Herzog's new Central Coast venture involves two labels. The Baron Herzog label is used for wines aimed at the general consumer. These are value priced wines made in the same facility as the more expensive reserve wines. The Baron Herzog label includes Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi, Syrah, and Black Muscat.

The Herzog Reserve wines are made from grapes sourced from distinguished vineyards in the Russian River, Edna Valley, Lodi, Chalk Hill, and Napa Valley appellations. They include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Although all the Herzog wines are made according to restrictive kosher law, they are splendidly crafted to please the most discriminating palate. The value priced Baron Herzog wines are clean and balanced with more varietal character than many others at this price point. The reserve wines have garnered Wine Enthusiast and Beverage Testing Institute ratings as high as 94 points, often higher than other non-kosher wines.

Herzog wines enjoy national distribution and may be ordered online from the Herzog Wine Cellars

The copyright of the article Herzog's Kosher Wines in New World Wine is owned by Alan Boehmer. Permission to republish Herzog's Kosher Wines in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.