NEW JI WEEKLY FEATURE — Many of you know leading Silicon Valley angel investor Yitz Applbaum as a prominent Jewish leader and JI board member. But Yitz is well known in another California valley: Napa. From founding Teal Lake Cellars to promoting Israeli wine as President of the California Israel Chamber of Commerce, Yitz has become an expert and avid collector of Kosher wine. As a board member for Herzog and One Hope Wineries, Yitz puts his knowledge to use on a daily basis debunking the poor, uninformed reputation of Kosher wine. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not asked to name my favorite label, what’s good, what’s new.” While his favorite label is the rare Kosher Harlan Cab he produces, Yitz is never shy about sharing his thoughts on other labels. Each week, he’ll provide JI readers with the inside scoop on a different Kosher winery. Enjoy! • Pics – [Cellar; Harlan]

FIRST EDITION — “Robert Parker’s industry trendsetting “Wine Advocate” infrequently grants a score above 90 to Israeli wines. One such exception is the Flam Family Noble Cabernet, which achieved the score of 93. A luscious, fruity, complex, and mature wine with a nose of cherry and chocolate, the Noble is made of 83% from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with  5% each of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The Noble sits for two years in new French oak, and a third in pre-worn barrels.  This combination affords a very deep and nuanced flavor profile. A wine of this verbosity should be had with red meat, Barbeque is my preferred pairing. The wine is ready to drink now, though is a bit young, I recommend a 3-year hold to allow it to fully recognize its potential. The winery sits in the Judean HIlls outside of Beit Shemesh and is a wonderful place to bring your family and friends for lunch and a wine tasting of their Nobel, Rose, Blanc, Syrah, reserve Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.”