Yossie Horwitz
#173 – May 11, 2011

This first vintage of Covenant was a clear indicator of the future greatness of a winery that has not yet disappointed, and is still drinking amazingly these days. Later vintages have proven to be spectacular as well, but I have a special affinity for the 2003. A full bodied wine with aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, blackberries and violets with pleasing notes of oak, some herbaceousness and a hint of vanilla. At its peak now with tannins that are seamlessly integrated with all that fruit, leading into a long luxurious and somewhat spicy finish that seems to have developed over recent years and is now locked, cocked and ready to rock with tobacco, cedar and more fruit. Recently enjoyed, this wine provided me with a near-magical drinking experience and totally justified the high price tag Jeff demands for his wines. The wine should continue to cellar nicely for at least another couple years, maybe longer. I also recently tasted this wine in Magnum format which yielded a slightly different tasting note (which I will share another time) and which should have another 4-5 years on it.

REVIEW BY YOSSIE'S CORKBOARD
Yossie Horwitz
#173 – May 11, 2011

Leslie Rudd finally granted Jeff his wish and allowed a Covenant wine to be made from his coveted and acclaimed Napa Valley grapes with darn good results. While produced in basically the same manner as the Covenant, the Solomon presents more fruit forward, Napa Valley-like, with really plush fruit (without being overly ripe), including plums, currants, blackberries, raspberries, black cherry, rich back earth and well integrated tannins. As with all Covenant wines, a deep and complex wine with layer after layer of fruit, wood and chocolate. One of the more expensive kosher wines at about $150, but a great comparison with the regular 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon that allows you to experience the difference the actual fruit can make in a wine. A wine blessed with longevity, I look forward to tasting this wine again over the coming years and will, g-d willing¸ serve it at Ilana’s Bat-Mitzvah in 10 years.