What We’re Drinking – 2013 Karmei Yosef Bravdo Coupage

The color is a medium garnet.  Pipe tobacco, tomato, and vanilla provide a base for blueberry, blackberry, and cherry aromas. On the palate, jammy black fruit leads, slightly off-dry, with vanilla, leafy herbs, and a hint of seared beef fat. It’s a little jumbled, not quite knit together, but offers a big, chewy satisfying mouthful. Drink with brisket, because this wine is Kosher for Passover (not mevushal). Recommended. 88 points. DBH

WHO: Karmei Yosef Winery
WHAT: 40% Cabernet Franc, 33% Shiraz, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon
DESIGNATION: Bravdo Coupage
WHERE: Israel
HOW MUCH: $36.99 (media sample)