Welcome to the Forum
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 6:35pm | Report Abuse
This is a welcome to everyone that is browsing through our forum. We don't have many rules yet as far as what to post and where to post it, but as the forum gets busier I am sure it will be changing. The most important thing to remember is that this is the place where you can come to ask any questions that you like about Israeli wines.
You can direct your questions specifically to a winery if you like and we will try to make sure that you get a response.
Happy Browsing!
Username : Dan
Forum Posts : 44
Location : United States
Re: Welcome to the Forum
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 1:11am | Report Abuse
Wine Reviews...The Sympathy Factor
I am interested in discussing what I would call "the sympathy factor" in wine reviewing. Having now submitted a respectable number of reviews to Kosherwine.com... and getting a good start on MyKerem.com.... I have come to notice a new aspect to my reviews. Until, and including, tonight, I have been straightforward in my reviews. However, tonight I began thinking about the ramifications of reviewing....how these reviews, as a body, can impact the sales of each winery ...and how initial reviews may affect the thoughts of other reviewers and buyers. This is serious business and must, obviously, not be taken lightly.
The method I use is as follows: I do a total blind review. I never read the back of the bottle or any reviews before tasting. I taste, write my notes and, only then, take a look at the bottle and, possibly, other reviews to see if I'm on track. This method is actually quite rewarding...as it continually tests the abilities of the reviewer and makes each review "real." I have begun to feel pain in having to truthfully state that a certain wine may not be so good. A lot of work goes into the making of a bottle of wine. It must be appreciated for what it is. Most wines have positive aspects. I have only experienced one wine which was totally undrinkable.
So, in conclusion, I would have to say that this business of reviewing is one in which community is of the essence. Group reviewing brings out the undeniable truth.
Username : doctordog
Forum Posts : 18
Location : United States
Re: Welcome to the Forum
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 11:44pm | Report Abuse
Hi doctordog,
Thanks for the post. It is great that you have posted reviews on KosherWine.com and myKerem.com so that you can help the wine community learn about the Israeli wines that are available. Each and all of your reviews are very beneficial to the industry, both positive and negative reviews always help.
I am a huge believer that the internet is changing the way people shop. It used to be that customers could do limited research on a product before it was purchased, but today we have the benefit of community reviews and this is our most powerful tool to make better decisions for wine purchases (or anything else.)
I am excited to read your upcoming reviews and I hope that other users follow your lead and share their wine tasting experiences. It doesn't matter if you are a professional, novice, or beginner - all reviews help the community.
Username : Dan
Forum Posts : 44
Location : United States
Re: Welcome to the Forum
Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:20am | Report Abuse
Regarding tour latest poll, "Does Shmitah Matter to You?" ...I keep thinking, perhaps there should be another choice:
"I do not keep kosher but do care about Shmitah." That is the box I would have checked. I wonder if anyone else would vote this way...
Username : doctordog
Forum Posts : 18
Location : United States
Re: Welcome to the Forum
Fri, 08/07/2009 - 10:08am | Report Abuse
I think this question is better proposed in the shmitah thread and I responded to your post there. http://www.mykerem.com/forum/wine-discussion/does-shmitah-matter-you
Dan
Username : Dan
Forum Posts : 44
Location : United States