Deep ruby colored, with moderate staining, and medium viscosity (13% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of red and black plum, vanilla bean, blackberry, acai berry, a medicinal note, and dried green herbs.  The palate is dry, with medium acidity, a medium body, and medium (+) tannins that are chalky.  The flavors are of medium intensity but get sidelined by the really seductive tannins.  Black fruit, oak influence by way of vanilla and a medicinal note, coupled with some dried herbs.  The finish is pretty decent in length and adds a bit of charred oak to the mix.  The Saperavi variety is one of two main teinturier grapes that are produced- the flesh is not clear, but pink colored which makes the wine very dark when fermented on the skins.  I paid $18 for this delicious wine that will be paired with Oxtail stew.  It gets 91 points from me and therefore- 5 stars!  Drink till 2030.  Salut….

I’m very new to this ancient varietal that has roots in the country of Georgia.  If you are bored you can read my original post on the varietal here: https://caspernick.com/2021/06/22/guardians-saperavi-2018-kakheti-georgian-republic/

This one is opaque ruby and a touch murky.  The nose has loads of black and blue fruit, some charred wood notes, spice box and a sweet smelling component, like jam.  The palate is dry with really nice tannins and bracing acidity.  Blackberry jam, black plum, blueberry compote, charcoal and spice wrap neatly around the structural components.  Very balanced wine that has loads of cellaring potential.  Medium to full bodied it finishes with medium length fruit and lots of astringency.  91 points for this $20 effort makes it a 5 star wine.  Drink with hearty meat dishes till 2025.  Ps. I love the fact that it runs 12.5% ABV!  Salut….

I have never tried this grape variety (Saperavi) and in my research found out that it is a red skinned grape that also has red juice. This is not typical as most red grapes have clear juice. This bottle hails from Georgia, the birthplace of wine so they tell me. It is paler than I thought it would be but a lovely shade of ruby in the glass. At 12.5% ABV I was not expecting much in the legs department either. The nose is bright and airy with cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and believe it or not- a touch of alcohol. The palate is off-dry, with just a hint of sweetness. I like it- goes with the light and fruity nose. It is very lithe yet has a nice acidic crunch. Cherry, cedar and sour strawberry all lead me to think this could be a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It’s unique and delightful. The tannins are very gentle and caressing, with a decent length finish. I am really enjoying this wine which I picked to pair with Pork Tenderloin. I think it’s delicacy will go well with the mild white meat. 88 points from me for this $13 find that gets 4 stars. Try it if you can find it, it’s gonna be a great summer sundowner. Salut….