2023 Bedoba Saperavi

Full bottle horribly heavy at 1,618 g. From vineyards located in the classic and traditional microzones of Kindzmarauli and Kvareli from 35-year-old vines on average in the Duruji dry valley. Soils are rich in black shale, and the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains provide elevations of over 400 m. Sustainable and organic practices are observed. Fermented in stainless-steel tanks for approximately six weeks, with 7% remaining as whole bunches to ferment in a qvevri. The qvevri-fermented wine was then transferred to a press and subsequently to a new qvevri for further maturation. Following the six-week fermentation period, the tank-fermented wine was moved to a combination of tanks, 5,000-litre wooden vats, and second- and third-use 225-litre American oak barrels to undergo malo. The final blend consists of 50% Saperavi matured in stainless-steel, 20% in 5,000-litre wooden vats, 20% in second- and third-use 225-litre American oak barrels, and 10% qvevri. Mid crimson. Ripe, too-sweet fruit. Lovely label but the wine lacks freshness. Sudden drying finish. Jancis Robinson