(2021) The late-ripening variety Chkhaveri was harvested in the middle of November, in a very limited quantity. It is fermented with skins as a red wine, but the paler grape ends up as a deep amber/pink in colour, and I guess must be classed as rosé. There's an attractive strawberry bob-bon character, a little dusting of icing sugar, but then a grippier herbal and slate note comes through. In the mouth it is off-dry to medium-sweet, masses of cherry cola and strawberry, but an intriguing fudge and chocolate, almost like a much lighter and drier Banyuls. Enough souring acidity to balance, this is extraordinary stuff, possibly not for everyone or every occasion, but fascinating.
