(2023) The blend here is predominantly Pinot Nor, with 25% Pinot Meunier. The base wine does not go through malolactic fermentation, so it is a sharply focused style, though a dosage of 12g/l softens the character in the mouth. An intitial citrus and apple brightness mellows into a red fruit character on the palate, the richness of the mousse also adding breadth. Tart berry acidity nips at the finish, and brings the wine to a crisp but elegant point. This can be had for as little as £33 if buying by the half dozen, but is generally priced in the high £30s, low £40s.
(2021) 100% of the indigenous Tavkveri from the Kartli region, matured in Caucasian Oak barrels. A soft touch of brick on the rim, this has an orthodox nose of black fruits, delicate and fragrant tobacco and cedar spices, a little meatiness beneath. On the palate the wine has good, savoury black fruits, touched with a little leather and olive, but there is lightness and a certain silkiness too, on to a peppery finish, the sandy tannins and plum-skin rasp of acidity give a savoury character. Very good.
(2021) A blend of 60% Rkatsiteli and 40% Mtsvane, this wine is fermented naturally in Qvevri, but partly matured in older oak barrels. There's a touch of gold/amber to the colour, and a little floral touch to the nose as well as aromas of seeds and oils, a little buttery quality too. In the mouth there is very nice balance here, a certain sweet apple ripeness, but straw-like, dry flavours and plenty of dry extract and acidity to give it an almost spicy, lip-tingling finish.
