2015 Yacoubian Hobbs Areni Rind, Armenia, Vayotz Dzor, Wine Review

This is a joint venture between traveling winemaker Paul Hobbs and the Yacoubian family made from 100% Areni grapes grown at 4,000 feet elevation. Tasted side by side with the 2016, this seemed to be clearly better. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cranberries, black cherries, slight baking spices, and a bit of dried flowers. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, the cranberries and black cherries come thru with a bit of underlying dust. Good balance. Lively energy. Long finish. This has depth and complexity. It seems like it should drink well for another five to seven years. It works on its own but would be better with food. Spaghetti with Bolognaise sauce would work well.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2015

Current Price:

$32.00USD

2016 Yacoubian Hobbs Areni Rind, Armenia, Vayots Dzor, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$34.00USD

This is a joint venture with the Yacoubian family and Paul Hobbs (who makes wine all over the world). Tasted side by side with the 2015 vintage, I preferred the 2015. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cranberries, black cherries and dust. With air some black pepper. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, cranberries and black pepper. Tart fruit. Long finish. Very similar to the 2015 but everything turned down a notch. Is it the vintage? Does it need more time? Some other reason? I truly have no idea, but this is still a fine and interesting wine. It drinks

2016 Yacoubian Hobbs Areni Sarpina, Armenia, Vayots Dzor, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$46.00USD

This is a collaboration with flying winemaker Paul Hobbs. It is 100% Areni grapes. Deep ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cranberries, black cherries, spice and dust. Medium bodied. On the palate, this has some depth. Light tannins. Black cherry fruit with underlying spices. Good acidity. Short finish. This is drinking well now and should continue to do so for five to seven years. It will work well with roasted chicken or turkey.

2016 Voskeni Areni 130 Reserve, Armenia, Vayotz Dzor, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$40.00USD

Interesting wine made from the Areni grape in Armenia. Deep garnet in color, clear and bright. The nose has rhubarb, cranberries, spice and coffee. Medium to full bodied. Good acidity. Light tannins. On the palate more like cherries with good acidity. Some spice. Good finish. This is better with food. It is clean and drinks somewhat like a combination of Gamay and Merlot. It would work well with roasted foul. drink over the next few years.

2017 Zorah Karasi, Armenia, Vayots Dzor, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$33.00USD

This is a very interesting wine (and good, too). 100% Areni grapes grown at 4,000 feet altitude. Fermented in temperature controlled concrete vats ad then aged for 12 months in traditional amphorae. Ruby in color with a purple core, opaque but flat in appearance. The nose has black cherries, cherries, cranberries, black pepper and slight dried flowers. Medium to full bodied. It has a "warm" quality which seems different from alcohol. Complex with layers of fruit and spice. Good acidity. Long finish. This seems on the young side, it should drink well for another seven to ten years.

2013 Old Bridge Areni Reserve, Armenia, Arpa Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2013

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$33.00USD

This is made from the Areni Grape, one of the oldest known varieties in the world, in Armenia. Aged for 24 months in Armenian oak barrels. Ruby in color, garnet at the core, a bit flat and cloudy. On the nose, this is full of spices, with black cherries and slight cranberries. A nice backbone of acidity. The black cherries and cranberries carry thru to the palate. Tart fruit. Depth and complexity. This works better with food; Chikofte or Armenian "Steak Tartare" would probably work well as would a burger off the grill. Drink over the next five to seven years (a guess).

2015 Yacoubian Hobbs Areni Rind, Armenia, Vayotz Dzor, Wine Review

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