Pheasant's Tears, Saperavi, Kakheti

A very traditionalist Georgian Saperavi: made in a non-interventionist fashion from Saperavi grapes that are crushed and moved to earthenware kvevris to ferment. After the fermentation is complete, the kvevris containing the wine, grape skins and stems are sealed. The wine is left to age on the skins for 6 months, after which the wine is racked into empty kvevris to settle. Bottled with minimal sulfites. 14% alcohol. Fully opaque reddish-black color that stains the glass. The nose feels juicy, …

Lively and energetic, notes of red fruits and cooked beetroot on the nose; the palate is medium-plus bodied and supple, with a tannic profile very reminiscent of a Barolo, attractive red fruit and damp earth on the midpalate, juicy acid draw. The 6th and final bottle from a purchase 7 years ago, wish I had more on hand to see how these will evolve. Very happy with this one.

Rusty nail top note, red berries underneath. Wonderfully textural, velvet entry, raspy medium tannins. In a nice place now.

Deep crimson and purple with real intensity all the way to the core - looks like a barrel sample of most reds. A bit shy on the nose - hints of black pepper, barbecued steak, mulberries. Medium to full bodied, quite viscous, big dry chalky tannins kick in on the midpalate; flavourwise a melding of dried herbs, sour cherry, clay. Very savoury, quite serious (and different to Georgian Saperavi aged in oak). Will try the next bottle in 2021.

Very dark (opaque) and rich colour. Black and red fruits - juicy raspberry and blackberry, ricotta/whey. Lush up front but the tannins build quickly and are quite drying

Exotic nose of plum, tar, roasted meat, manure, and cloves. Reductive at first; needed time to breathe. There was always a lingering note of deviled eggs. Coats the palate with a sensation of ink and melted licorice. Plenty of fruity freshness on the palate as well. As tangy as traditional Rioja. Finishes with a wall of drying tannins. Fans of Rioja, Cote Rotie, Barolo, and Brunello may enjoy this wine. It's only $17 on KLWines and surely worth trying. Fans …

What incredible colour, so deep and dark! Grippy full-bodied tannins, high acidity, clean entry, mid-bodied. Very intriguing, definitely one to cellar and enjoy over time.

This wine is deep ruby red. The nose is clear with primary aromas of dark berry fruit and secondary aromas of slight oak. The wine is dry, concentrated with medium (+) tannins and medium acidity. Long finish and full body. Huge wine, maybe even too early to be consumed now.