2017 Zorah Karasi Areni Noir

Aged on local amphorae of varying sizes (some buried in the ground and others above ground) for 12 months. Deep dark red black colour with a bright dark red hue. Nosing reveals an elegant mix of red currant and spicy red cherry scents followed by scorched earth, fresh herb and peppered meat notes. Light to mid weight the palate is generously flavoured with juicy like red currant, red cherry and red liquorice fruits which meld into smoky herb and earth elements. Polished tannins with a bright feel and fresh acidity. Finishes with a lick of spice and pepper on the savoury, energetic aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
There were a few Armenians at my school, and their names always seem to end in ‘ian’. Anyway, by way of meaningless introduction, my brother used to make skateboards (and surfboards), and sell them. The brand name was H.I.A, which stood for Holiday In Armenia. Don’t ask me why, he’s even stranger than I am… They have a 6100+ year tradition of winemaking in this region. Indigenous grape here, no oak.
Redcurrant jelly, charred meat, cement, dried roses and dried herbs, black fruits in there too. It’s dry and meaty, with dry tannin, but does posses an intriguing perfume, sappy, and brambly, it’s somewhat uncompromising, yet charming too. Some cranberry like crunch to the acidity, with the fresh dry feel that cranberry juice has on a solid finish. Raspberry too, and a turkish delight fragrance following. If you’re interested in the wider world of wine, I’d recommend giving this a go. Drink 2019-2025.
93 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front