2022 K'Avshiri Red, Vachnadziani Winery
Multi-Regional, Georgia
This is not a red that plays by tidy, predictable rules, and that is exactly its charm. Built from a remarkable blend of 58% Saperavi, 14% Ojaleshi, 9% Aleksandrouli, 5% Aladasturi, 5% Otskhanuri Sapere, 5% Merlot, 2% Mtsvane and 2% Rkatsiteli, it brings together fruit from Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo and Racha regions, creating something layered, characterful and gloriously hard to pin down.
In the glass, it feels dark, juicy and quietly exotic. Plum, cherry and wild berry fruit lead the way, with violet, subtle spice and a gentle lick of oak adding depth, while the palate broadens into richer dark fruit, bright red cherry, a touch of vanilla and polished tannins. There is plenty of generosity here, but it never feels clumsy. Instead, it moves with a lovely balance of ripeness, freshness and savoury intrigue, finishing long, smooth and just a little mysterious.
For when: the food is generous, the table is noisy, and one bottle somehow becomes two.
Pairs with: grilled lamb, smoky aubergine, spiced stews, roast duck, or a feast of Georgian dishes if you are doing it properly.
K’AVSHIRI is a collaboration between Robert Joseph and Vladimer Kublashvili, created to explore a more imaginative, whole-of-Georgia approach to blending. The project combines varieties, regions and different winemaking techniques, including qvevri in part of the blend, with the aim of making something distinctly Georgian but not bound by convention. In the 2022 red, that spirit comes through beautifully, it is bold, original and full of personality, but still deeply drinkable.
Whats in the bottle
Aladasturi 5%, Aleksandrouli 9%, Merlot 5%, Mtsvane 2%, Ojaleshi 14%, Otskhanuri Sapere 5%, Rkatsiteli 2%, Saperavi 58%