Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Armas Estate – Uru Uu Karmrahyut 2015
Aragatsotn Province, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made from 100% Karmrahyut, an indigenous Armenian tenturier grape (red pulp as well as skin), this bottling from Armas Estate shows just how approachable and crowd-pleasing ancient varietals can be when crafted with precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, plum, and pomegranate notes mingle with subtle floral tones and earthy undertones. A touch of spice and soft herbs lift the nose, while the palate is juicy, silky, and surprisingly elegant for such a deeply pigmented grape.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with rounded tannins, approachable acidity, and a smooth finish that makes this red both distinctive and easy to love.

Winemaking Notes
Armas Estate, founded by the Armas family, is dedicated to reviving Armenia’s indigenous grapes through modern yet respectful techniques. Karmrahyut—rare outside Armenia—offers naturally high pigment and structure, but here it’s crafted for charm as much as power.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with lamb kebabs, roasted vegetables, dolma, and aged Armenian cheeses.

Verdict
A true expression of Armenian heritage made modern, this 2015 Uru Uu is a gem for wine adventurers and an approachable introduction to Armenia’s native reds.

Personal Pick Highlight
I had the privilege of hosting a class with Victoria Aslanian herself—one of the estate’s owners—which made this bottle not just delicious, but deeply memorable. — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Light ruby color with a garnet rim. Bright aromas of red berry fruit and a pleasant funkiness. Flavors of red cherry and plum with hints of black pepper, ash and minerals. Medium body and finish with well balanced acidity and alcohol. Smooth tannins. Underrated varietal. — 9 months ago

Severn G

9.1

Nose has tart strawberry, ripe black cherry, blackberry, dried soil with peat and faint creamy oak notes.

Palate has ripe blackberry, ripe cherry, dried garden soil, thawed strawberries, light cedar influence, decent finish but we're underwhelmed overall. Maybe closing up now, revisit in 3-5Y, 2025-27.

Cork pulled, slow oxidation for 3H.

Solid pairing to toasted Israeli couscous, za'atar and lightly fried eggs from the backyard egg factory. For us, eggs are always a great pair to Bourgogne Rouge, they balance wonderfully.

(Also, for the record, no photo trickery on the food pic, our Australorp eggs are indeed that orange; Good diet equals good eggs.) — 4 years ago

Dmitry Teytelman

9.0

Well balanced, but much sweeter than New World Cabernets. Notes of plum and black currant lingering peppery finish — 9 days ago

with Eugenia

John Nelmes

8.9

Arena Noir. Great value. — 9 months ago

Tomo Kurokawa

9.6

Great with venison. Armenian old world wine — 10 months ago

Lauren Golanty

9.0

Loved this! Medium weight, easy drinking red with bright little acid-and-tannic notes, strawberry jam up front, sort of a plum cassis thing in back… delish!! — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023
Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A striking expression of Armenia’s winemaking heritage, this blend combines 60% Areni and 40% Sireni, two iconic indigenous grapes grown in volcanic soils at the foot of Mount Ararat. Crafted using a mix of traditional Karas (clay amphorae) fermentation and aging in Armenian oak, Karas Winery—led by the Eurnekian family—presents a wine deeply rooted in place and legacy, yet modern in balance and structure.   

Aromas & Flavors
Rich, dark berries and plum notes lead the charge, followed by savory Mediterranean herbs, earthy minerality, and a gentle anchor of spice and volcanic intensity. Despite its depth, the wine maintains admirable freshness and poise.  

Mouthfeel
Texturally generous and layered, with a medium to full body and a refined tannin structure. Its sleek acidity and mineral elements counterbalance its density, resulting in a beautifully balanced and lingering finish. 

Winemaking Notes
This is a signature Armenian reserve bottling—fermented in earthenware amphorae and aged in native oak, allowing both aroma and structure to reflect the unique terroir. Karas consistently honors national traditions while embracing modern refinement.   

Food Pairing
An ideal match for rich meats like lamb or goat, hearty stews, or rustic roasted fare. Its savory spine and mineral grip make it a compelling partner for bold, flavorful dishes.  

Verdict
Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023 merges old-world tradition with contemporary elegance. Its bold personality, cultural authenticity, and structural harmony make it a compelling ambassador for Armenian wine history—truly memorable in every sip. Cheers! — a month ago

Caleb Krell

9.0

Charcuterie and cherries. — 3 years ago

Jena Wilson

9.5

One day in Armenia. Lovely dinner at Sherep with Joe paired with this perfect 2018 dry wine. — 4 years ago