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

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gevorkian Winery, Makhani Reserve 2019
Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A bold red blend of indigenous Armenian grapes — Areni, Haghtanak, Kakhet, and Karmrahyut — crafted using the ancient Kakhani method (three-month grape withering before vinification). This traditional approach, combined with aging in Armenian oak, makes it one of the most unique expressions of Armenia’s resurgent wine culture.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose opens with withered grapes and candied fruits, layered with blackberry jam, prunes, vanilla, and powdered cocoa. The palate continues with rich black fruits, mahogany, and leather, while notes of spice and dark chocolate build depth.

Mouthfeel
Robust, full-bodied, with structured tannins and pleasant acidity. It carries warmth from its high alcohol (16% ABV), bordering on fortified in style. Multilayered and powerful, the wine evolves in the glass but benefits from extended air contact.

Winemaking Notes
Aged 6 months in new Armenian oak, then an additional 18 months in seasoned barrels. This unique use of century-old oak imparts a distinct, rustic backbone. 2019 is drinkable now but will likely show best by 2027.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with fatty steaks, venison, matured cheeses, cream-based desserts, or even high-cocoa dark chocolate (75–85%). Its powerful structure makes it highly versatile for bold gastronomy.

Verdict
A muscular, complex red that captures Armenia’s ancient heritage and modern ambition in winemaking. A true statement wine — unforgettable and worth cellaring. — 4 months ago

Neil Blaze

9.2

My first Armenian wine, which is not surprising since this is the only one that seems to be readily available in the US. Medium bodied, with red fruit and floral aromas on the nose. Darker fruit on the palate with some vanilla and spice flavors. Velvety texture. It took a bit to open up, but once it did I couldn't put my glass down. 95% Areni, 5% Tozot. 1/8/23. — 3 years ago

Dmitry Teytelman

9.0

Well balanced, but much sweeter than New World Cabernets. Notes of plum and black currant lingering peppery finish — 23 days ago

with Eugenia

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! — 2 months ago

Ellen Clifford

8.9

There is a punch of pepper—green, black, and pink, and a smooth cocoa finish. Undercurrents of damp clay and pencil circulate through. It is bright and surprisingly light on its toes, and the tannins are smooth and unobtrusively integrated. With time, the nose grows a mocha note, speaking to both the roasty coffee bean notes and the cocoa. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gevorkian “Hay” Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023
Vayots Dzor, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made using the ancestral méthode pétillant naturel (Pét-Nat), this lively rosé from Gevorkian Winery offers a fresh spin on ancient Armenian tradition. Crafted from 100% Areni, Armenia’s acclaimed indigenous red grape, grown in the high-altitude, volcanic soils of Vayots Dzor, it beautifully bridges heritage and modern curiosity.  

Aromas & Flavors
A charming pale pink with delicate bubbles. It opens with floral notes and wild meadow flowers, followed by juicy raspberry, strawberry, and red currant. The palate is energized by bright acidity and a silky texture, finishing with a lingering raspberry flourish.  

Mouthfeel
Light, vivacious, and refreshing—elegant bubbles and invigorating acidity enhance its joyful, effortless character. Perfect as a palate cleanser or celebratory pour.  

Winemaking Notes
Pét-Nat style means natural fermentation starts in tank or barrel and finishes in-bottle, creating subtle effervescence without added yeast or sugar. It’s a minimal-intervention wine that stays true to its varietal and soil.  

Food Pairing
A delightful match for fresh spring salads, mezze, sushi, grilled seafood, or light cheeses. Its lively character also makes it perfect for sipping solo or lifting casual gatherings.  

Verdict
Hay Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023 is a radiant and expressive natural sparkling wine that puts Armenia—and its revered Areni grape—on the global pét-nat map. A playful, terroir-rich sipper with roots in one of the world’s oldest winemaking cultures. Cheers! — 2 months ago

John Nelmes

8.9

Arena Noir. Great value. — 10 months 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. — 10 months ago

Caleb Krell

9.0

Charcuterie and cherries. — 3 years ago