Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Umano – Mukuzani – Red Dry Wine – 2020
Mukuzani PDO – Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A traditional Georgian red made from 100% Saperavi, produced in the Mukuzani appellation, one of Georgia’s most respected PDOs for age-worthy dry reds. The 2020 vintage reflects classic Kakhetian winemaking, emphasizing structure, varietal purity, and balance rather than excess extraction. This wine showcases the serious, noble side of Saperavi through controlled fermentation and restrained oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe sour cherry, black plum, and dark raspberry lead, followed by notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and subtle spice. Secondary layers of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and gentle oak emerge with air, adding depth without overshadowing the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with firm yet polished tannins. The palate is structured and dry, supported by fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-driven. The finish is savory and persistent, with dark fruit and spice lingering gracefully.

Food Pairings
Grilled meats, lamb kebabs, roasted pork, beef stews, mushroom-based dishes, and semi-aged cheeses.

Verdict
A classic and honest expression of Mukuzani, delivering Saperavi’s natural intensity with restraint and balance. This is a traditional Georgian red that speaks clearly of place, grape, and heritage, making it an excellent introduction to serious Georgian dry wines. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Mukuzani is one of Georgia’s most prestigious Protected Designations of Origin and is traditionally associated with oak-aged Saperavi wines that emphasize structure and aging potential rather than overt fruitiness.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
While not flamboyant, this is a quietly confident wine that rewards patience. A thoughtful, food-friendly Saperavi that highlights why Mukuzani remains a benchmark appellation in Georgia. — a day ago

Jordan

9.4

Very nice wine, more like a Pinot Noire. Lighter in color and a little pepper flavor. Very smooth and enjoyable after breathing — 6 years ago

Sophia Grechishkina

9.4

Густое, плотное со спелой черешней и ежевикой, чувствуется легкий миндаль — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Anapea Village – “Sandro Kissy” Blend 2022
Kvareli, Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A small-production qvevri wine by Anapea Village, the “Sandro Kissy” blend (sometimes referred to as “Kisi Blend”) brings together indigenous Georgian varieties for a distinctive amber expression. The 2020 vintage reflects both traditional Kakhetian winemaking and the estate’s artisanal approach. (Educational note: Anapea Village is known for reviving near-lost grapes and producing terroir-driven amber wines in micro-quantities.)

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe apricot, quince, and candied citrus peel upfront, layered with wild herbs, tea leaf, and subtle honey tones. Secondary earthy spice and a faint nuttiness add depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, textured, and structured with firm tannins from skin contact. Acidity keeps the wine lifted, while the finish is savory, long, and complex.

Food Pairings
Excellent with walnut-based Georgian dishes (pkhali), roasted lamb or chicken, or Middle Eastern mezze. Also pairs well with hard cheeses.

Verdict
A soulful amber blend — structured, aromatic, and artisanal. The 2020 “Sandro Kissy” captures both heritage and experimentation, a hallmark of Anapea Village. 🍷

Did You Know?
Anapea Village ferments all its wines in buried qvevri and often experiments with micro-blends of indigenous grapes, making bottles like “Sandro Kissy” rare outside Georgia.

Hidden Gem 💎
A scarce artisanal blend from a boutique producer, the 2022 “Sandro Kissy” is a true discovery for anyone exploring Georgia’s indigenous wine revival.
— 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of red and black fruit with touches of forest floor, mushroom, leather and rose petals. Bright red cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruit on the palate with additional notes of tobacco, fresh herbs and wet stone. Medium body with a medium-plus dry finish and tannins. Quite concentrated and plush but very elegant at the same time. Wonderful surprise. — a year ago

Ben Parker

9.1

Lively, perfumed, fruity nose. Carries over to palate, with some lovely acidity and earthy qualities. A great wine for the price point. Excellent and unique! — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Anapea Village – “Sandro Kissy” Blend 2020
Kvareli, Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A small-production qvevri wine by Anapea Village, the “Sandro Kissy” blend (sometimes referred to as “Kisi Blend”) brings together indigenous Georgian varieties for a distinctive amber expression. The 2020 vintage reflects both traditional Kakhetian winemaking and the estate’s artisanal approach. (Educational note: Anapea Village is known for reviving near-lost grapes and producing terroir-driven amber wines in micro-quantities.)

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe apricot, quince, and candied citrus peel upfront, layered with wild herbs, tea leaf, and subtle honey tones. Secondary earthy spice and a faint nuttiness add depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, textured, and structured with firm tannins from skin contact. Acidity keeps the wine lifted, while the finish is savory, long, and complex.

Food Pairings
Excellent with walnut-based Georgian dishes (pkhali), roasted lamb or chicken, or Middle Eastern mezze. Also pairs well with hard cheeses.

Verdict
A soulful amber blend — structured, aromatic, and artisanal. The 2020 “Sandro Kissy” captures both heritage and experimentation, a hallmark of Anapea Village. 🍷

Did You Know?
Anapea Village ferments all its wines in buried qvevri and often experiments with micro-blends of indigenous grapes, making bottles like “Sandro Kissy” rare outside Georgia.

Hidden Gem 💎
A scarce artisanal blend from a boutique producer, the 2020 “Sandro Kissy” is a true discovery for anyone exploring Georgia’s indigenous wine revival.
— 3 months ago

Mark Legeza

9.0

Bold. Eastern Georgia. Medium acidity, very dry, lots of body. — 6 years ago

Jason MacLean

9.4

This was unexpectedly delicious. Made by the guy next door to the restaurant we had this in, and bottled in a plastic jug, this is how most Georgians drink obviously due to the low cost. But this was a nice crush of unoaked earthy red fruit with good length. A real treat. And my first 2018. — 7 years ago

Kacie Lyn

9.0

Butter and citrus. So so good. — 9 years ago