2015 Black Russian Red

McGregor Saperavi: America's first success with Saperavi. Three tons of estate grown Saperavi & Sereksiya Charni grapes were harvested by hand on October 14, 2015. The grapes had 23.2 brix natural sugar, 1.06 TA and a 3.24 pH. The grapes were destemmed and cold soaked overnight. They were then inoculated with yeast and fermented for 10 days at 58-74 degrees. The wine completed 100% malolactic fermentation. After pressing, the wine was transferred to oak barrels and aged for 27 months and was then transferred to stainless steel, cold and heat stabilized and egg white fined. It was bottled on July 24, 2018 and has 0.69 TA, 3.59 pH, 0.25% residual sugar and 13.9% alcohol. 234 cases produced.

This is a spectacular vintage of an extraordinary wine. While color is never an issue with this wine, this vintage is clearly off the charts- 100% opaque! The wine is quite aromatic and reminds me of ripe elderberries, black currants, blackberries, coconut and freshly split white oak. These characteristics follow through on the palate beautifully. The wine is rich and soft and ripe tannins grip (not bite) the palate and lead to a long, long finish. This vintage of Black Russian Red is incredibly delicious right now; let it breathe for a minimum of a few hours before enjoying. It will also cellar well- easily until 2025-2030. Enjoy with your richest beef dishes, dark chocolates or nothing at all.