Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Galar – Haghtanak Dry Red 2023
Armavir Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Haghtanak, an indigenous Armenian red grape known for its deep color and juicy profile. Cultivated in the Armavir region, where sun-soaked plains meet cooling breezes from Mount Ararat.

Aromas & Flavors:
A medley of ripe berries, blackberry, cherry, and mulberry, it mingles with subtle floral undertones. Juicy and fruit-forward without being overripe.

Mouthfeel:
Silky and smooth, with polished tannins that glide across the palate. Medium-bodied with a long yet gentle finish that leaves a clean impression.

Food Pairings:
Pairs effortlessly with roasted lamb, grilled vegetables, Armenian khorovats (BBQ), or even simple flatbreads with herbs and cheese.

Verdict:
Casual, approachable, and versatile, this Haghtanak showcases Armenia’s ability to deliver reds that balance freshness with smooth elegance. A great introduction to the country’s unique red varietals. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Haghtanak means “victory” in Armenian. The grape was bred in the mid-20th century by crossing indigenous varieties with Saperavi, giving it both resilience in the vineyard and a naturally inky depth in the glass. — a day ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas “Kraki Ktor” Orange Wine 2022
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Karas named this wine “Kraki Ktor” (“piece of fire” in Armenian), a bold expression of indigenous Kangun grapes made in the ancestral orange wine style. Crafted in volcanic soils near Mount Ararat, it celebrates Armenia’s millennia-old winemaking tradition—bringing the ancient karas (clay amphora) and modern elegance into a single glass.   

Aromas & Flavors
Delicately perfumed with orange blossom, ripe citrus, and bergamot, paired with nuanced quince and apricot. On the palate, it’s layered and softly savory, finishing with a gentle tannic grip and lingering dried fruit nuance.   

Mouthfeel
Silky, slightly cloudy, and texturally complex—sledding effortlessly across the palate, offering a refreshingly structured yet soft finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermented with 10 months of skin contact in stainless steel tanks, then bottled unfiltered and unstabilized to preserve its raw, authentic character and vivid depth. 

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with creamy vegetable stews, roasted poultry, hearty salads, or richer seafood dishes. It also makes a vibrant aperitif or companion for eclectic mezze plates. 

Verdict
Kraki Ktor 2022 is a captivating, terroir-forward orange wine that brings Armenia’s winemaking soul to life. It’s adventurous yet refined—perfect for those ready to explore natural, heritage-driven wines with energy and depth. Cheers! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Malbec 2023
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A bold single-varietal 100% Malbec from Karas Winery, crafted in the sun-drenched Ararat Valley under the watchful gaze of Mount Ararat. The volcanic soils and continental climate—hot summers, cold winters, and nutrient-rich basalt—lend the wine distinctive character and regional authenticity  .

Aromas & Flavors
Rich aromas of ripe blackberry and dark plum, gently spiced and supported by nuances of tobacco and earth. On the palate—structured with smooth tannins, the fruit is accompanied by hints of five-spice and a whisper of savory complexity  .

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with a polished texture and harmonious balance. The finish lingers with dark fruit and subtle spice—both generous and refined  .

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested and meticulously selected Malbec, fermented in controlled conditions, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal clarity .

Food Pairing
An ideal companion to grilled lamb, roasted duck, mushroom-rich dishes, or barbecued meats—this wine’s dense fruit and structured finish stand up beautifully to bold flavors.

Verdict
A compelling and expressive Armenian Malbec. It balances regional identity with depth and approachability, offering both terroir authenticity and enjoyable modern appeal. — a month ago

Dmitri

9.0

Surprise find of minerals and apples — 9 years ago

Ara Hayrapetyan

8.9

Full bodied and smooth. — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Karas Red Wine 2022
Armavir Region, Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
From the esteemed Karas winery—named for the ancient clay amphorae (“karas”) central to winemaking heritage—comes this dynamic 2022 red blend. A bold yet nuanced mix of 35% Syrah, 35% Malbec, and 30% Cabernet Franc, it harnesses the volcanic soils and extreme continental climate of Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Karas blends centuries-old tradition with sustainable modern winemaking in this compelling entry.  

Aromas & Flavors
Deep aromas of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and pomegranate, spiced by Syrah’s savory pepper bite and accented by smoky, green-pepper notes from the Cabernet Franc. The palate remains elegant, with fresh dark fruit layered over subtle spice and smoke notes. 

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and smooth, approachable tannins. It finishes with charm, balancing structure and drinkability perfectly. 

Winemaking Notes
Crafted with hand-harvested fruit and fermentation followed by gentle aging—likely in stainless steel or neutral vessels—to preserve purity of fruit. Karas emphasizes eco-conscious practices and respects its heritage while pushing Armenian wine into the global spotlight.  

Food Pairing
Versatile and friendly at the table: pairs beautifully with braised red meats, burgers, pulled pork, earthy pasta, barbecue, or tangy cheese. 

Verdict
Karas Red Wine 2022 is a balanced, vibrant, and terroir-driven blend that showcases Armenia’s winemaking heritage and dynamic present. A compelling value—rich yet accessible and endlessly charming. — a month ago

Angeline Chen

9.5

Fantastic dry wine — 9 years ago