Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas Reserve Blend 2016 — Mount Ararat, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A sophisticated Old-World inspired blend grown in the Armavir region at the foothills of Mount Ararat. Aged in Armenian oak. Composition: Syrah 35%, Malbec 35%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Tannat 10%. A wine rooted in one of the world’s most ancient winemaking cultures — 6,200 years in the making.

Aromas & Flavors
Red compote, black plum, dried cherry, subtle baking spice, cedar, and a hint of earthy volcanic dust. Layers unfold slowly with touches of cocoa and dried herbs.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body, beautifully integrated tannins, silky and rounded. Balanced acidity with mature harmony from bottle age. Structured yet graceful, nothing sharp, everything in sync.

Food Pairings
Lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, slow-braised short ribs, aged Gouda, or spiced Middle Eastern dishes.

Verdict
Worth the wait. The 2016 vintage shows evolution, composure, and balance. A blend that overdelivers, polished, expressive, and deeply satisfying. A reminder that Armenia is not just historic… it’s seriously compelling in the glass.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the birthplaces of wine. The Areni-1 cave complex revealed the world’s oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

🍷 Personal Pick
Holding this bottle paid off. A mature, balanced Armenian blend that danced on the palate and proved patience is sometimes the best decanter.
— 2 months ago

Jalyn Warren

9.0

Tastes more like a Chardonnay — 3 years ago

Paul Secombe

9.2

Having had a few of these over the years I can safely say it’s improving. Dark berries across the front palate which opens to peppers and mint at the back. Superb as an accompaniment to medium rare steak. An indulgent Sunday afternoon lunch — 5 years ago

Turd Ferguson

9.4

Leesy. Needs 3-10 years in the cellar — 3 months ago

Liam Elder

9.2

Blackberry, fruity, easy to sip and drink.. Very pleasant — 2 years ago

Sandra

9.4

Crisp a bit fruity, light and good aftertaste — 2 years ago

Joseph Barsky

9.3

2002 Vintage. Tannins finally settling down. Good fruit. Better second night so decant or cellar more. — 5 years ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.2

Cali Cab Grand Cru — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

Nutty Aromas of cashews and almonds. Leesy / some sulphides - struck match. On the palate a note of pineapple along with all of the other complexity of flavours. See previous Delectable notes for this wine. This won the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge in 2016 from over 600 entries proving that Penfolds white program is catching up to its esteemed red wine program. My last of the 2015 Chardonnay. — 10 months ago

Scott Graflund

9.3

Second bottle after Bin 389. I like this one more. Beth liked Bin 389 more. This felt smooth but powerful relative to Bin 389. — 5 years ago