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. — 6 months ago

Brian Hearty

9.0

2017. I waited a day for @Delectable Wine to correctly identify the wine as Vine Ponto, Mukuzani, Reserve Selection, Kakheti. We really liked the dark black fruits and smooth tannins which paired great with the Black Lime Marinated Beef Short Ribs from the hearth. — 3 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.2

Smooth! Way above any comparable grappa. Really well made — 3 years ago

Jay McNair

9.1

Smooth, soft, red berry with a hint of chocolate — 5 years ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, currant, vanilla, licorice and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 5 years ago

SJ

9.0

unique & acidic in a good way — 7 years ago

Space

9.2

Я второй раз пью это вино. В этот раз 2020 года урожай - номер бутылки 1960. .Сегодня день рождения Георгий Чхония. Пьем. За его здоровье ! — a year ago

Michael Amoruso

9.0

100% saperavi. Medium plus body. Good acidity. Long finish of black fruits, plums. Maybe some mint on the end. — 2 years ago

gen

10

Absolute gem of a find. Sweet but with good depth. Well balanced woody flavours with good acidity. Would definitely buy again and again. — 2 years ago

David Shaw

8.9

Opaque red plum color, cherry and plum aromas. Spice and cherry flavors. Decant. Cherry with depth and cocoa emerge after a couple of hours. Healthy backbone of tannins here — 3 years ago

Martinez

8.9

100% Rkatsiteli from vineyards at 1250m elevation in the village of Vachnadziani, within the Mukuzani appellation in Kakheti (southeastern Georgia). Fermented in stainless with skins for 5 months. Medium amber color, slightly cloudy. Aromas of citrus, apricot, and some earthy notes. Fresh, very dry and tasty. Zesty acidity. Mineral, saline finish. — 5 years ago

Cameron Wright

9.5

This wine is a truly enjoyable experience. This wine is deep and complex, rich and velvety, with notes of deep, dark fruit and a sweetness that is non offensive and almost port like. This wine is perfect for a spicy steak dinner or curling up in front of a fire on a cool night — 6 years ago

Koen Straesser

9.0

A nice easy to drink full, dry red from Georgia. Canilla notes, chesnut and cherries, but controlled. — 7 years ago

Zviad Eliziani

9.0

Very good qvevri saperavi — a year 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. — 2 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

French style label. Apparently made in clay in the ground. Smells of herbs and grape must. Hints of woodsy stuff. Hot day in the woods. Flavors are nice. Grippy and dry. Lots of berry stuff. Richer and denser flavors of the wine than expected once you smell it. — 3 years ago

Kaitlyn Agle

9.7

Interesting notes, and a good dry red — 4 years ago

Lars Fasel

8.9

Lots of low ratings for this one from Georgia. Perhaps it was the wonderful charred lamb chops pairing but I enjoyed it. Bell pepper, woodsy, meaty, smoke, tobacco, but some good fruit to balance it all out. — 5 years ago

kpblc_a

9.1

Aragveli Mukuzani. Askaneli brothers. Kakhety Saperavi. Очень напоминает молдавский Саперави Vinuri De Comrat. Чуть позже устрою обоим очную ставку ;). В вишлист добавлю сразу.
Чуть позже показания давали уже три свидетеля: кроме упомянутых выше, участие принят Telavi Valley Saperavi ООО "Цинандальский старый винный погреб".
Выводов несколько, включая очевидные. Мне, как дилетанту, не должно быть стыдно.
Так вот, сабж действительно сильно напомнил (мне) Гагаузский Саперави, однако, дуб в букете другой, а во вкусе его, как будто, меньше. Кислотность повыше. В остальном - как братья. — 6 years ago