2013 Black Russian Red, 36 Month Reserve

McGregor Saperavi: America's first success with Saperavi. This is show-stopping experience- a dark and gorgeous wine with aromas of cocoa, black raspberry and black currant rising from the glass. It is a soft, smooth, and rich wine on the palate with flavors of currant, strawberry, tobacco, and black tea. The aromas and flavors are balanced and supported with soft tannins that lead to a delicious, lingering finish. Patience has paid off with this wine, consume now and easily until 2027-2032.

A total of 6.49 tons of estate grown Saperavi and Sereksiya Charni grapes were harvested by hand on October 11, 2013. They had 23 brix natural sugar, 1.02 TA and a 3.22 pH. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and inoculated with yeast. Fermentation lasted for nine days at 62-79 degrees and the must went through 100% malolactic fermentation. The must was then pressed and the wine was transferred into a combination of new and used American oak barrels.

After 36 months of aging, the wine was then transferred into stainless steel, egg white fined and cold stabilized. It was then filtered and bottled on January 25, 2017. The finished wine has 0.69 TA, a 3.60 pH, 0.75% residual sugar and 12.2% alcohol. 266 cases + 60 magnums produced.