Ridgemill Estate 'The Czar' Saperavi 2016

I love wine for many reasons, its obvious inherent joy of consumption and sharing in its experience - but also its ability for me to learn. For in the sampling of this gem, I learned that Teinturier is a term used for when grapes have both red juice and flesh (the majority of red grapes having only red skins, with the juice being white and taking their colour from extended contact with the skin).

Saperavi, a grape of Georgian (former USSR/Soviet Union, not US Deep South) origin that is gaining some traction here in Australia, from regions as diverse as McLaren Vale to the high country in Victoria's North-East, to Queensland's Granite Belt and this example from Ridgemill Estate - sadly now sold out ex-winery!

Firm, dense and purple nose - there's oak at its heart and a plethora of blue/black fruit. Full bodied, weighty and with depth and penetration that just gives and gives, yielding to none. 

For all its initial bustle and brawn, it's plush and silken threaded leading to a firmer tannin profile. A kaleidoscopic wine of many parts. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 14th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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