Freddy R. Troya

8.9

KEF by Karas White 2023, Armavir, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A lively and approachable white blend from the Armavir region in Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Produced by the team behind Karas Wines, this wine blends 60% Kangun (an indigenous Armenian grape) with 40% Chenin Blanc, combining local heritage with international structure. The name “Kef” derives from the Armenian word for feast or celebration, reflecting the wine’s convivial and easy-drinking spirit.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh grapefruit, white flowers, citrus peel, and subtle mineral notes. The Chenin Blanc adds brightness and lift while Kangun contributes texture and gentle orchard-fruit character.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and refreshing vibrancy. Smooth and clean on the palate with a lively, food-friendly finish.

Food Pairings
Mediterranean mezze, grilled vegetables, seafood, fresh salads, herb-driven dishes, or light poultry.

Verdict
A fun and compelling blend that highlights Armenia’s indigenous Kangun while remaining accessible through Chenin Blanc’s familiar structure. Underrated, refreshing, and very easy to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with winemaking traditions dating back more than 6,000 years, including the discovery of the world’s oldest known winery in the Areni cave complex.

🍷 Personal Pick
A vibrant and joyful wine that delivers authenticity and approachability at the same time. A great introduction to Armenian whites while still showcasing the personality of Kangun. — 15 days ago

Dan Blais

9.5

Amazing Brut for a great price. Small bubbles, super bright, yeast on the nose. Crisp apple flavor shined through for me. Great pick up for something different in bubbly. — 5 months 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. — 6 months ago

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.
— a month ago

Pablo

9.1

Very nice. Herbal and spices. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Armas Estate – Uru Uu Karmrahyut 2015
Aragatsotn Province, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made from 100% Karmrahyut, an indigenous Armenian tenturier grape (red pulp as well as skin), this bottling from Armas Estate shows just how approachable and crowd-pleasing ancient varietals can be when crafted with precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, plum, and pomegranate notes mingle with subtle floral tones and earthy undertones. A touch of spice and soft herbs lift the nose, while the palate is juicy, silky, and surprisingly elegant for such a deeply pigmented grape.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with rounded tannins, approachable acidity, and a smooth finish that makes this red both distinctive and easy to love.

Winemaking Notes
Armas Estate, founded by the Armas family, is dedicated to reviving Armenia’s indigenous grapes through modern yet respectful techniques. Karmrahyut—rare outside Armenia—offers naturally high pigment and structure, but here it’s crafted for charm as much as power.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with lamb kebabs, roasted vegetables, dolma, and aged Armenian cheeses.

Verdict
A true expression of Armenian heritage made modern, this 2015 Uru Uu is a gem for wine adventurers and an approachable introduction to Armenia’s native reds.

Personal Pick Highlight
I had the privilege of hosting a class with Victoria Aslanian herself—one of the estate’s owners—which made this bottle not just delicious, but deeply memorable. — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

One of the rarest wines in the world, in that it is the first wine made from grapes sourced from Iran, since the moratorium on alcohol imposed by the Islamic regime after the 1979 revolution. Made from the Rasheh varietal, it’s surprisinglingy good, and of course was a big hit with my Persian in-laws. Watch Somm: Cup of Salvation (2023) for the whole story. — 3 months ago

Andrew Formi

9.0

Erin! Your heritage — 4 months ago

Dmitry Teytelman

9.0

Well balanced, but much sweeter than New World Cabernets. Notes of plum and black currant lingering peppery finish — 6 months ago

with Eugenia

John Bratincevic

8.9

High acidity. Pepper(s) — both the spice and the vegetables. 89. — 2 years ago