Wine ratings

Crimea PGI, Republic of Crimea, Russia, 11.5% vol., 1 300

Grape variety: Kokur; Sary Pandas

The wine is medium lemom in colour. Nose of light intensity; aroma of green apple and a very light scent of nail polish and kerosene. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium acidity, a light body, light fruit concentration on the short finish. To summarize, the nose of the wine is closed, very simple, with a slight faulty smell; on the palate, the wine is watery, with low fruit concentration and practically short finish. Technically, the wine is not yet faulty, but weak and with a slight defect.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 22/10/2021

Kuban. Taman peninsula PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 11-13% vol., 360

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

The wine is medium pink in colour with a strawberry hue. Clean nose of moderate minus intensity; aromas of red currant, red cherry and cowberry. On the palate, the wine is with moderate well-integrated alcohol, high acidity, a light body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with notes of red currant and cherry. Good quality wine; pleasant, fruity, restrained aroma; on the palate, the wine is juicy, fresh and well balanced. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 21/10/2021

Kuban. Novorossiysk PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12.6% vol., 650

Grape variety: Chardonnay

The wine is light gold in colour. Clean nose of light intensity; aromas of yellow apple, white currant, as well as a note of fresh green hazelnuts and minerality (silicon). On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium plus acidity, a light body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the medium minus finish with a hint of green apple. Fresh, light and easy-drinking Chardonnay; fruity nose with primary, but not intense aromas, yet recognizable Chardonnay; on the palate, the wine is balanced, light, juicy. A good option for simple, but quality wine for everyday consumption, value for money. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 20/10/2021

Kuban. Gelendzhik PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12.5% vol., 1 095

Grape variety: Semillon; Sauvignon Blanc

The wine is light gold in colour. Clean nose of moderate plus intensity; aromas of ripe stone fruits (apricot, peach), green apple, dried nuts, notes of chamomile, honey and cream. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium plus acidity, a medium body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with hints of green apple. Very good wine; harmonious nose with a light touch of oak, recognizable Bordeaux blend in the aroma; on the palate, the wine with a pleasant waxy texture and light tannins, a good balance of fresh acidity, slightly warming alcohol and fruit concentration. Ready for drinking with potential for ageing (2-3 years).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 19/10/2021

Kuban. Gelendzhik PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 15% vol., 1 095

Grape variety: Syrah

The wine is deep ruby in colour. Clean nose of moderate plus intensity; aromas of black ripe berries (black cherry, blueberry), prune, black ground pepper, smoke, smoked bacon and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is dry, with high warming alcohol, medium acidity, ample young but ripe tannins, a full body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with a slight bitterness and nuances of black berries. Very good quality; noble, developing, ripe and complex nose, with rather intense fruitiness and with certain varietal characteristics; on the palate, the wine is powerful, voluminous, well-structured and with slightly sweetish ample tannins; expected a higher fruit concentration and a longer finish to balance high alcohol. Ready for drinking with potential for ageing (5-6 years).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 18/10/2021

Sevastopol, Russia, 12% vol., 3 500

Grape variety: Pinot Noir; Chardonnay

The wine is light pink in colour with a raspberry hue. Сlean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry and very light creamy notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate well-integrated alcohol, high acidity, a light body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the medium minus finish with notes of red berries and light bitterness. Easy-drinking, well-made rosé; fresh, light, pleasant, berry-dominant aroma; on the palate, the wine is also light, juicy, well-balanced, but quite simple. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 10/10/2021

Sevastopol, Russia, 12.5% vol., 3 500

Grape variety: Moscato Bianco

The wine is deep gold in colour. Clean and intense nose; aromas of dried citrus peel, dried white flowers, canned peach and blossom. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium plus acidity, medium minus tannins, a light body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the fairly short finish. Well-made wine; the colour resembles a matured white wine aged in oak; intense varietal aroma that matches the style of the wine; on the palate, the wine is light, with good acidity, with a light waxy texture, but short in length. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 10/10/2021

Crimea PGI, Sevastopol, Russia, 13.0-13.5% vol., 2 600

Grape variety: Riesling

The wine is medium gold in colour. Clean nose of moderate plus intensity; aromas of propolis, white flowers, beeswax, canned peach and a light note of oatmeal. On the palate, the wine is with light residual sugar (medium-dry), with high burning alcohol, medium plus acidity, a medium minus body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the short finish with bitterness and light waxy texture. Average quality; the nose is positive with certain varietal characteristics and quite intense; it is unbalanced on the palate due to high standing out alcohol, also due to the high alcohol the fruit concentration is low and the wine falls through, moreover there is bitterness on the short finish. Tasted from 375 ml bottle.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 10/10/2021

Sevastopol, Russia, 12.5-14.5% vol., 2 310

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

The wine is medium ruby in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of ripe dark raspberries, blueberries, roasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate and herbal notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, with warming standing out alcohol, medium plus acidity, ample young tannins, a medium plus body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the short finish with bitterness. Average quality; there are primary and secondary aromas, notes of ageing in oak dominate fruitiness, fruitiness is muted and there is a lack of varietal typicity; on the palate it is a powerful version of Pinot Noir, clear alcohol, abundant and very dry tannins, there is a slight disharmony between acidity and alcohol, and a short finish, this wine lacks harmony and elegance.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 10/10/2021

Crimea PGI, Sevastopol, Russia, 13% vol., 7 091

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

The wine is light ruby in colour. Nose of light intensity; an increased volatile acidity (vinegar tone) is detected; in the background there are red berries (cranberries), instant coffee and an animalistic tone. On the palate, the wine is dry, with medium plus warming alcohol, high acidity, medium plus dry tannins, a medium minus body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the short finish with a note of green grape stems and red berries. Organoleptically, this wine is faulty; muted aromatics are masked by increased volatile acidity; on the palate there are signs of imbalance due to very high pungent acidity (aftertaste of ascorbic acid) and warm alcohol; the wine lacks harmony, fruit concentration and length (after a sip, there is only a sensation of acidity, alcohol and dry tannins).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 10/10/2021

Sevastopol, Russia, 12.5-14.5% vol., 3 500

Grape variety: Syrah

The wine is medium ruby in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of black dried berries, prune, black pepper, walnut, bread toast, nuances of tobacco and a very light note of musk. On the palate, the wine is dry, with high warming integrated alcohol, medium acidity, ample firm young tannins, a medium plus body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with notes of black dried berries. Very good wine; interesting, restrained aromatics, certain varietal characteristics are present, the nose is quite complex (primary and secondary aromas), but lacks fruit intensity; on the palate, the wine is still young, tannins are firm, but not yet rounded and a little dry, wine with a good structure and lively acidity. The wine still needs to lie in the bottle for a while, potential for further development – 3-4 years.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 09/10/2021

Krasnodar region, Russia, 13% vol., 950

Grape variety: Krasnostop Anapskiy

The wine is deep ruby in colour. Clean nose of pronounced intensity; aromas of blackberries, blueberries, roasted hazelnuts, bread toast, vanilla and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate well-integrated alcohol, medium plus juicy acidity, medium plus rounded tannins, a medium plus body, moderate plus fruit concentration on the medium finish with notes of black cherry. Very good wine; very pleasant, complex and intense aroma with varietal characteristics and harmonious oak; on the palate the wine is very well-balanced and structured, juicy, with ripe and velvety tannins and very good fruit concentration. Ready for drinking with potential for ageing (5-6 years).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 08/10/2021

Kuban. Taman peninsula PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 13.5% vol., 850

Grape variety: Merlot

The wine is medium ruby in colour with a thin orange rim. Clean nose of moderate plus intensity; aromas of prunes, black cherries, blackberries, violets and light notes of spices. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium mild acidity, medium ripe tannins, a medium body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with notes of black berries. Very good wine; pleasant, varietal and diverse aromatics with a fairly high intensity; on the palate, the wine is balanced, a medium-bodied and moderately tannic, with good fruit concentration and length. Ready for drinking with potential for ageing (2-3 years).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Crimea PGI, Sevastopol, Russia, 13% vol., 965

Grape variety: Rkatsiteli

The wine is medium orange in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of orange peel, canned peach, dried fruits and honey notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate well-integrated alcohol, high bright acidity, a light body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium finish with citrus nuances. A very well-made wine; delicate, pleasant and stylistically correct aroma; on the palate, the wine is well-balanced and harmonious, very juicy, with a pleasant waxy texture, good fruit concentration and length. Ready for drinking.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Kuban. Taman peninsula PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12.7% vol., 849

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

The wine is light pink in colour. Clean nose of moderate plus intensity; aromas of red cherry, red currant, raspberry, strawberry and light creamy notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, high crisp acidity, a light body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium minus finish with hints of red cherry. Overall, it is a good wine; elegant aromatic nose with varietal characteristics, primary and secondary aromas; on the palate, the wine is crisp, well-balanced, light and harmonious. Ready for drinking with potential for ageing (1 year).

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Sevastopol, Russia, 13% vol., 2 150

Grape variety: Rkatsiteli

The wine is deep amber in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of quince, white raisins, dried apricots, dried apple, dried flowers and a hint of animality. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate well-integrated alcohol, high juicy acidity, medium plus tannins, a medium minus body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the medium minus finish with notes of dried fruits. Good wine; pleasant, restrained, stylistically correct aromatics; juicy on the palate, with sufficient fruit concentration, ample but slightly drying tannins and lacking in length. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Kuban. Novorossiysk PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12% vol., 650

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

The wine is light lemon in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of lime, green apple, light notes of green bell pepper and freshly cut grass. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, high citrus acidity, a light body, moderate fruit concentration on the medium minus finish and nuances of green apple and lime. Overall, it is a well-made wine; fresh, fruity nose with primary aromas and light varietal characteristics; the nose is not very intense, but rather restrained; on the palate, the wine is well balanced, light and juicy. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Kuban. Krymsk PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12% vol., 755

Grape variety: Rkatsiteli

The wine is medium amber in colour. Clean nose of moderate intensity; aromas of dried fruits (dried apple, raisin, dried apricot), oatmeal cookies and figs. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate warming alcohol, high acidity, medium plus tannins, a medium minus body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the medium minus finish with a slight bitterness. Overall it is a good wine; pleasant, restrained aroma corresponding to the style of wine; juicy and tannic on the palate, but not very long. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Kuban PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12.5% vol., 1 050

Grape variety: Viognier

The wine is medium lemon in colour. Clean nose of light intensity; aromas of green apple, white pear and apricot. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate alcohol, medium acidity, a light body, medium minus fruit concentration on the short finish with a hint of green apple and light bitterness. Overall, it is a simple wine for everyday consumption; a fresh, elegant nose with subtle aromas, but lacking in intensity; on the palate, the wine is light and fresh, lacking in fruity concentration and length. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021

Kuban. Novorossiysk PGI, Krasnodar region, Russia, 12.8% vol., 700

Grape variety: Aligote

The wine is medium gold in colour. Clean nose of light intensity; aromas of yellow apple, yellow plum and quince. On the palate, the wine is dry, with moderate integrated alcohol, medium plus juicy acidity, a light body, moderate minus fruit concentration on the short finish with a hint of green apple. It is a simple wine for everyday consumption; a light fruity nose with primary aromas; the wine is also light and juicy on the palate; but as for the "orange" - not a typical colour, aroma and taste in style. Drink now.

Country of purchase: Russia

Tasted on 29/09/2021