<table align="right" valign="top"><tr><td><img src="http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/userpix/70_telavinapareuli_1.jpg" border="0" align="left"></td></tr></table>2004 Telavi Wine Cellar Napareuli (I don't know any Georgian, though I guess it's safe to assume that it's pronounced "Naparooli".)
100% barrel aged varietal Saperavi, Kakheti, Georgia; 13.5% alc./vol.; $15.95 at the LCBO. The golden oval on the neck of the bottle displays both English information and Georgian script.
Fine-quality, solid natural cork. Deep, saturated yet translucent garnet colour. Plenty of legs with swirling. Spicy, elegant nose within a prominent oaken frame; as usual, very reminiscent of Chianti (the third distinct Georgian Saperavi in which I have noticed this similarity). White pepper mingles with restrained red berry fruit; exceptionally well structured with fine peppery spice following through to the palate, firm and balanced acidity and pleasant chalky tannins with good mid-palate grip. Dry, extremely food-friendly and balanced. Oak resurfaces prominently on the finish, which also sees peppery-spice replays.
I opened this in anticipation of tomorrow's leg of lamb, and I expect that the wine will be very well integrated by that time.
It's another fine Georgian red, and very pleasant for the modest price.