Here are four wines we shared safely with friends, who love anything quirky, last weekend:
2016 Zorah Karasi Vayots Dzor Areni
Opened for G&V. From pre-phylloxera areni varietal vines planted at some elevation on Mount Ararat, made in amphorae. Darker fruit and spice with more weight than the bottle opened four weeks ago, and absolutely irresistable. A highlight of new wines from anywhere I've had recently.
2016 Zorah Voski Vayots Dzor White Blend
Opened for G&V. Fascinating nose with a panoply of flavors on the palate. More minerals and earth than flowers, which is fine by me. A fascinator.
NV Rosa Luna "La Collina" Emilia Lambrusco
Gabe's wine. Dusty light red, earthy, dry and spicy on the palate. Welcomely unlike anything called Lambrusco that I've had before; very interesting.
2016 Hiruzta Getariako Txakolina Basque Brut Nature Rosé Rosé
After reading a CT review by one MOTZ I can't think of anything original to say. So I'll just quote: "Wow! What a stunning sparkling wine! Vivacious, piercing, intensely juicy, and very long. It over delivers in all measurable categories." And add: amazing QPR ($32). One of the best Basque wines I've ever had; am on the hunt for more.