Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2018 vintage from the new Malahi range of the historical Maran winery. This is a blend from 3 grapes, each from different zones. 50 % Areni Noir (this grape used to be called "Black Mahani" up to 1947, hence the name) from Vayots Dzor, 25% Khndoghni from Artsakh (aka Nagorno-Karabakh), and 25% fruit from young Malbec vines from the Ararat Valley. 6 months in used oak. Deep dark colour. Blackberry fruit and spices in nose and mouth. Nice balance and fine-grained tannic structure. A very good wine, but still I would love to see a high end 100% Areni from this estate, as I believe this wine is a bit too internationally styled to compete with European wines in the same price range (about 24 euros). — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. A new wine from the historical Maran winery (I believe 2018 was the first vintage, but not sure). A blend of local grapes Voskehat and Areni Noir (vinified as a white for this original wine), and Aligoté from the Ararat Valley. Impressive in every respect. Mineral, aromatic, concentrated, profound, perfectly balanced and long. Powerful and elegant at the same time, reminds me of white Hermitage. Abv. 14%. — 4 years ago