Yacoubian Hobbs 2018 Dry White Wine Vayots Dzor Armenia

90 Points Wine Enthusiast – Made with four native Armenian varieties, this wine has a nose of citrus and toasted nuts. It rolls across the palate with flavors of green apple, quince, lemon. blossom and orange that culminate in a toasted nut finish.

The high-altitude vineyard sites of Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor allow these four indigenous varieties to ripen perfectly while maintaining a remarkable freshness, resulting in thrillingly unique layers of aromas and flavors.

Source: Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor

Varietal composition:

• 80% Voskehat: or “golden berry” is considered the emblematic white variety of Armenia, thriving in high-altitude, rocky soils, known for its longevity with vines living well past 100 years. Thick-skinned berries yield complex and expressive aromatics including the fresh scent of the Armenian Snowdrop flower.
• 10% Khatuni: thick-skinned berries, gives a notable crispness and unique floral expression to the wine.
• 5% Qrdi: a late-ripening variety, bringing a beautiful freshness to the blend.
• 5% Garan Demak: or “sheep’s tail” prefers rocky, semi-desert soils; its delicate fruit rounds out the final wine.

Wine profile: golden yellow color with delicate aromas of white lily and magnolia, citrus fruit, quince, white pepper and marked minerality. Bright entrance on the palate with refreshing acidity, followed by a rich mid-palate. The wine lingers on the finish with notes of yellow peach and Armenian apricot.

Elevation: over 4,000 ft

Winemaking: 100% stainless steel fermentation and aging