Mtavruli Kakheti Tsinandali ACO 2019

Tsinandali ACO is of one of eighteen Protected designated wine appellations in Georgia, named after the township that the vineyard area surrounds. Most of the vines are planted on right bank of the Alazani River, near Telavi in eastern Georgia, 100km (60 miles) northeast of the capital, Tblisi. The river here flows southeast before becoming the geographical border between Georgia and Azerbaijan and flowing into the Mingachevir reservoir and, eventually, the Caspian Sea.

The area has continental climate, moderately humid, with hot summers and mild winters. Air temperatures are moderate, with an annual average of 12.4°C and a summertime average of 23.2°C.

A dry white wine of Tsinandali is usually a white blend between Rkatsiteli and small amount of Mtsvane Kakhuri. Rkatsiteli must comprise a minimum of 85 percent of any Tsinandali white wine with Mtsvane Kakhuri making up the remainder (no more than 15 percent), if required. Rkatsiteli provides the floral, sweet fruity notes, while Mtsvane has citrus note and body weight. Some 100% Rkatsiteli are also made, but most of critics believe the blend offers better palate balance.

Cameron Douglas MS, score 93/100 points.