2017 YACOUBIAN-HOBBS,
White Blend Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor, Armenia Internationally renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs and the Yacoubian family journey to the Birthplace of Wine to craft modern, world-class wines from the indigenous varieties found in the high altitude, mineral-rich soils of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. Their newly planted vineyards grow a stone’s throw away from the Areni-1 cave, the oldest known winery dating from over 6,000 years ago. With their local team, Paul and the Yacoubians are growing and crafting wines that confirm Armenia’s part not only in the ancient history of winemaking, but in its very relevant present and future amongst the great wine regions of the world. The high altitude vineyard sites of Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor allow these three indigenous varieties to ripen perfectly while maintaining a remarkable freshness, resulting in thrillingly unique layers of aroma and flavors.
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.
Elevation: over 1,300 meters (4,000 feet)
Winemaking: fermentation and aging in stainless steel
Flavor 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.
