The 2019 Van Ardi Estate Blend dry red (40% Areni, 35% Haghtanak, 25% Milagh) provides testimony to Armenia’s historic preeminence with wine, adding further credence to the understanding that in the 21st century fine wine emanates from places far and wide. The deeply colored 2019 Van Ardi Estate Blend opens with an entrancing bouquet redolent with the scents of baked blackberry and plum dusted with cacao. In the mouth, smooth rich berry flavors sprinkled with chocolate ganache and deft touches of cedar, sandalwood and vanilla flow on a river of ripe, racy tannins to gratify the palate. Pleasantly dry, seamless, and hauntingly complex, Van Ardi’s 2019 Estate Blend comes across in body and style as an exceedingly well-crafted Bordeaux or Cabernet-based wine with a certain extra Je ne sais quoi. Whatever that other is, we want more of it because it is all very, very good. For optimal enjoyment, afford the delicious 2019 Van Ardi Estate Blend at least 15 minutes of aeration before enjoying it at cool room temperature (58°-62° F). Anticipated maturity: 2023-2029. Salud!