Medium violet color. Roasted aromas and flavors of dark chocolate coated berries and nuts, caramelized yams, mocha creme brulee, and pepper on fresh herbs with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long berry cobbler a la mode, coffee gelato, orange blossom water, and nut skin finish with soft, silky tannins and light oak. A supple and captivating indigenous Bulgarian red that delights with appealing brushstrokes of distinctive flavors. - 91, Points Tastings.com
Winemaking
This wine features an indigenous Bulgarian red varietal, Mavrud. The grapes were carefully harvested and sorted by hand. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for ten months in French oak barrels. Aromas and flavors of red fruit and cloves culminate in a long, spicy finish. A pure expression of a local Bulgarian favorite.
Background Notes
Grapes for this wine are from the southeastern corner–and the southernmost point–of Bulgaria on the gently rolling hills that make up the country’s border with Greece. Clay and cinnamon forest soils and a south-facing slope provide excellent conditions for the vines of this Bulgarian original.
Though not a large country, Bulgaria has several different climate areas. Beyond climates, it’s easiest to think about Bulgaria in terms of five main viticulture areas: Thracian Valley, Danube Plain, Black Sea Coast, Rose Valley, and Struma Valley. Each offers a unique combination of soil, topography, sunshine, wind, and rain. Like other wine-growing regions of the world, each can be subdivided even further. The Thracian Valley rests on the same latitudinal plane as Tuscany and Rioja.
Winery Notes
Telescope was born from the loving relationship of Seth and Zori. Zori, a Bulgaria woman, introduced her American husband Seth to Bulgarian wine. This introduction kickstarted the creation of Telescope. With Seth and Zori’s great passion for Bulgarian wine, they decided to bring these vibrant and dynamic wines to the US.
When Zori first introduced Seth to Bulgaria’s wine tradition in 2008, he was blown away. During that first visit to Eastern Europe, the American wondered why he had never seen these wines on U.S. store shelves.
Fast forward to 2016. Now married and with two young children, Seth and Zori moved to Bulgaria from the U.S. While trying to learn the Bulgarian language and culture, Seth couldn’t help but also dive deep into the vibrant and dynamic Bulgarian wine scene. He developed a true passion for the wines of Bulgaria and wanted to share them with wine and culture enthusiasts back in the U.S.
Seth and Zori created Telescope to do exactly that: to bridge their family’s two cultures and share the wines of Bulgaria with wine lovers in the U.S. and around the world. Telescope’s U.S. introduction was in May of 2018 in select fine wine retailers in New York.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I was excited, as I always am, to get the note that I would have the opportunity to be a lab rat for today’s offer. Then, once I got the bottle, I was even more excited, since I haven’t ever tried a Bulgarian wine before!
I did have time to let the bottle rest for a day, before opening it last night. I found this to be a “hot” wine; I get a noticable, uh, headiness, in the nose which I attribute to the alcohol content, along with some darker fruitiness. On the tongue I get bigger fruit, and the tannins really stand out. Not being very good at descriptors, I usually stop short of trying to name specific fruit, like “plums” or “a hint of cherry,” and just stick to broad generalizations… but if I were trying to go more specific, that’s probably where I would go.
I cannot say I got cloves, but the tannins do add a bit of a spicy note.
On the second night the bottle is open, the tannins have faded a bit, and I think the fruitiness goes a bit lighter in the flavor. Maybe more cherry, less plum. But less intense overall. I still get the heat, although I think this is also less strong than it was last night.
The one big question on my mind is if this would be significantly different than the Spanish, French, Italian, and German varieties I’m so used to? Well, I think the answer is largely no. Now, I didn’t taste it blind, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t mistake for, say, a varietal Cabernet or Merlot. If I had to pick a similar varietal, I might think this is closer to some Sangiovese wines I’ve had, with the darker fruit I usually get from those.
I’m not sure how valuable everyone finds this, but here’s my attempt at showing the color of the wine against a sheet of paper. Hmm, you know, it looks slightly more brown or “brickish” in this picture than I’d say it appears in person. Maybe because of the lighting, maybe just the camera adding ten pounds.
Oh, one last note: while this is a 2016, I would say it doesn’t show age. Having had a few 2016s in the last months, this does seem to have a touch more fruitiness, maybe a little less smoothness than the average (although there are certainly other wines which still taste young after not even six years).
It’s also pretty good to have alongside some chocolate banana pudding.
I need more wine like I need a hole in the head, but if anyone in the Kansas City area is interested in splitting a case, let me know!
@JamesinKC Sweet! I’ve got a case ordered. I’d be down for a three-way split, too, if someone else is interested (4/4/4 or 6/3/3 if you definitely want six).
@klezman@michaelvella@swizzel Three, or some other split each, with four of us seems reasonable, but, now where to ship it? Michael and I are in San Diego, Klez WLA, not sure where you are.
Labratting after a long hiatus.
2016 Telescope Mavrud
New varietal to me. Also having to post this writeup on my phone, so apologies in advance.
PnP. 57F. Color resembles an older slightly bricked wine, think dark cinder hues over dark ruby. That said I didn’t see any other signs of bricking, could be varietally correct.
Unlike the first review, I’m getting almost no alcohol on the nose. A fair amount of oak, and only a bit of fruit which lean dark toned, like plum or overripe blackberry.
Palate has an interesting mix of blue and red fruit, closely approximating Cabernet, but definitely not the same. The Sangio comparison is perhaps a better parallel the more I linger on it… Medium tannin and med acid, wine is well balanced with some chew on the tail end. Finish is medium plus in length. Getting a bit of an odd sour note on the finish, but it’s not unpleasant. Sort of tart cran thing, so yeah… Maybe closer to Sangio.
That’s it for tonight. Will revisit tomorrow.
Thanks for the opportunity to Rat and chip yet another off the varietal list, although I’m pretty sure I passed the century mark already. Always fun to see what is happening in the world of wine as I sit down to write from the middle of a great WA AVA
@KNmeh7 it does sound good but really?.… “Roasted aromas and flavors of dark chocolate coated berries and nuts, caramelized yams, mocha creme brulee, and pepper on fresh herbs with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body (breathe Tommy, breathe!) and a smooth, interesting, medium-long berry cobbler a la mode, coffee gelato, orange blossom water, and nut skin finish with soft, silky tannins and light oak”.
89 Points. Dark cherry red in the glass, this Bulgarian Mavrud has aromas of black plum, raspberry, cloves and cinnamon. In the mouth, there are soft tannins with flavors of cedar, tart cherry and black plum. Jeff Jenssen 12/31/18
The tastings.com review quoted above also a 2018 review.
Selling for $19.99 at Big Hammer Wines, which is the retail arm of One Vine Wines (the supplier for this offer)
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations.)
2016 Bulgarian Red from Telescope Winery - $30 = 16.65%
This is delicious! My first ever Mavrud, and it reminds me a lot of Mourvèdre, and not just because they’re spelled somewhat the same!
Fresh out of the bottle the wine is incredible on the nose - an intense black cherry and blueberry fruitiness (it almost smells like a desert wine!) with some pencil lead and/or fresh blood tang, same as Mourvèdre often exhibits. I also noted fresh mint and clove aromas.
Initially the flavor was VERY tight, but after 30 minutes of decanting it opened up to a surprising degree. The black cherry/blueberry component is heavy on the palate, followed by black plum and an earthiness and acidity/minerality that was pleasant, never clashing with the fruit component. The tannins are so fine they’re almost non-existent.
If I’d tasted this blind, I would have guessed a Mourvèdre-dominant GSM blend (MSG blend? :P). The fact that this is Mavrud shining all on its lonesome, tasting an awful lot like a classic Rhone style, is very impressive. I’m going to have to keep my eye on Bulgarian wine after this one, and Mavruds in particular!
2016 Telescope Mavrud, Bulgaria
91 Points, Gold Medal, Tastings.com
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Background Notes
Winery Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $420/case MSRP
About The Winery
Telescope Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 29 - Thursday, Sep 1
Bulgarian Red from Telescope Winery
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Telescope Winery Bulgarian Red
Hoping for some rats as this is new to me.
Hello hello, mates!
I was excited, as I always am, to get the note that I would have the opportunity to be a lab rat for today’s offer. Then, once I got the bottle, I was even more excited, since I haven’t ever tried a Bulgarian wine before!
I did have time to let the bottle rest for a day, before opening it last night. I found this to be a “hot” wine; I get a noticable, uh, headiness, in the nose which I attribute to the alcohol content, along with some darker fruitiness. On the tongue I get bigger fruit, and the tannins really stand out. Not being very good at descriptors, I usually stop short of trying to name specific fruit, like “plums” or “a hint of cherry,” and just stick to broad generalizations… but if I were trying to go more specific, that’s probably where I would go.
I cannot say I got cloves, but the tannins do add a bit of a spicy note.
On the second night the bottle is open, the tannins have faded a bit, and I think the fruitiness goes a bit lighter in the flavor. Maybe more cherry, less plum. But less intense overall. I still get the heat, although I think this is also less strong than it was last night.
The one big question on my mind is if this would be significantly different than the Spanish, French, Italian, and German varieties I’m so used to? Well, I think the answer is largely no. Now, I didn’t taste it blind, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t mistake for, say, a varietal Cabernet or Merlot. If I had to pick a similar varietal, I might think this is closer to some Sangiovese wines I’ve had, with the darker fruit I usually get from those.
I’m not sure how valuable everyone finds this, but here’s my attempt at showing the color of the wine against a sheet of paper. Hmm, you know, it looks slightly more brown or “brickish” in this picture than I’d say it appears in person. Maybe because of the lighting, maybe just the camera adding ten pounds.
Oh, one last note: while this is a 2016, I would say it doesn’t show age. Having had a few 2016s in the last months, this does seem to have a touch more fruitiness, maybe a little less smoothness than the average (although there are certainly other wines which still taste young after not even six years).
It’s also pretty good to have alongside some chocolate banana pudding.
I need more wine like I need a hole in the head, but if anyone in the Kansas City area is interested in splitting a case, let me know!
@worbx I’m in Kansas City and will split a case with you!
@JamesinKC Sweet! I’ve got a case ordered. I’d be down for a three-way split, too, if someone else is interested (4/4/4 or 6/3/3 if you definitely want six).
/giphy plain-fruity-corsair
@worbx I’ll take six. I have a wine buying problem…I meant hobby…so why stop now?!?
Totally new variety for me. This sounds ripe for a SoCal split of maybe 2 bottles each.
@klezman could enhance the Century Club list
@klezman @rjquillin I’m in.
@klezman @michaelvella @rjquillin sounds like an interesting wine, I’d be down to split if you’re still looking for more people to fill out the case
@klezman @michaelvella @swizzel Three, or some other split each, with four of us seems reasonable, but, now where to ship it? Michael and I are in San Diego, Klez WLA, not sure where you are.
@klezman @michaelvella @rjquillin either works. I’m in southbay, not too far from WLA but go to SD often
@klezman @michaelvella @swizzel
All good with three each?
Anyone want four, as Klez has mentioned wanting only two?
@klezman @rjquillin @swizzel all good either way!
@klezman @michaelvella @swizzel
weedy-floral-industry
@klezman @michaelvella @rjquillin I’m good with 3 thanks!
@michaelvella @rjquillin @swizzel I’d prefer two. Far too much wine over here!
Labratting after a long hiatus.
2016 Telescope Mavrud
New varietal to me. Also having to post this writeup on my phone, so apologies in advance.
PnP. 57F. Color resembles an older slightly bricked wine, think dark cinder hues over dark ruby. That said I didn’t see any other signs of bricking, could be varietally correct.
Unlike the first review, I’m getting almost no alcohol on the nose. A fair amount of oak, and only a bit of fruit which lean dark toned, like plum or overripe blackberry.
Palate has an interesting mix of blue and red fruit, closely approximating Cabernet, but definitely not the same. The Sangio comparison is perhaps a better parallel the more I linger on it… Medium tannin and med acid, wine is well balanced with some chew on the tail end. Finish is medium plus in length. Getting a bit of an odd sour note on the finish, but it’s not unpleasant. Sort of tart cran thing, so yeah… Maybe closer to Sangio.
That’s it for tonight. Will revisit tomorrow.
Thanks for the opportunity to Rat and chip yet another off the varietal list, although I’m pretty sure I passed the century mark already. Always fun to see what is happening in the world of wine as I sit down to write from the middle of a great WA AVA
Very cool offer.
@KNmeh7 it does sound good but really?.… “Roasted aromas and flavors of dark chocolate coated berries and nuts, caramelized yams, mocha creme brulee, and pepper on fresh herbs with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body (breathe Tommy, breathe!) and a smooth, interesting, medium-long berry cobbler a la mode, coffee gelato, orange blossom water, and nut skin finish with soft, silky tannins and light oak”.
@KNmeh7 @ttboy23 so I’m not the only one who thought that was odd?
@klezman @KNmeh7 @ttboy23
Who doesn’t like a nut skin finish?
@chipgreen @klezman @KNmeh7
Hilarious
Happy Saturday…
Sooo Wine Enthusiast had this to say:
89 Points. Dark cherry red in the glass, this Bulgarian Mavrud has aromas of black plum, raspberry, cloves and cinnamon. In the mouth, there are soft tannins with flavors of cedar, tart cherry and black plum. Jeff Jenssen 12/31/18
The tastings.com review quoted above also a 2018 review.
Selling for $19.99 at Big Hammer Wines, which is the retail arm of One Vine Wines (the supplier for this offer)
fwiw
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations.)
2016 Bulgarian Red from Telescope Winery - $30 = 16.65%
I have liked the Bulgarian wines I have had. Always up for a new flavor profile. Labrating is good. So, I’m in.
Cheers
CT link added at top of thread
This is delicious! My first ever Mavrud, and it reminds me a lot of Mourvèdre, and not just because they’re spelled somewhat the same!
Fresh out of the bottle the wine is incredible on the nose - an intense black cherry and blueberry fruitiness (it almost smells like a desert wine!) with some pencil lead and/or fresh blood tang, same as Mourvèdre often exhibits. I also noted fresh mint and clove aromas.
Initially the flavor was VERY tight, but after 30 minutes of decanting it opened up to a surprising degree. The black cherry/blueberry component is heavy on the palate, followed by black plum and an earthiness and acidity/minerality that was pleasant, never clashing with the fruit component. The tannins are so fine they’re almost non-existent.
If I’d tasted this blind, I would have guessed a Mourvèdre-dominant GSM blend (MSG blend? :P). The fact that this is Mavrud shining all on its lonesome, tasting an awful lot like a classic Rhone style, is very impressive. I’m going to have to keep my eye on Bulgarian wine after this one, and Mavruds in particular!