When a wine spends over three decades aging quietly in a private Georgian cellar, the expectation is that it either becomes a forgotten treasure or a remarkable rediscovery. Saamo, a 1987 Rkatsiteli from the small cellar “Kardenakhi 7”, has proven itself to be the latter. Recently crowned “Best Wine by Quality” at the 2025 London Wine Competition—scoring an exceptional 98 points and also taking home titles for “Best Indigenous Grape Wine” and “Best Indigenous Grape Wine Producer of the Year”—Saamo has suddenly emerged from obscurity into the international spotlight. Yet, unlike most winners, it’s not available in any market—at least not yet.

From Private Cellar to World Stage

 Saamo was never initially intended for commercial release. It, along with its 1985 sibling Khikhvi, had been aging in the personal cellar of Kardenakhi 7 for over 30 years. The cellar’s owner and winemaker, Malkhaz Gvelukashvili, who holds a BSc and Master’s degree in oenology and fortified wines from Moscow, first shared the wines with English sommeliers and writers in October 2024 through the National Wine Agency of Georgia.

His first taste of success sparked a last-minute scramble to bottle and package the wine professionally for entry into the London Wine Competition. It was a close call: customs delays nearly prevented the wines from arriving on time.

Not for Sale—Yet

 Despite international acclaim, Saamo remains unavailable not only in the UK but anywhere in the world. Several hotel chains and distributors have expressed interest, but the team behind Kardenakhi 7 decided to wait for the LWC results before responding.

Their goal is clear: bring Saamo to the European market, with a focus on the UK. 

A Wine with a Message

 One of the more personal details about Saamo is its quiet dedication. The label “Only You Alone” reflects a tribute to women—an intention that led the winemaker to omit the company’s formal logo from the bottles. These wines were crafted not just for the market, but for meaning.

In terms of flavour, the judges praised its complexity and elegance. Descriptors like “nutty,” “fig,” “linseed oil,” and “citrus” came up frequently. Saamo shows how well the Rkatsiteli grape—so often misunderstood or under-appreciated—can evolve with time.

Image: The owner and winemaker, Malkhaz Gvelukashvili at Winery.

Old World Roots, Modern Aspirations

 Kardenakhi 7 may be new to the international scene, but its roots run deep. Alongside wine, its owner represents the German biotech firm Sartorius across the Caucasus, specializing in lab equipment and filtration—expertise that naturally complements precise winemaking.

This dual background in science and tradition informs both the cellar’s philosophy and its future plans. While the production of Saamo and Khikhvi is extremely limited due to their age and origin, the winery is now considering how to sustainably scale up production, possibly with future vintages.

Conclusion

 Saamo’s recent triumph isn’t just a win for Kardenakhi 7 but for the broader story of Georgian wine. It serves as a powerful reminder that time, craftsmanship, and patience still matter in a market often driven by trends. As Saamo prepares for its long-awaited debut in the UK and beyond, it carries not just the weight of awards, but of heritage—and the quiet conviction that great wines don’t need to shout to be heard.

Article by Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

Also Read:
Elegido Tempranillo Red Wins ‘Best Value’ at London Wine Competition 2025
Hasher Family Wines Wins the Winery of the Year South Africa
SCEV Domaine du Château de Meursault wins Winery of the Year France