2004 Kavaklidere Okuzgozu d' Elazig

This was a red Kavaklidere wine at the JTT and Teresita's Branch 'do in VB. There was a defective wine bottle opener involved. Responsible for impaling several of the guests. As a result many were sucking their (own) thumbs and this may have influenced the assessment of the vino. Frankly the KOd'E was the best of the bunch that included Aussie and Virginia varietals. A further complication was the cork floating inside the bottle. Too many variables including the unforgettable funereal in Merry Hill, NC. I wouldn't know where to tell you to find it, but if you are making your way through Izmir and come across this--it's well worth a try!


Öküzgözü is a ‘monocépage’ product created after five long years of research. The grapes come from the Elazığ province, located on the Anatolian plateau at the north of the Taurus Mountains. The various sources of the Euphrates River in this region soften the normally harsh climate of Eastern Turkey. After aging in French oak barrels for 12 months, this wine reveals intense fruity flavors of raspberry and cherry mixed with an elegant "boisé". After two years in the winery, it evolves a very well balanced body with light tannins and reveals its "bouquet" after 4 years; it can age for up to 10 years. Öküzgözü is best served at 16-18 degrees C and is a perfect match with different dishes served with a cheese sauce, casseroles, red meat, grills, cheese and poultry.