Agelakis Winery – Takimi Kotsifali-Merlot 2019

The Takimi Kotsifali-Merlot 2019 from the Cretan estate Agelakis combines 70% Kotsifali with 30% Merlot. A hint of barnyard on the nose opens up to a balanced palate with soft, rounded edges. The 14% alcohol is seamlessly integrated, lending just the right warmth without masking the fruit. 92 points – proof that Kotsifali and Merlot together can make outstanding wine. Agelakis also has an excellent single-varietal Merlot (the Materia) in their lineup. All the more regrettable, then, that from 2021 onwards the red Takimi is a single-varietal Kotsifali.