Domaine Hatzimichalis – Merlot Yataki 2017

Opened as part of an Easter tasting of Greek Merlots, the Yataki Vineyard 2017 from Domaine Hatzimichalis, PGI Atalanti. After half a decade, the wine showed appropriate maturity on the nose. Primary fruit, especially raspberry, was still dominant, and the tannins on the palate were soft but grippy. Actually a promising point to be at. Overall, though, it still only gets a very good 86 points. The reason it doesn't score higher comes down to a single factor: on the finish, the alcohol (14.5%) is simply far too dominant, leaving a hot, burning impression that lingers for minutes. The 15–20 years of cellaring suggested on the winery's website seems rather optimistic. As a young wine, though, it's perfectly enjoyable. The Yataki is the entry-level Merlot from Hatzimichalis – the winery also produces the Alargino, a significantly more expensive Merlot.