Domaine Hatzimichalis – Opus IB 2004

The Domaine Hatzimichalis Ὀπούς ιβ' Cabernet Franc 2004, from the PGI Opountias Lokridas in Central Greece, is far superior to the younger vintages of this wine in terms of complexity. At 13% alcohol, it has developed perfectly and drinks beautifully now – leather, licorice, flint, graphite, and blackberry, with great acidity, right at its peak. Tasted in May 2023 as a comparison to the Vignamaggio Cabernet Franc 2004 from Tuscany (88 points), it was clearly superior – super delicious, beautifully mature, and despite its age still in excellent shape. Domaine Hatzimichalis, founded by Dimitris Hatzimichalis in 1973 in the Atalanti Valley, was among the first Greek estates to plant international varieties alongside indigenous grapes, and this 100% Cabernet Franc is a testament to what those early plantings can achieve with two decades of bottle age. A wonderful wine that deserves its 95 points, and one of the very few Greek wines from international varieties with such aging potential. If you can get your hands on a bottle, drink it now.