Domaine Menexes — Merlot 2019

The Menexes Merlot 2019 from Cretan Ktima Menexes was aged for 12 months in French oak and bottled unfiltered. Vanilla makes its presence felt intensely from the very first sniff right through to the last lingering aftertaste. The fruit takes a bit of a back seat, especially since the somewhat sandy tannins already provide plenty to keep you occupied. The 14.5% alcohol and the vanilla combine to create a very sweet impression. As a total package, though, this is very appealing and remarkably coherent — despite all this harmony, boredom never sets in. The fridge test over several days suggests this lovely wine should be enjoyed now or by 2025 at the latest. Admittedly not the most complex Merlot in Greece, but a wine with a very distinctive profile that suits many occasions. An excellent 92 points, and at around €15, very fairly priced.