Oinotropai Winery — Red Monk 2021

Carignan from Greece? Yes, Oinotropai Winery from the Peloponnese offers one – and a quite astonishing one. I first tried their Carignan two years ago, the 2018 vintage, which was labeled ΡΟΕΣ Carignan Vieilles Vignes back then. That was freaky stuff: untypical nutty aromas and a whopping 15.5% alcohol. But it was great. The Red Monk 2021 now shows the evolution this wine has taken in recent years. It comes in at a much more moderate 14% alcohol, and the aromatic profile is far more approachable and fruit-driven. It has become an utterly enjoyable wine: lush and refreshing. You don't get such beautiful acidity with most other Greek wines – you'll be able to fool even Greek wine experts with this juicy wine, I promise. Notably, however, the wine still has really good complexity and length. I think the winery has found the perfect balance here, earning a well-deserved 94 points. You can drink it already and don't have to wait any longer. Simply enjoy!