Ktima Biblia Chora — Plagios Red 2014

The Plagios (Sideways) red from Ktima Biblia Chora is considered something of a benchmark for Greek Merlot as a red wine. The preceding 2013 vintage had already been rated a phenomenal 95 points. The 2014 initially met all the expectations set by its predecessor. Particularly inviting was the fantastically integrated oak with wonderfully complex notes of nougat and nuts — truly something to revel in. The refreshing acidity and the only 14.5% alcohol also do the wine a lot of good. However, what was written about the 2013 — that it could easily age another five years — does not apply here. The 2014 can be drunk with a clear conscience in the near term. For that reason, and because a second bottle showed somewhat less spectacular oak aromatics, it still earns a superb 94 points. Unlike the 2012, which still contained 15% Agiorgitiko, the 2014 — like the 2013 before it — is 100% Merlot. At the time of tasting, the wine was available for €19.80.