Ktima Biblia Chora — Biblia Chora Red 2010

The 2010 house red from Ktima Biblia Chora is one of the few Bordeaux blends with a Greek twist — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Agiorgitiko, with a slight Merlot emphasis. Opening this bottle was exciting: my cellar doesn't go back much farther when it comes to Greek vintages (the curse of being born too late!). I've had this wine many times over the years, but so far we've only reviewed the 2019 vintage, which scored 91 points in 2021. Back then I said I'd love to re-taste it ten years down the road. This 13-year-old bottle is at least an approximation of that wish.

How does it compare? It doesn't come close to the 2008 Etos Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a lot denser and more complex despite being two years older. But the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Kokkalis showed a LOT more age. Even the 2006 Etos Merlot from Biblia Chora seems to be at its peak now — I need to buy another bottle one day, just to make sure. And the comparable 2008 house wine from Ktima Gerovassiliou, comparable in that Merlot dominates and in that Gerovassiliou has his share in Ktima Biblia Chora, was also way more advanced in age.

The nose shows very subtle signs of age, but blackberry still dominates clearly. On the palate, there is a lot of grip from tannins and acidity — I rarely have to drink this much water with Bordeaux wines of this vintage to keep my mouth moisturized. At 91+ points, it will stay in that league for another ten years. If you like mature wine, enjoy it in about five years for a peak of 92–93 points, or keep it for another twenty years and it will still be excellent. I shouldn't mention that you can still get this vintage in well-stored conditions at ordinary shops for under €20. Well, you could before I posted this.