La Tour Melas — La Tour Melas 2019

La Tour Melas 2019 is a Bordeaux-inspired blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot grown in Achinos, in the PGI Fthiotida region of central Greece. I tasted it alongside the Château La Gaffelière 2019 from Saint-Émilion, a Premier Grand Cru Classé that uses the reversed ratio of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Both wines clock in at 14.5% ABV and both cost around the 100€ mark, which makes the La Tour Melas one of the most expensive wines from Greece. Where the La Gaffelière leans into rich black cherry, marzipan, and pronounced herbaceous notes with a structured, somewhat restrained profile, the La Tour Melas is more focused on red fruit — raspberry and sweet cherry — offering a fresher, more immediately appealing profile. Subtle oak integrates smoothly, and intriguing dark chocolate notes add depth without overwhelming the freshness. While the finish is not as lengthy as the Château La Gaffelière's, it's balanced and harmonious, with an approachable elegance. At 94 points, this is a seriously impressive Greek red. It was my first time tasting this bottle, so I'm cautious about predicting further improvement with age.