Metochi Mylopotamos – Nama 2019

A wine from the Holy Mountain Athos, and on top of that in the style of a communion wine – naturally, this had to be opened for Christmas. Color-wise, this blend of Muscat d'Alexandrie and Merlot is certainly a surprise right off the bat. The must concentration used to achieve the sweetness also leads to a distinctly red hue – and on the palate, to a remarkably clinging tannin structure that's quite surprising for these grape varieties. The nose, by contrast, is rather unspectacular, though the interplay and aromatics – actually mainly grapes above all else – are quite interesting. The mere 12.5% alcohol definitely does the wine good and makes it – at least once a year – a genuinely interesting alternative to naturally sweet dessert wines. 83 points – and the opportunity to tell others that you've had this very special wine.