Oinotropai Winery – Roes Chardonnay 2018

The ROES Chardonnay 2018 from Oinotropai Winery in the PGI Messenia is a striking demonstration that even small Greek wineries know how to use oak with precision and real effect. The wine, which retails for under €15 in Greece and now comes with a classy wax capsule, spent only four months – and only partially at that – in American oak. On opening, you're immediately greeted by a wonderfully charming fruit. You smile contentedly and happily take the first sips – and while you're enjoying it all so unsuspectingly, those seemingly innocent aromas suddenly grab hold of you. What clarity of fruit! Baked apple aromas are joined by just enough lactic notes to conjure thoughts of vanilla custard. What makes it special: the further you taste, the more you marvel at the fact that there simply isn't a single off-note to be found. Even days after opening the bottle, every trip to the fridge confirms that you've simply fallen for this wine. In a direct comparison with the 2019 vintage, the 2018 ingratiates itself more gently on the palate and impresses with its subtle yet lingering finish of coconut and caramel. A magnificent 93 points.