Olympia Land Estate — Ekecheiria 2020

The Ekecheiria 2020 from Olympia Land Estate, from the PGI Ilia on the west coast of the Peloponnese, is a blend of 50% Assyrtiko and 50% Malagousia. At 13.5% alcohol, it sits at the top end of the Assyrtiko-Malagousia blends tasted here, which otherwise come in at 12.5% or 13%.

Aromatically, this wine doesn't fit neatly into the familiar Malagousia spectrum. The nose appears still somewhat closed at the time of tasting. The alcohol makes the palate feel a touch coated. Honey dominates the flavor profile, though the wine is far less oxidatively styled than the Chardonnay of the same vintage from the same estate. Pear provides the fruity component, joined by very subtle, slightly sweet herbal aromas — suggesting a rather herbal expression of the Malagousia portion.

What's very encouraging is that the wine doesn't lose anything even after several days; it actually continues to develop and becomes rounder — the alcohol in particular seems better integrated then. Assuming this reflects genuine aging potential, the wine deserves an excellent 90+ points. It's available for €11.90.