Vervenioti Winery — Sappho 16 LP 2021

Vervenioti Winery's ΣΑΠΦΩ16LP 2021 is a rosé blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Moschofilero from PGI Arkadia in the Peloponnese. Tasted alongside several other Moschofilero-based wines — including Ktima Paliomylos Moschofilero 2021, Fteri Vinum's La Nonna Moschofilero 2020, and Ktima Kalogri's Mrs. Poulia Macerated 2021 — this one stood out as smoother and more polished than the rest. The Bordeaux varieties and Syrah clearly round out the Moschofilero's more angular, floral character. The flavors work together well without any one of them trying to steal the show, and the dark berry aftertaste is really something to talk about. Vervenioti is a very small estate of around three hectares with limited online presence, so this wine may be hard to track down, but it's worth seeking out — a well-crafted, harmonious rosé that earns 89 points.