2010 Domaine Paterianakis Melissokipos

"Crete is a wonderful wine-growing island…that doesn't get nearly enough attention internationally! Domaine Paterianakis--located in Crete's prime wine-growing region, Peza, just south of the capital city Heraklion--is one of my favorite wineries on this enchanted, very gastronomic isle. I met the winemaker, Emmanuela Paterianakis, about five years ago….and realized that, not only is she making terrific wine today…..but she is sitting on stocks of older Cretan red made by her father!Emmanuela shows her own hot hand with this lovely young red wine, made from an equal blend of Kotsifali and its weightier cousin Mandilari. Red-berry fruit on nose, followed by a lean, elegant palate with a slightly tannic finish. Great basic meal-time red, ideal with grilled meats."- David Rosengarten