Manousakis Nostos Alexandra's

Tasted Blind at Oinoscent , Athens as part of one of Varvara’s challenges. Tough one to get, soft but not really, old world for sure but not light, warm wine but not south of France. Went with 2017 Grenache but was impossible to pinpoint the origin. Frankly at this age, a very pretty wine and with an elegance to it. Some decanting works. 90-91

Full, strong

Bit light.bit of wood. Spices.

Tasting sample poured from 75cl at Manousakis Winery. Smells better than it tastes—nice herbal provencal bouquet garni; entry like sweet bubble gum; mid-palate heady-alcoholic with worryingly sweet Grenache fruit, like a hot-year Chapoutier; the finish finally has a very little tannic grip, alas smothered by a sickly-sweet aftertaste. 84P

Kind of big, a little tannic, and earthy. $49 at Nostos.

Deep ruby red with purple red brim. Nice fruity and herbal nose with some minerality and notes of red and dark berries. Mouthfeel is medium bodied plus, fruity and herbal with smooth tannins, nice acidity and notes of red and dark berries, bramble, garrigue and a touch of licorice. Serious wine from Crete, totally capable of competing with wines from south France at a similar price point.

Oinorama Wine Fair 2019; 3/2/2019-3/3/2019 (Zappeio) : Very floral, light red fruit, mild intensity, tighter in the palate, high acidity, tannins, needs time

Soft for commercial grade Cretan reds which tend to pack a little heat. This wine is introduced with floral aromas. Tart cherry and blackberry carry some garrigues, peppery heat, and dusty tannins.