Tselepos Merlot Kokkinomylos

Deep unusual color, as it was almost equally ruby, and garnet, with notes of purple. Did i mess it up? OK stay with a tired ruby. Complex nose of medium intensity, presenting tons of black and – oddly – red cherries, plums (see bellow why those notes linked perfectly with food) sweet spice (cinnamon & cloves) and well integrated oak, mostly with smoke and less vanilla. Mouth of medium acidity, and excellent many velvety tannins. If i had to vote …

Deep ruby color, very healthy looking. Nose has good intensity and is full of fresh berry fruit (mulberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant) and sweet spices with a lift. Oak is evident and complements the bouquet. Also inky nuances. Palate is very smooth and fluid with refreshing acidity and soft tannins upon entering the palate which are slightly felt on the gums. Flavors are mostly sweet spice with a fresh berry fruit core. Finish is good and fruity. Substantial Merlot with freshness …

From a magnum I bought in January 2008. Drank at home with friends over dinner. Dark garnet color. Evolved nose with dark cherry, plum, herbs, leafy scents and tertiary mushroom-like aromas. Medium-full bodied with ultra-soft tannins, slightly burnt fruit and excessive sweetness, which the acidity could only marginally counter-balance. Long aftertaste. My guests loved this, but I found it excessively sweet and marginally past its best.