Domaine Mercouri Mavrodaphne Chortais

Domaine Merkouri Belvedere & Chortais Dessert Wines Vertical Tastings (Domaine Merkouri) : The wine feels drier in the nose, dried fruit, dates, alcohol heat, a bit earthy, black olives, raisin, it shows complexity but also decadent elegance in the same time. In the palate, the wine you get quite a kick from the alcohol, raisins, blackcurrant jam, blackberry jam, dates, loads of tannins, medium body and finish.

Deep garnet color. Expressive and complex nose with notes of plummy fruit, chocolate, coffee, toffee, herbs (laurel - daphne...). Slight VA is welcome. On the palate the wine is delightful. Well balanced with tannins resolved a nice "streak of honeyed citrus acidity" as my friend KOSTAKATS says, "that keeps it all in balance", great length. This wine is on par with great aged port.

Greek Wines; 5/1/2008-6/30/2008 : Plummy nose with some Greek coffee and candy notes. Sweet and sticky on the tongue. Definite heat. Very much like a Banyuls w/o the depth or complexity. Medium finish with more coffee sweetness and slight caramel. Disappointing given the price.