The story of this 1,5 lit magnum bottle is quite funny: My wife’s brother once promised, to open it at his sister’s marriage ceremony. Well it took seven years more, but who cares: The wine (Domaine Chatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 1997) with the Turkey on it’s label, the “Granny” Cab of the night, was the absolute star. It kindly asked for a photo with a well dressed gentleman, to walk the bride to the table!

Groom and best man, ready to walk the bride!

The winery is one of the most famous and respected in Greece, as it’s labels have raised “generations” of local winlovers (first commercial release in 1982). It’s two production units, are located near the town of Atalanti in central part of country.

Wine follows a classic red vinification, and is aged for 12 months in new and used French oak barrels.

I opened it about two hours before dinner, and i admit the odds were not good. A cork that collapsed during extraction, and was wet all over its length. Hopefully i was wrong. It turned out to be not oxidized at all, and overall a delicious wine!

Tasting notes: Medium intensity garnet color, showing clearly the wine’s age. Fully developed nose of medium intensity with surprisingly live fruit: Black cherries, raspberries, plums harmoniously bonded with it’s ageing elements: mushrooms, wet leaves and hints of leather and smoke. As time was passing more aromas revealed: roasted/smoked meat, black chocolate and hints of black pepper. Only noticeable fact was the absence of typical cedar (and herbal) notes of Cabernet. Mouth of medium+ acidity, and many excellent rounded tannins. Body is medium+ and flavor intensity medium+, with (even more surprisingly) a younger character than nose. Long and sweet finish.

Enjoying the Cab with a real “getting married” couple!

We paired it good with various meet dishes, but will do nice company with a mushroom/truffle orzo Greek pasta (kritharaki, risotto style)

Drink now. Won’t benefit from further ageing.

Happy new year to everyone!

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

Alcohol: 13%

Retail price in Greece: about 15 euros / 20$ (current year for a 0,75 lit bottle)

Score: 90

Value for money: Very Good

Winery website: www.hatzimichalis.gr