Economou, Sitia (Crete, Greece) 2015

 This is the first release of the distinctive and delicious Mirabello, a blend of 60% Liatiko and 40% Mandilari.  Domaine Economou’s reds from the Sitia appellation are made from the local clone of Liatiko, found nowhere else on the island of Crete, let alone Greece or the rest of the Mediterranean.  This 2015 impresses with an intoxicating intensity to the fruit, with aromas of berries, orange peel, and fig.  It is rich with complex flavors of black cherry, anise, balsamic, and leather, finishing with notes of brambly cake spice on the palate.  There is real finesse here, with decisive but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity that will keep this wine going strong for at least a few more years.