Georgiev/Milkov, Thracian Valley (Bulgaria) Novi Izvor Vineyard Mavrud 2021 ($28, Bohemish Wines)

Looking to offer a fresh take on wines from traditional Bulgarian varieties, winemakers and friends Petar Georgiev and Radostin Milkov launched Georgiev/Milkov in 2014. The pair source their fruit from the choicest vineyards, including this 40+ year-old site near the village of Novi Izvor, in the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. The nose is dark and seductive, with layers of ripe black fruit, peppery spice, sweet tobacco, and a hint of thyme. Generous fruit and savory spices flood the palate, framed by grippy fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a sumptuous leathery finish. A respectable 13% alcohol rounds out this broodingly complex and well-balanced wine.
95 Pam Roberto