Libera Estate, Struma Valley (Bulgaria) “Melnik 55” 2019 ($23, Bohemish Wines)

Southwestern Bulgaria is home to the hot and sunny Struma Valley, where Melnik is the flagship variety. Taking its name from an ancient Roman goddess of fertility and freedom, Libera Estate specializes in combining the traditional and contemporary sides of Bulgarian winemaking. This rendition of Melnik 55 opens with perfumed aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, spiced plum, black tea, and bay leaf. Juicy red and black fruit flavors light up the palate, lifted by a distinctly herbal freshness that persists through the finish. Very smooth, with good concentration and well-integrated tannins.
92 Pam Roberto