2022 Iliana Malihin Liatiko Rosé Rethymno Crete Greece

The 2022 Liatiko Rosé is the first vintage imported into the US and it is incredibly special. The wine is 100% Liatiko with 80% of the juice direct-pressed from the grapes and the remaining 20% macerated on skins for 3 days. The result is one of those deeper colored rosés that makes one think more of old-school Tavel from the Southern Rhone. The wine has structure and finesse and is just starting to come into its own. It has flavors of black cherry, strawberry compote, deep mineral notes and a savory but silky finish. This is not a cheap and cheerful quaffer. This is a serious rosé that demands a little time in glass before consuming. I would even consider only a light chill and a quick decant before drinking. This is the kind of rosé that is more at home with meat dishes or rich oily fish than light summery fare (though it would still be good with that too). There is just much to contemplate here and it is the perfect window into this emerging winemaker’s style.