Costa Lazaridi Chateau Julia Merlot 2022

This Merlot is ready to drink now, but it will also benefit from aging for up to 20 years. It’s recommended to decant it for at least an hour before serving.

The Chateau Julia line is part of the Domaine Costa Lazaridi winery, located in Eastern Macedonia, in the Drama wine production area.

Chateau Julia Merlot is an impressive and highly acclaimed Greek red wine produced with the guidance of the renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland. The Merlot grapes are sourced from the estate’s vineyards in Drama and are carefully harvested only when they reach perfect ripeness. After a lengthy maceration of 15 days, the wine is aged in French oak barriques (40% of which are new) for at least 12 months.

The wine displays an intense ruby color with violet hues at the edges. The aromatic profile is captivating, bursting with intense aromas of ripe dark fruit (wild cherry, plum, blackberry, and blueberry), sweet spices (vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon), and subtle tertiary notes of tobacco, pepper, coffee, and chocolate. On the palate, it’s a complex, full-bodied, rich wine with exuberant and concentrated flavors. The lively acidity and firm but velvety tannins contribute to its structure. The finish is warm and persistent. This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats served with aromatic sauces, roast poultry, and medium-aged cheese.