WTN: A deliciously stinky Cretan

[Otto]

Manousakis Winery "Nostos" 2006 - Crete; 14,5% abv

It is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Roussanne aged in French and American oak. Their website says of the oak: "All barrels are new and they are being replaced every four years." What does this mean? That this wine might have been in barrels of anywhere from new to 4 years old?

There is a lovely stinky/shitty aroma to the dark, sweet, ripe fruit. This is just how brett (presumably) should work in the ideal universe: it doesn't overpower the aromas of the wine but brings a touch of savoury character to what would otherwise be a rather too fruit-forward wine to my tastes. Whatever they mean by the oaking, I sense it more on the palate, but it seems to be integrating and what is left is a sweet, sunny but still lively S. Rhône lookalike. I actually like this very much. I have no idea what it costs, but if available for under 30€ it would be a definite re-buy if only it were available here.

[Hoke]

Oh, good. You meant the wine, not the Cretan people themselves.

I'm suspecting this might not delight everyone as much as it delighted you, Otto. Of course we know you like to walk along edges and push horizons out, don't we.... (Good for you.)

[Otto]

I'm suspecting this might not delight everyone as much as it delighted you, Otto.

Gosh. We are surprised.

In these squeaky clean days I am always happy to advocate for a bit of shit.

[Gary Kahle]

I’ve been a fan of Nostos since the first vintage 1997 and still have one remaining in the cellar. I also have one bottle of Syrah (labeled as Sirah) that Ted Manousakis bottled for his personal cellar. If I remember correctly that first vintage used 50% French and 50% American oak ALL NEW. Since then the oak treatment has evolved to 75% French, 25% American with ¼ new each year. Winemaker has changed over the years with Pascal Marchand of Burgundy fame consulting in the early years and Lurence Feraud of Domaine Pegau in CdP more recently. Kostis Galanis has been the resident winemaker since the start.
I visited the winery and vineyards in 2002 and found it very interesting. We still have vintages 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the cellar. None made in 2000.
Cheers, Gary