Achaia Clauss Chateau Clauss (Πύργος Clauss) 2003

This is one of those fun wines that you can open up for a meal and let its flavors come out as breathes while you eat and drink. It's a little funkier than other Greek wines I've tasted mostly due to its herby nose. This herbiness (and the importer's site)leads me to believe that the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Agiorgitiko (the label says its Cabernet/Mavrodaphne).

The pour gives you a lively, deep purple color, and your tongue grabs onto the soft tannins which provide balance between the mineral herbiness and the touch of red fruit. This wine has spent some time in oak so the 2003 is still good to drink. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a more recent vintage anywhere. I've got a few bottles still aging (I bought it on sale for $10...regular price should be about $12-still a good value), but will likely uncork most of them in 2010.

For pairings, the obvious are red meat and super-sharp cheeses. I think it would work well with a hearty red pasta sauce as well. Bottom line, if you can find it, give it a shot.