2024 Iliana Malihin "Young Vines" Vidiano Rethymno Crete Greece

Iliana Malihin is a name worth remembering — a young, meticulous producer working in Rethymno who's quickly building a reputation for precision and restraint. Though these are young vines, there is nothing that is not great about this version of Vidiano. Succulent mineral notes with an oily but lifted texture. Vidiano is highest on my list of grapes to watch. Sourced from parcels on Crete's rocky, mineral-rich soils, this bottling shows exactly why the grape is drawing so much attention right now — a wine that walks the line between richness and freshness with real precision. Pour it with grilled octopus, a simple plate of fried cheese, or anything off the grill with a squeeze of lemon.