Sevilen Plato Öküzgözü 2018
I realized some time ago that I’d not reviewed the Sevilen Plato Öküzgözü, nor in fact any of Sevilen’s Plato wines. Now, with Sevilen debuting a new Plato Narince (cannot wait to get a bottle!) I thought it’s about time I got around to doing it. In the spring I opened two different wines from this series, the Kalecik Karası and Öküzgözü. Going to tackle the Öküzgözü here since I seem to be on an Öküzgözü roll lately!
While Öküzgözü originates in Elazığ in Turkey’s north east, Sevilen’s vineyards are located in Denizli in the inner Aegean. While much of Denizli sits at pretty high elevations, the overall climate is still significantly warmer than that of Elazığ. The result is often a riper, fuller-bodied, and more tannic Öküzgözü.
Sevilen Plato Öküzgözü, 2018
Aged eight months in oak but with a very small amount of that being in new oak. The goal of Sevilen’s head winemaker, the fabulous Sibel Çoban, was to highlight and support the fruit. Not to cover it up. Sibel makes really elegant wines and this was no exception.
The wine poured a brilliant, medium plus opaque ruby, much like freshly crushed pomegranate juice. Immediately rich blackberry and damson plum fruit jumped out of the glass. A little swirl raised notes of vanilla smoke and sweet spices from that delicate oak ageing.
As I said above, Öküzgözü tends to be higher on the acidity with low to medium tannins and medium body. Because of the warmer growing climate (and to an extent that oak), this was … different. Pleasant acidity yes but tamed. Medium-bodied with moderate alcohol (13). But! Mouth-filling, silky tannins. This felt like a Pinot. The palate delivered more red than black fruits with a pop of pomegranate leaf and tobacco melting into a milk chocolately finish.