Pythagoras Reserve Red Blend 2017 by 7 Bilgeler Vineyard (7 Sages Vineyard)

I first tasted this on November 10, 2020. The 3 year old vintage was just at the early side of drinking for me - I tend to like reds with more body and at least 3-5 years, if they can handle it. This blend is highly respected in Turkey. Check out the Vivino scores at 4.1

This might be one of my favorite Turkish blends. 2017 was very good n 2020, and I tried again in late 2021 and still very nice. I appreciate all the wines from 7 Bilgeler, and personally find Bilge Yamen, their owner and head winemaker's style one of the best in Turkey.

Strong blueberry and black fruits smelled in the nose. Delicious scents with a full body but even-keeled and even-balanced palate. Cabernet Sauvignon like at the start with a merlot mid palate mixed with a Malbec finish all built on the structure of Syrah. Seven Sages this one is a big thumbs up from me. Mouth feel without food is dominated by tannins, which I like. This would go great with antrecote or filet mignon.

I believe this sees 1 year in French and Hungarian oak, and most agree the oak is clear on the palate.

As with most Turkish wines under 4 or 5 years old, I find that aerating or letting the 7 Bilgeler 7 Sages Pythagoras Reserve Red Blend sit open for 1 hour before drinking tends to make them more pleasant and rounded cutting some of the sharpness of a young red wine.

I definitely recommend this series, but I believe the 2019 and later Pythagoras blends have changed the Malbec and Shiraz to a Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, so they will have a different character.