Poured into a decanter about 30min prior to service. The 2018 Thymiopoulos Vineyards “Kayafas” is one of their single-vineyard expressions of Xinomavro. The fruit is sourced from their lowest altitude vineyard, sees extended maceration (40 days); partially whole cluster. It pours a beautiful deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core. Medium viscosity with very light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is very pretty with notes of strawberries, tart cherries, plums, dried green herbs, stony earth minerals and some subtle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. The notes from the nose are confirmed. Alcohol is medium. The finish is long. While certainly unique, it has one foot in Burgundy and one foot in Piemonte. A marvelous pairing with seared duck breast with beetroot risotto.
— a year ago
Popped and poured; no formal notes. This glass was poured from Coravin. A fun, predominantly red fruited Xinomavro that has an interesting sweet corn sort of thing going on. Red fruits and leather. Structure is firm but well managed and not punishing. Balanced. A few years of age and Coravin may have played a role in development. — a year ago
Xinomavro made from a single block on the Amyndeon plateau 647 m above sea level. Amyndeon is from my understanding cooler than the more recognised Naoussa region close by. Some modern winemaking practises here like cold soaking has resulted in an extracted wine with a medium body and a less tannic finish. Nice spicy aromatics, expressive midpalate and a medium long finish. — a year ago
Aaron Tan
Socmed has frankly made it rare for a wine to truly surprise me, but the 18’ Vrana Petra did just that. A completely unfamiliar label (and variety), it was a revelation. Strikingly mineral and brimming with energy. Aromas of red fruits, a touch of herbal smoke, black tea, dried florals, and a beautiful clementine note. It’s dense yet graceful; with plush textures, juicy acidity, and an underlying saltiness permeating the entire palate. Easily my top discovery this year. — 2 months ago