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Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines Ecosystem - Barba Yannis 2019 750ml

size
750ml
country
Greece
region
Macedonia
WA
93
Additional vintages
2019 2018 2017
WA
93
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 2019 Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis Single Block was aged for 24 months in new French barriques and comes in at 14.3% alcohol. The "old vines" references ungrafted bush vines from 1919. In its typically refined style, this shows moderate tannins for support, silky texture and a precise finish. It is always elegant. What it lacks in its youth is the character that expresses the grape better, and that today is due to the new wood that the winery sometimes likes a little too much. Despite how approachable this is, the quality of the fruit and the prominence of the wood make it necessary to age for a few years. Many will like it fine just now, but giving it some time to develop and pull in the wood will be helpful. This is a vintage with some potential. In different styles and vintage conditions, I've liked many about the same given different pros and cons. Often, the question there is how it is going to age and rise above the wood. This seems to have a good chance of doing just that, but it may also have a ceiling. This is one I'd bet on. ... More details
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Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines Ecosystem - Barba Yannis 2019 750ml

SKU 908087
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$30.40
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Professional Ratings
WA
93
WA
93
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 2019 Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis Single Block was aged for 24 months in new French barriques and comes in at 14.3% alcohol. The "old vines" references ungrafted bush vines from 1919. In its typically refined style, this shows moderate tannins for support, silky texture and a precise finish. It is always elegant. What it lacks in its youth is the character that expresses the grape better, and that today is due to the new wood that the winery sometimes likes a little too much. Despite how approachable this is, the quality of the fruit and the prominence of the wood make it necessary to age for a few years. Many will like it fine just now, but giving it some time to develop and pull in the wood will be helpful. This is a vintage with some potential. In different styles and vintage conditions, I've liked many about the same given different pros and cons. Often, the question there is how it is going to age and rise above the wood. This seems to have a good chance of doing just that, but it may also have a ceiling. This is one I'd bet on.
Winery
100% Xinomavro from 88-year-old vines planted en gobelet in sand at 660m altitude. Destemmed and fermented after cold soak in tank. 18-24 months elevage in French barrels.
Product Details
size
750ml
country
Greece
region
Macedonia
Additional vintages
2019 2018 2017
Overview
The 2019 Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis Single Block was aged for 24 months in new French barriques and comes in at 14.3% alcohol. The "old vines" references ungrafted bush vines from 1919. In its typically refined style, this shows moderate tannins for support, silky texture and a precise finish. It is always elegant. What it lacks in its youth is the character that expresses the grape better, and that today is due to the new wood that the winery sometimes likes a little too much. Despite how approachable this is, the quality of the fruit and the prominence of the wood make it necessary to age for a few years. Many will like it fine just now, but giving it some time to develop and pull in the wood will be helpful. This is a vintage with some potential. In different styles and vintage conditions, I've liked many about the same given different pros and cons. Often, the question there is how it is going to age and rise above the wood. This seems to have a good chance of doing just that, but it may also have a ceiling. This is one I'd bet on.
green grapes

Varietal: Xinomavro

Xinomavro is the predominant grape varietal of Macedonia, although it is also grown in many parts of Greece where the climatic conditions are suitable for this particular fruit. The names translates as 'acid black', which gives some clue as to the nature of this varietal. The grapes are renowned for their high tannin content, which is a result of the thick and blue-black skins found on the fruit. This particular characteristic results in a superb aging potential in wines made from the Xinomavro varietal, as time spent in barrels softens these strong, astringent tannins and allows the full range of their flavors to come through in the wine. Most commonly, Xinomavro grapes are associated with aromas of red gooseberry, spices, olives and dried fruit, such as dried tomato.
fields

Country: Greece

It is almost impossible to understate the importance of local and regionally produced wines in Greek culture. Across the country, from the cities of the mainland to the villages, mountainous regions and islands, wine is produced using traditional methods and native grape varietals, and is drank in households and taverns, either accompanying the much loved local cuisine or alone as a refreshment under the blazing Mediterranean sunshine. For wine lovers around the world, Greece is known for producing several wines with something unique and interesting to offer, a refreshing change from the norm filled with surprises and complex, occasionally challenging or unusual flavors and aromas. Thanks to the vast range in terrain across the archipelago, Greek wine is as varied as it is delicious, meaning there is plenty to explore and enjoy from this fascinating and ancient country.
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Winery Alpha Estate
green grapes

Varietal: Xinomavro

Xinomavro is the predominant grape varietal of Macedonia, although it is also grown in many parts of Greece where the climatic conditions are suitable for this particular fruit. The names translates as 'acid black', which gives some clue as to the nature of this varietal. The grapes are renowned for their high tannin content, which is a result of the thick and blue-black skins found on the fruit. This particular characteristic results in a superb aging potential in wines made from the Xinomavro varietal, as time spent in barrels softens these strong, astringent tannins and allows the full range of their flavors to come through in the wine. Most commonly, Xinomavro grapes are associated with aromas of red gooseberry, spices, olives and dried fruit, such as dried tomato.
fields

Country: Greece

It is almost impossible to understate the importance of local and regionally produced wines in Greek culture. Across the country, from the cities of the mainland to the villages, mountainous regions and islands, wine is produced using traditional methods and native grape varietals, and is drank in households and taverns, either accompanying the much loved local cuisine or alone as a refreshment under the blazing Mediterranean sunshine. For wine lovers around the world, Greece is known for producing several wines with something unique and interesting to offer, a refreshing change from the norm filled with surprises and complex, occasionally challenging or unusual flavors and aromas. Thanks to the vast range in terrain across the archipelago, Greek wine is as varied as it is delicious, meaning there is plenty to explore and enjoy from this fascinating and ancient country.