Naoussa did not have it easy in 2009 Yet the trying weather patterns allowed the best sites and vineyardists to shine After a comprehensive tasting of key names the emerging picture is summed up thus poor tannin management and dullness The latter is not a word usually associated with the characterful grape Xinomavro One estate went as far as sending out a press release saying that they are not bottling this challenging vintage
Apostolis Thymiopoulos has once again proven his modernist credentials Yet his winery is not full of kit so as to claim that his wines are a technological marvel On the contrary The answer lies in the vines His southern location just north of the town of Veroia and the microclimate do come into play There is a marked ripeness a charm in and around of Trilofos You may add the fact that while the whole region has finished harvesting Thymiopouloss vineyard is always the last up to two weeks later His late father Stergios left a strong legacy Widely praised as the regions top farmer he fully understood his vineyards This knowhow has been transmitted to Apostolos Though an oenologist he does not speak just figures impressive though they be His is a holistic approach soon to be certified as organic He has also started to incorporate biodynamics Both wines the approachable and entertaining Young Vines and Gi ke Uranos Uranos in the US have a transcending appeal Fruity with tasty ripe tannins and that polished highacid tannic bite they are also vivacious taste natural even though low in sulphur Uranos is a blend of three vine sites Amygdalies and the adjacent Kaifas as well as limestonerich Aghios Trifonas The 2009 vintage was marked by low temperatures and no heat spikes Harvest took place under cloudcovered skies Intermittent showers made up for the lack of spring and summer rainfall Thumbing back through my older notes a pattern emerges The multifaceted profile of this benchmark reveals itself slowly It is worth waiting for
Aerate it and watch it unfold Deep ruby Perfumed Sweet Wild strawberryscented blending earthy mushroom notes Compact fruit held together with neatly formed precise fine tannin Minerality adds interest to satisfying bitteredge finish Leaves the palate refreshed like few other wines can Nebbiolo comes close The taste of autumn in ones glass
Best 20132027
Wine: Gi ke Uranos Thymiopoulos Vineyards
Year: 2009
Link: http://www.thymiopoulosvineyards.com
Score: 18
Type: Red
Variety: Xinomavro
Area: Macedonia