Fifteen years ago Amyndeon was a no mans land It has now emerged as an exciting forwardlooking region Surrounded by mountains it experiences the largest swing in diurnal temperatures During the growing season April to September nights are cool 10 C highs rarely rise above 31 C
Of all the nonGreek red grapes planted in this important 65hectare estate Syrah Montepulciano and Tannat have excelled They have adapted to such a degree that no one including here could ever imagine such impressive wines
The Alpha 1 grape choice changes yearly It is either a varietal wine or a blend In essence it is the top performing grapes of the vintage It is a halo wine sold at double the price of the excellent flagship Alpha Estate a Syrah Xinomavro and Merlot blend If reductive aromas and rustic tannins is your experience with Tannat well this newcomer to Greece is a rather different tamed beast There is a rarely achieved phenolic ripeness balance even polish here Not the usual descriptors one associates with this loveitorleaveit tannic grape The 2006 vintage was a long protracted affair Mustering one of the lowest recorded1420 degree days The wine spent 18 months in Allier Bertrange mediumtoasted new oak casks at 200 9 9 The wine is bottled unfiltered
Opaque Pharmaceutical nose with camphor dominating Vinosity chocolatecocoa powder Compact Enveloped with finesse on the outside with a creamy core Tastey ripe tannins Well balanced and round Lingering finish Suprisingly complex Best 20092016
Wine: Alpha Estate Alpha 1 Tannat
Year: 2006
Link: http://www.alpha-estate.com/
Score: 18
Type: Red
Variety: Tannat
Area: Macedonia