In the haze the Aliakmon River flows into the manmade Polyfytos Lake In the distance a solitary pelican glides on the mirrorlike water surface Seen from a particular angle the abstract white building of Ktima Voyatzi could be mistaken for an intergalactic docking station The striking elongated walkway ascending to the tasting room the brainchild of architect Yiorgos Pappakostas brilliantly captures what an uphill effort quality winemaking is I urge future winery ventures to visit this address to see that one does not have to hark towards the past for inspiration and turn traditional to eyesore Inside there are commanding views of the lake and the estate vineyards One can see a battery of stainless steel tanks It is all thought out with workflow in mind and attention to detail So are the wines Yiannis Voyatzis has been the longstanding chief oenologist of Boutari Located in Velvendos a prime peachproducing region this estate is his own gig Voyatzis is one of the top professionals of his generation His approach is methodical and focused He is keen on terroir yet sees beyond varieties crafting a patchwork of place names into a classy convincing mlange His philosophy is lucid and coherent There are no powervinification showoffs here What is there is a great insitu support team A thoughtful manager oenologist Irine Zande daily breathes life into this venture Roving ambassador strikingly different younger brother Nikos Voyatzis is a great storyteller Funny too Velvendos lies behind Naoussas Mount Vermion It is also home to distinct Xinomavro clones different aromatics darker colour softer tannins Though a Xinomavro varietal is indeed bottled here it was the Ktima that quietly stole the show
Comprising 65 Xinomavro 25 Merlot and 10 Cabernet Sauvignon it is the Xinomavro aromatics that take centrestage with a zippy acidity that holds interest more so after carafing for several hours Structure and tannins are so neatly interweaved it seems grafted by nanotechnology Precise polished sophistication with a wink towards Bordeaux the Xinomavro introducing exotic charged aromatics and tension Gratifyingly cerebral Now if you want to impress friends new to Greek wine this is a great candidate for some blind tasting The fun factor should be skyhigh Best 20142020
Wine: Ktima Voyatzi
Year: 2010
Link: http://www.ktimavoyatzi.gr
Score: 17
Type: Red
Variety: Xinomavro
Area: Macedonia