Kir Yianni Ramnista Xinomavro Naoussa – 2017

Xinomavro is a red grape which many describe as “the Greek Nebbiolo”. It has pale colour and very firm tannins and acidity, and as it gets older it develops mellow, autumnal fruit flavours. When young it has a touch more power and fruit concentration than Nebbiolo however.

“The 2017 Ramnista, all Xinomavro, was aged for 16 months in 30% new 5,000-liter French casks (but for a 5% dollop of American wood). It comes in at 14.6% alcohol (actual, I’m told). Solid in the mid-palate, this shows off fine fruit with a subtle layer of wood as an overlay. This has some power on the finish too, but the mid-palate concentration easily soaks it up, making this rather approachable (not every young Ramnista is). It should still age well, developing more complexity along the way, but this seems to be drinking nicely right now. Still, it was better the next day, when it showed more of that Xinomavro acidity and complexity. We’ll see if it can turn into anything more in time, but if not, it’s still pretty darned good at a nice price.” 91pts Wine Advocate