Alpha Estate Alpha Estate

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The 2007 Estate is a new look in bottle at a wine I liked a lot when I first saw it early on in Greece. A blend of 60% Syrah and 20% each of Merlot and Xinomavro, sourced from vineyards 620-690 meters above sea level, it is beautifully constructed, graceful in the mid-palate, gripping on the finish, bright and sunny, with an earthy component as it airs out. It was aged in French oak - and you can hardly tell at this point in its life. It has integrated beautifully. Delicious and focused, this sometimes ethereal wine never vanishes on the palate - it has too much underlying acidity and intensity for that. It is a pleasure to drink. Drink now-2022. Note that the 2007 reds are released and currently in the marketplace. The 2008s were all bottled at the time reviewed, but are largely still being held back for bottle aging. They will be released sometime in mid to late 2011. Alpha is one of those hot estates that should draw consumer attention. Here's a chance to get in at the ground floor, more or less, with two fine vintages in 2007 and 2008. This winery has been considered to be a "comer" for awhile. It's fair to end that talk. They have arrived and are making terrific wines. They have their own style and the Amyndeon terroir is somewhat different than Naoussa, they say, which is the signature appellation for Xinomavro in Greece. Taking that all together, Alpha's wines are more refined and accessible than some of the more rustic versions of Xinomavro. Compare them to Xinomavro from Foundi in Naoussa, also reviewed this issue, and it seems not even to be the same grape. I've often compared Xinomavro to Nebbiolo, but with Alpha, Pinot Noir comparisons seem more apt. There is still attention to structure here and few compromises. The quality steadily improves and considering the small production levels on many of the wines, the output seems to be quite reasonably priced, too. Greek reds are justly acquiring more cachet and this Northern Greek estate is one very fine example of where the region is going.Importer: Diamond Importers, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 549-6211