2022 Alpha Estate - Xinomavro Amyndeon VV Single Block Barba Yannis (750ml)

The 2022 Alpha Estate Xinomavro PDO Amyndeon Reserve Old Vines Single Block "Barba Yannis" is one of Greece's most extraordinary red wines, drawing on a parcel of vines that predates the modern Greek state's first century. The vineyard was purchased by Alpha Estate in 1994 from Mr. Yannis, in whose honor the block is named. These ungrafted, pre-phylloxera Gobelet bush vines were planted in 1919 and have spent over a century developing roots deep into the plateau's calcareous substrate. The 3.71-hectare block sits at 647 meters above sea level on the Amyndeon plateau, with a northwest-facing exposure toward Mount Voras, planted at a density of just 2,600 vines per hectare and yielding a concentrated 26 hectoliters per hectare after green harvest and selection.

After destemming and light crushing, the wine undergoes cold soak skin contact and fermentation driven by indigenous yeasts isolated from the specific block, with temperatures rising gradually throughout. The wine then spends a remarkable 24 months on its fine lees with regular stirring, followed by 24 months in new French Allier and Jupilles oak casks of medium grain with white toast. It is bottled without treatment or filtration and aged a further 12 months before release. In the glass, it shows a complex, typically Xinomavro character: ripe red berries, strawberries, dark cherries, licorice, sundried tomatoes, and delicate spice. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with rich fruit depth, concentrated savory notes, and velvety tannins that carry through to a long, aromatic finish. Pair with roasted lamb, braised game, moussaka, or hard aged cheeses.