Featured Monthly Tasting:

SPANISH WINE
and New Gems from Greece,
Portugal, Italy and California

Intro

Ktima Argyros 2005 Canava White Santorini ($25) 89

The Argyros winery, located on the island of Santorini, was established in 1903 and includes vineyards well over 100 years old. The Canava White is a blend of Greek varietals. It is medium-straw color with aromas of lime peel and jasmine. It sports citrus flavors and a rich, honeyed, somewhat nutty character complemented by good minerality and acidity. It could be mistaken for a high acid Meursault.

Strofilia 2006 Averoff Rose Attica ($15) 89

Strofilia is a modern winery with vineyards located throughout Greece. The Averoff Rose comes from vines located in Attica, a peninsula jutting into the Aegean Sea. This strawberry jam colored wine is made from the Agiorgitiko grape. Touches of cinnamon and strawberry are present in the nose, and the palate is soft with strawberry flavors and earth notes and good acidity.

Fragou 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Peloponnese ($16) 92

The grapes for this deep, dark garnet Cabernet Sauvignon come from the harsh, rocky area of the southern Peloponnese. Herbal and mint notes are present in the bouquet. Lush, dark fruit erupts on the palate with touches of loam and spicy oak. Ripe, soft tannins complement the long finish. Impressive and great value.

Amethystos 2006 Lazaridis White Macedonia ($18) 88

Amethystos is a modern winery located in the Drama prefecture of Macedonia. The Lazaridis White is a blend of Greek (Assyrtiko) and French (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon) varietals. Yellow-green straw in color, this clean, crisp wine has aromas of lime and grass. It’s slightly spritzy on the palate with gooseberry and citrus fruit flavors and brisk acidity.

Amethystos 2005 Lazaridis Red Macedonia ($23) 89

The Lazaridis Red is also a blend of Greek (Limnio) and French (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) varietals aged one year in 225 liter oak barrels. Dark red garnet color with vanilla and dark cherry aromas. The attack is soft and lush with concentrated, dark plum fruit and vanilla and mocha notes.

Foundi 2004 Naoussa Red Macedonia ($12) 91

The Foundi Estate is located in the hills of Naoussa in the Macedonian village of Strantza. This estate puts the emphasis on producing terroir-driven wines using traditional winemaking. The Naoussa Red is made from the Xinomavro grape, the predominant grape variety in Macedonia, and is medium-garnet in color with an earthy, herbal nose. On the palate, it’s medium-full bodied with spicy blackberry, herb and leather flavors finishing with firm tannins.

Protopapas 2004 Syrah Macedonia ($10) 89

Aged one year in French oak and cellared for 1-2 years in bottle, this estate-grown medium bodied Syrah offers up aromas of dark plum and spicy oak. Lovely, cedar-toned plum fruit shows on the rich, vibrant palate.

Aivalis 2005 Nemea Red Peloponnese ($19) 90

Made from 40-year-old vines of Agiorgitiko grapes, this dark ruby artisanal wine offers up aromas of dark fruit and vanilla spice. Dark fruit and assertive tannins characterize the palate.

Aivalis 2005 Nemea Monopati Peloponnese ($35) 92

Also made from Agiorgitiko, and aged 14 months in American and French oak. The dark garnet colored, single vineyard Nemea Monopati serves up a heady mélange of chocolate, tobacco, and rich vanillan oak on the nose. A modern, internationally styled wine, the dense, almost brooding, palate shows rich chocolate and dark cherry flavors.

Papantonis 2004 Agiorgitiko Meden Agan Peloponnese ($19) 91

Located in the viticultural region of Nemea, Papantonis is a small winery with a 27 acre vineyard in Malandreni. The medium bodied, dark ruby red Meden Agan is made from 100 percent Agiorgitiko that offers a nose of spicy plum, black cherry, and cigar box aromas. Harmonious and round in the mouth, this nicely balanced and complete wine finishes long and flavorful.

Papantonis 2006 Metron Ariston Roditis Chardonnay Peloponnese ($14) 89

A blend of 60 percent Roditis and 40 percent Chardonnay, white peach, honey, and vanilla aromas give way to a sweet, creamy attack of moderate acidity, lively fruit and a touch of spritz. It finishes clean and dry with a citrus note.

Tselepos 2006 Mantinia Dry White Peloponnese ($15) 89

Made from Moschofilero grapes grown on the cool, 700-meter high Mantinia Plateau in the Peloponnese. Medium yellow-gold color with a pink hue, the Mantinia Dry White has perfumed aromas of ripe peach, lychee and flowers. It has good acidity, a dry, mineral attack and a nice long finish. Traditionally served with Greek salads.

Tselepos NV Amalia Brut Sparkling ($19) 88

A very aromatic methode champenoise sparkling wine made from 100 percent Moschofilero grapes showing peach, tangerine, and honeysuckle on the nose. While the palate is dry, the attack is slightly honeyed and fruity. Finishes nicely with a touch of sweetness.

Tselepos 2005 Nemea Driopi Peloponnese ($20) 91

Made from 100 percent Agiorgitiko. Very polished, dark ruby color with cigar box aromas. It’s warm and soft on the palate, beautifully balanced with rich flavors of dark cherry, vanilla, loam and chocolate. Among the best reds we tasted.

Manousakis 2006 Roussanne Crete ($29) 90

Yellow-green straw color with aromas of melons and roses. The approach is soft and very flavorful with a rich, fat mouth feel from the extended lees contact and oak aging. Has a long finish too.

Intro