The 2008 Estate is a blend of Syrah (60%), Xinomavro (20%) and Merlot (20%) from several vineyards beginning at 620 meters above sea level, aged in French oak for a minimum of 12 months. With a one year difference in vintage dates, this 2008 is a little more disjointed than the 2007 revisited this issue. A bit tighter and more astringent on the finish at this point, its oak also shows a bit more at the outset as well and it is not yet quite as expressive as the Syrah component on the 2007. With air, it seems to wind up in much the same place as the 2007, and I suspect it will edge out the 2007 in time, although it is certainly not quite as appealing now. Be a little patient, as it will show better in 2-4 years. This is going to be a beauty. Drink 2012-2023. 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

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

The 2005 ALPHA ESTATE with the big -A- on the label is a blend of Syrah (60%), and 20% each of Merlot and Xinomavro. There were 5,000 cases produced. The wine was aged for 11 months in a blend of 80% Allier,13% Missouri Extra Fine Grain, 5% Bertranges and 2% Jupille. It opens lush and tinged by oak, marred a bit by it to be precise, as it seems too simple initially. It comes around nicely with air, showing an elegant mid-palate, lovely flavors and considerable intensity on the finish. With air, the Syrah earthiness asserts itself and gives the wine some character, making it seem more distinctive and interesting. Its structure is very good, and it should hold easily for a decade. Ultimately, it is focused, penetrating and rather tight on the finish, showing lots of promise from such a young winery. The alcohol is high compared to a lot of the Greek wines in this report (14.2%), but unexceptional in the grand scheme of things. The wine seems beautifully balanced. It drank adequately the next day after being refrigerated overnight, still showing some tannin and good fruit. Drink now-2015. This small, interesting and I suspect soon to be important new boutique (first vintage, 2003) located in Amyndeon in Northern Greece has a total production of 7,500 cases. With nods to Italy and France (they make Tannat, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Negroamaro, Pinot Noir, Barbera and others), they also work well with indigenous grapes like Xinomavro. The winery is said to be built with organic materials. Having tasted the older vintages, I would say the turning point here comes with the 2005 (when they settled into their own winery). Earlier years are pleasant, but less distinguished.Importer: Diamond Importers, Chicago, IL; tel: (773) 549-6211

The 2004 ALPHA ESTATE is elegant, an earlier version of this blend. There is a touch of game on the wine, which seems pleasant, but without the penetration, intensity or focus of the 2005. Drink now-2013. This small, interesting and I suspect soon to be important new boutique (first vintage, 2003) located in Amyndeon in Northern Greece has a total production of 7,500 cases. With nods to Italy and France (they make Tannat, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Negroamaro, Pinot Noir, Barbera and others), they also work well with indigenous grapes like Xinomavro. The winery is said to be built with organic materials. Having tasted the older vintages, I would say the turning point here comes with the 2005 (when they settled into their own winery). Earlier years are pleasant, but less distinguished.Importer: Diamond Importers, Chicago, IL; tel: (773) 549-6211