The 2007 Tannat "Utopia" also has 5% Xinomavro blended in. It was aged in French oak for 12 months. This is bright, perhaps even a touch tart on opening, but caressing with its texture, focused and persistent. The acidity and structure cut through whatever oaky notes exist and the wine handles its oak perfectly, seeming steely and crisp, pointed and precise, with the oak tinge in the background. Drinking decently now, it shows no sign of giving up the ghost any time soon as it has a backbone that delivers some tannic punch early on and its acidity and tannins should help it hold in the cellar for a reasonable time, although it may decline from peak before it nears the end of its drinking window. It is beautifully balanced, projecting more depth initially than it in fact has, and ultimately seeming elegant and rather Burgundian. This Tannat may be an unusual Greek red, but it performs very well. In this vintage, a very fine one for this producer, it is not Alpha's best wine, but it is certainly one of the best value points in the lineup. Any producer can make a $100 wine that perform wells. Making something nice, with distinction and personality that is affordable is a more difficult chore. There was a hint of smokey note at times as it sat in the glass, but that blew off with more air. Drink now-2017. 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