A chewy, medium-bodied red, with juicy black cherry and black licorice flavors underscored by fresh loamy earth, tar and balsamico herb and spice notes. Syrah and Xinomavro. Drink now. 4,350 cases made, 580 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Greece / Florina Select to Add

A balanced, medium-bodied red, showing savory notes of green olive and medicinal herbs joining ripe black currant and cherry fruit flavors, with light, creamy tannins. Syrah and Xinomavro. Drink now through 2026. 3,350 cases made, 590 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Greece / Florina Select to Add

The 2007 Axia red is a 50/50 blend of Xinomavro and Syrah, aged in French oak for 9 months. This is made in a friendly style and it is showing well now. The good acidity mingles nicely with the oak to create a sunny wine that has an earthy character with hints of sour blueberry and bacon fat that I attributed to the Syrah component asserting itself and mingling with the acidity (that, perhaps, courtesy of the Xinomavro). There is not a lot of mid-palate concentration, but it fleshes out in the glass a bit and it is quite charming. That said - if you're willing to put up a reasonable extra amount of money for it, its Alpha One sibling reviewed this issue is a somewhat different blend, but a similar concept and a notable step up. Drink now-2016. 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