The 2009 Cava Dryos "Ai Giorgis Vineyard" was fermented in tank and then aged in oak for 6 months. It is a blend of Chardonnay (55%), Roditis (34%) and Assyrtiko (11%). Quite well constructed, this has fine acidity that easily cuts through the oak and it retains a bright and vibrant feel to it. It is not a big wine, but there is reasonable depth and the oak is well under control. It shows extremely well and it is well focused and charming. It may hold longer, but it is something I think will be better early in its lifespan and its balance is right now. Drink now-2014. This is not available in the USA as yet, but retails for about 14-15 Euros in Greece. Importer: Athenee Importers & Distributors Ltd., Hempstead, NY; tel. (516) 505-4800

The 2008 CAVA DRYOS “AI GIORGIS VINEYARD” was aged in oak for 6 months. It is a blend of Chardonnay (50%), Roditis (39%) and Assyrtiko (11%). Showing good acidity, which pokes through the oak, it has a little bite on the finish and a solid mid-palate feel. It is not available in the USA as yet, but retails for about 14-15 Euros in Greece. This handles the oak rather well at first, but it does become a bit of a distraction as it airs out. Drink now-2012. Hatzimichalis makes a wide variety of brands, and dabbles extensively in international grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. They have a pretty nice touch with those grapes—although I thought their Chards were a bit better in the last round of reviews. I’m sure they will take flack for their focus on international grapes rather than indigenous ones. The lower level wines are usually very nice values, though. Some of the prestige labels, some of which are not imported, are usually single vineyard wines and can struggle to justify their extra cost.Importer: Athenee Importers & Distributors LTD., Hempstead, N.Y.; tel: (516) 505-4800