Tsantali Naoussa Epilegmenos Reserve 2010
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Naoussa Reserve was aged for 16 months in mostly French oak (30% new and the rest second and third use) with 5% American (all used). It comes in at 13.25% alcohol. This library wine hasn't been seen in over four years. It has certainly benefited from the time in bottle. A super value, this is a focused and precise wine with plenty of power—but always controlled. The fruit has a touch of oak but also some earthiness and distinction. It has become far more expressive. It has opened. Yet that finish is still a bit tight. This seems very young, very vibrant and probably not even at peak. Ripe and mouthfilling, this is beautifully done. It has plenty of life left, maybe more than anticipated. Let's extend the drinking window a bit, but we'll take it in stages.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Naoussa is home to one of Greece’s most age-worthy reds: Xinomavro. Flourishing on the sun-exposed, southeastern-facing slopes of Mount Vermio between 700 to 1,700 feet in elevation, some say Xinomavro is Greece's red counterpart to its famous white, Assyrtiko. Others liken it to Italy's well-respected, highly perfumed and powerful, Nebbiolo.