Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Kavalieros is a single-vineyard, 100% Assyrtiko offering from Sigalas, aged on the lees for 18 months. I first saw this library wine about eight years ago. Unlike the concentrated, very ripe (almost to a fault) 2012, this originally seemed more delicate. Paris Sigalas, when I met with him way back when, even thought it was a bit light. Yet I rather loved it. Today, I probably like this more than the 2012, although it doesn't have the upside of that wine. This 2009 is fresher, sunnier and livelier—if not as concentrated and not as dramatic. Admittedly, the 2012 has more intensity of flavor, its best feature. This is one in perfect balance, though, ripe yet fresh, persistent but graceful. A pleasure to drink at the moment, whereas the 2012 is sometimes sensational but sometimes overkill, this is also aging beautifully. It will age at least as well as the 2012—indeed, the freshness may allow it to age better.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
