Vinepair’s #1 Wine of 2020.

Alpha Estate’s 2016 Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines Reserve comes from a single vineyard in Macedonia, Greece. The vines are over 85 years old planted in sandy soils at high altitude (nearly 2000 feet in elevation). Sustainable practices at Alpha Estate allow the wines to tell the story of place, and in 2016 growing conditions were perfect to let all the components of the Xinomavro come together.

“Located in Macedonia in northwestern Greece, Alpha Estate has been creating delicious, sustainably made wines since 1997. This wine practically defines balance: The acidity is nearly perfect, letting the tart fruit flavors sing without overwhelming the palate; the texture is rich yet refreshing and not overly tannic; and it hugs the palate with notes of fruit and pepper. With flavors similar to Barolo, but at a much better value, this wine can be enjoyed now or aged in your cellar for a few more years. Either way, it is sure to be a memorable one. **#1 Wine of the Year 2020**” – 97 Points VinePair

“The 2016 Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis Single Block was aged for 24 months in new French barriques and comes in at 13.7% alcohol. Unfiltered, it was held back a year after bottling. By “old vines,” the winery means “ungrafted bush vines” from 1919. This looks brilliant. Silky, powerful and intense, it is all about the acidity and tannins on opening. It grips the palate, lifts the fruit and won’t let go. Its earthy complexity is starting to become evident even now. It’s never going to be a rich and fruity wine—if that’s what you want, look away. This is not very fleshy, but its purity and focus are impressive. It easily manages to coat the palate. In fact, when retasted the next day, it seemed to have fleshed out and expanded. It was far more gorgeous on that second day. That only hints at its potential, I suspect.” – 94+ Points Mark Squires, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate