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Greece

Jennifer Havers

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Kir-Yianni Diaporos Single Vineyard Xinomavro 2016, Naoussa, Greece: A gorgeous, complex and supremely balanced and elegant Greek red wine made from the country's classic Xinomavro grape. If you love Spanish Rioja, try this red. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2019-2023. 14131 14% XD 750 mL  $52.00 Score: 91/100. March 30, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Kechris Kechribari Retsina, Greece: Definitely an acquired taste, but if you like Retsina, you will enjoy this traditional Greek full-bodied, dry white wine with pine, cedar and briny mineral flavours finishing long on the palate. A lighter than expected pine resin aroma on this light-bodied Greek white wine. Pair with grilled sardines, calamari and fresh seafood. Drink: 2024-2026. 27137 11.50% XD 500 mL  $10.25 Score: 88/100. October 10, 2024 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Domain Mega Spileo Grand Cave Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Achaia P.G.I., Greece: A robust, richly flavoured, concentrated Greek red wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. This wine was matured for 16 months in an 85/15 split of French oak and American oak barrels. The vines were cordon trained, grown in a cool climate achieving late maturity for extra complexity and planted in sandy-clay soils. The 2011 vintage yielded 14,0000 bottles. The vineyard was originally used by the Holy Monastery of Mega Spileo (Grand Cave) for 500 years of respected wine production. Aromas of black plums, cassis and smoke. Decant 1-2 hours and enjoy with grilled meats. Drink: 2019-2026. 390368 14.50% XD 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 90/100. March 30, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Anatolikos Vineyards Orange Wine 2017, Avdira, Thrace, Greece: An extraordinary, organic orange wine that's an unfiltered, skin-fermented white wine. The Greek wine is a blend of 80% Assyrtiko and 20% Malagousia grapes. Aroma of toasted almond, hazelnut, Earl grey tea and orange peel. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2019-2022. 14% D 750 mL  $59.00 Score: 92/100. January 8, 2020 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Thalia Rosé 2018, Crete, Greece: A pretty Greek rosé made from traditional Crete grapes, Kotsifali and Mandilaria. Aromas of rose petals and tart field strawberries. Mouth-watering and juicy and medium-bodied. Pair with seafood or salads.. Drink: 2019-2021. 14153 12% D 750 mL  $9.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2020 Best Value Rosé Wine. Full Review
Mega Spileo Cuvée III White Malagousia Assyrtiko Chardonnay 2017, Achaia, Peloponnese P.G.I., Greece: A bright, zesty Greek white wine made from the native grapes Malagousia and Assyrtiko along with Chardonnay. The vines are planted in soils of sand, clay and gravel providing excellent drainage. Aromas of lime, tangerine and lemon zest. Pair with fresh seafood or shellfish. Drink: 2020-2022. 14186 13% D 750 mL  $22.00 Score: 89/100. June 7, 2020 Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Boutari Moschofilero 2018, Mantinia, Greece: A lovely, aromatic Greek white wine made from the country's classic Moschofilero grape. Great value. A profusion of aromas of grapefruit and white florals. Pair with fresh seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2020-2023. 172387 11.50% D 750 mL  $16.15 Score: 89/100. April 28, 2022 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Skouras Moschofilero 2018, Peloponnese P.G.I., Greece: An attractive pale straw hue with lively aromatics. Notes of tropical fruit, lychee and white flowers! Racy acidity, medium body and a refreshing finish with zesty lemon. Pair with scallops. Drink: 2019-2021. 27154 12% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 30, 2020 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Troupis Fteri Agiorgitikoi Moschofilero Rosé 2018, Peloponnese, Greece: A lovely Greek rose with aromas of watermelon and strawberry. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2020-2022. 15139 12.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 28, 2020 Top Rated Rosé Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Kir Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2017, Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Greece: The 2017 vintage of the robust Naoussa Cuvée Villages is matured for 1 year in French oak barrels. Great depth of flavour with aromas of dark berries and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020-2029. 27152 14% D 750 mL  $20.30 Score: 90/100. March 19, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Thalia Syrah Kotsifali 2018, Crete, Greece: An amazing value for this price! A smooth, full-bodied red wine blend. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020-2022. 344365 12.50% D 750 mL  $13.15 Score: 88/100. July 27, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Domain Mega Spileo Grand Cave Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Achaia P.G.I., Greece: The robust, terrific 2012 vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Cave was matured for more than two years in French and American oak barrels. Aromas of cassis, dark berries and smoke. Rich, layered and complex. Decant for 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2020-2030. 390368 14.50% D 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 92/100. November 20, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Mega Spileo Cuvée Iii White 2019, Achaia, Peloponnese, P.G.I., Greece: A zesty and fresh blend of local Malagousia and Assyrtiko wine grapes with some Chardonnay sourced from the Peloponnese P.G.I. wine region. Look for white florals, nectarine and fine herb flavours creamy on the palate. Grapes are vinified separately, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with three months on the fine lees. Drink: 2020-2023. 14186 13% D 750 mL  $22.00 Score: 89/100. March 16, 2021 Best Value White Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Invicta Xinomavro 2019, Amyndaio, Macedonia, Greece Drink: 2020-2024. 17502 12% D 750 mL  $17.95. January 21, 2021 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Kir-Yianni Diaporos Single Vineyard Xinomavro 2016, Imathia, Macedonia P.G.I., Greece: From the Imathia, Macedonia wine region, Kir-Yianni Diaporos 2016 Xinomavro is produced from mostly Xinomavro, with 13% Syrah added to the mix. A deep, dark violet colour in the glass, the wine is dry, full-bodied, fresh and expressive with dark plum, dried tobacco leaf, rosemary, cedar spice, menthol, cherry, olive, dark chocolate and vanilla flavours on the palate. Tannins are rich throughout. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from Block #5 of the Yianakohori Vineyard in Naousa and the wine was aged 22 months in 225-litre oak casks and six months in bottle prior to its release. Pour with rich, roasted meats. Drink: 2021-2038. 14131 14.50% XD 750 mL  $53.95 Score: 94/100. August 6, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Ktima Pavlidis Thema White 2023, Macedonia, Greece: A zesty, mouth-watering Greek white wine made from a blend of Assyrtiko and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Notes of grapefruit and green apple. Pair with halibut. Drink: 2024-2025. 30617 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2024 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Artemis Karamolegos Terra Nera Dry White Cyclades Assyrtiko 2022, Is. Of Santorini, Greece: A full-bodied, textured, complex Greek white wine made from the Assyrtiko grape. Aromas of lemon, lanolin and grapefruit. Drink with shellfish. Drink: 2024-2025. 35866 13% D 750 mL  $33.50 Score: 93/100. October 10, 2024 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Wine Art Estate Idisma Drios Assyrtiko 2022, Drama, Macedonia P.G.I., Greece: From Drama, Macedonia wine region, Wine Art Estate Idisma Drios 2022 Assyrtiko is dry, medium-plus-bodied, fresh and fragrant with layers of ripe stone fruit, lemon preserve, white florals, nutty and smoky aromas and flavours on the palate. Lovely now through 2028 chill and enjoy it with grilled fish and octopus or a simple dish of Feta cheese and assorted olives. Drink: 2024-2028. 36834 13% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 92/100. October 10, 2024 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Domain Mega Spileo Cuvee III Red Blend 2022, Achaia, Peloponnese P.G.I., Greece: A mocha, chocolate-noted full-bodied Greek red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Mavrodafne and Agiorgitiko grapes. Smooth and generous. Perfect for Mexican mole. Drink: 2024-2026. 25708 13% M 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 10, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Red 2021, Drama P.G.I., Greece: Drink: 2024-2026. 724831 14.50% D 750 mL  $29.95. November 16, 2024 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Thymiopoulos Xinomavro 2021, Macedonia I.G.P., Greece: From Macedonia I.G.P., Thymiopoulos 2021 is a great value Xinomavro at $20 and is produced from grapes sourced from younger vines (about 15 years of age). This dry, medium-plus-bodied, fresh and unfiltered red wine is a juicy blend of Xinomavro grapes sourced from warmer, lower and cooler upper slopes of Mount Vermio. Very approachable now and vibrant with ripe cranberry, cherry flavours with herbal notes on the palate, some whole-bunch Xinomavro grapes were also added to the wine to enhance its flavours. This vintage was aged in stainless steel tank and concrete (no oak treatment). Lovely and fresh now through 2025. Drink: 2024-2025. 466474 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Oenops Wines Apla White 2023, Drama, Macedonia: A fresh, crisp vibrant Greek white wine made from a blend of Malagousia, Vidiano and Assyrtiko grapes. Aromas of lemon zest and lime. Perfect for fresh seafood. Drink: 2024-2025. 682939 12%  750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. October 10, 2024 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

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