Alpha Estate Red Blend Vin de Pays Florina Axia Xinomavro Syrah 2008

The 2008 Syrah - Xinomavro andldquo;Axiaandrdquo; is a 50/50 blend. The andldquo;Axiaandrdquo; level wines are often excellent values here andmdash; and this in fact may be the bargain of the lot. With a lush texture opening up, followed by some tannic bursts and very typical, Northern Rhone-y Syrah nuances, this wine shows both power and complexity. It should have the ability to hold a reasonable time in the cellar and develop more. If youandrsquo;re not a big fan of those Northern Rhone gamey Syrahs, this isnandrsquo;t for you, as the Syrah notes dominate the wine, but for those who are fans, this is a fine value and a terrific wine with that Xinomavro steel and power underneath that Syrah character. This is a real nice buy. Drink nowandndash;2019.

This is all about syrah in its fragrant, floral, plummy flavor that expands tenfold on the palate. The 50 percent xinomavro in the blend is hidden at the moment, perceptible in a savory earthiness that comes up on the finish, a ferrous backbone that gives the lush syrah fruit structure and grace. Give it another three or four years to settle down, and pull it out for a leg of lamb.

The 2008 Syrah - Xinomavro ldquo;Axiardquo; is a 50/50 blend. The ldquo;Axiardquo; level wines are often excellent values here mdash; and this in fact may be the bargain of the lot. With a lush texture opening up, followed by some tannic bursts and very typical, Northern Rhone-y Syrah nuances, this wine shows both power and complexity. It should have the ability to hold a reasonable time in the cellar and develop more. If yoursquo;re not a big fan of those Northern Rhone gamey Syrahs, this isnrsquo;t for you, as the Syrah notes dominate the wine, but for those who are fans, this is a fine value and a terrific wine with that Xinomavro steel and power underneath that Syrah character. This is a real nice buy. Drink nowndash;2019.

Splendid, purple red color. Complex, typical bouquet ofspices (vanilla, pepper, clove), with hints of ripe blackberry. Full mouth, with vanillaaroma, rounded tannins, balanced acidity and wood tones. Long aftertaste with intensequince aroma.