Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog Vineyard 2022

Amyndeon, Greece

James Suckling 92 points! Wine Advocate 90 points!

Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog Vineyard is a beautiful single-vineyard red of 100% Xinomavro from the Amyndeon region of northwestern Greece. Alpha Estate, founded in 1997 by renowned enologist Angelos Iatridis, is one of the most respected estates in all of northwestern Greece. Situated at very high altitude (600-700m ASL) in the sandy Amyndeon plateau, the estate’s vines deliver wines of vivid, punchy fruit and bright, crisp acidity, especially in the hands of Iatridis’ laser-precise farming and winemaking. Amyndeon is noted for its Xinomavro.

"The Alpha Estate 2022 Amyndeon Xinomavro Hedgehog Single Vineyard reveals a lean appearance and a light garnet color. The bouquet opens to ripe aromas of strawberry jam and raspberry tart. These give the wine a very simple or basic character that does eventually develop in the glass to show background tones of sweet spice, rust and pressed rose. If you can get beyond that initial hint of over-ripeness, this wine delivers a pretty drinking style to pair with appetizers or simple meat dishes. This estate demonstrates special care in its use of oak, and this wine matures in French barrel (medium-grain, light toasting) for 12 months. The Amyndeon appellation sits on a plateau of white rocks, and features big clouds in northwestern Macedonia. This specific site rests at a cool 690 meters in elevation, facing Lake Petron and Mount Voras."—Wine Advocate 90 points!

"Dried roses, cranberries, licorice and lemon rind on the nose, followed by a medium-bodied, elegant and vibrant palate. Very sleek tannins. Vegan. Drink now or hold."—James Suckling 92 points!

Alpha Estate Xinomavro is a perfect match for grilled lamb, gyros, and red sauce meat casseroles.