Artemis Karamolegos ‘Terra Nera’ Assyrtiko, Cyclades Santorini 2022

Artemis, simply put, makes delicious wine. His winery has been around for twenty years, and this experience paired with low yielding, high quality Assyrtiko grapes results in wines that you’ll want to have in your glass.  Closed on the nose out of the gate, but only needed a few minutes to begin to express soft yellow pear, green melon, flintiness, nasturtium, and marigold. On the palate, it is very well balanced with an appetizing salty texture and hallmark tart acidity playing well together. Just a touch of phenolics, this is a total food wine; pleasantly neutral and quite textural. Pair with simple fried fish such as smelts or prawns.

Oenops Wines ‘Apla’ Malagousia/Vidiano/Assyrtiko, Drama, Macedonia 2023

This is a newer winery, founded in 2015 by Nikos Karatzas, and one worth seeking out. Layers of fruit aromas; white peach, honeydew, green fig, Meyer lemon, with smokiness, orchard blossoms and a touch of chervil. The boisterousness settles down a touch on the palate, and though it is still showing concentrated fruit characteristics the wine reveals its serious side, with mouth-watering, focused acidity, a slight bitter citrus oil tang, and a lees texture/flavor that gives a restraint and elegance. Delicious! Outstanding value.

Ktima Pavlides ‘Thema’ Assyrtiko/Sauvignon Blanc, Drama Macedonia 2023

Subtle nose, shows citrus, underripe green papaya, light peach notes. On the palate, delicate, somewhat diminished in intensity. Pleasant, doesn’t take your breath away, but a nice wine.

Wine Art Estate ‘Idisma Drios’ Assyrtiko, Drama Macedonia 2022

Aromatically, it leads with barrel spice, delicate white and yellow fruits such as peach and plum. The oak overtakes the aromatics at this point, but there is potential for longevity and interesting development. The palate is the best feature of this wine, with power and balance both on display, and minerality combined with a moderate concentration of flavors. I can see this wine aging for the mid-term, and I would open it again in 2028 or 2030.

Thymiopoulos Vineyard ‘Young Vines’ Xinomavro, Naoussa Macedonia 2021

This wine is artfully crafted from parcels at both high and low altitudes and matured on concrete; a wonderful choice to allow the wine’s delicate side to shine. A pale, lightly garnet/ruby hue with both fresh and dried aromas to match; red fruits- cranberry, confected cherry, dried rose, licorice, charred herbs, orange oil.  Quite a pretty nose showing some nice bottle development. On the palate, the flavors mimic the aromas, and the wine shows a sleek, elegant texture. The structure leans towards acidity rather than tannin. This is an excellent wine for those who love both Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo and can’t decide which to have.

Mega Spileo “Cuvee III’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Mavrodaphne/Agiorgitiko, Achaia, Peloponnese 2022

A deeply hued wine with syrupy aromas. Dense in every way. Aromas of cherry candy, blackberry pie filling, violet liqueur, clove, with a savory, sanguine iron note. On the palate, warming alcohol, ripe, rich, and plush. Well suited to those who love opulent Napa Cab style wines.

Domaine Costa Lazaridi ‘Amethystos’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Agiorgitiko, Drama, Macedonia 2021

Quite Cab dominant on the nose, highlighting blackberry compote and mint seasoned with warm vanilla and clove tones. On the palate, the Merlot and Agiorgitiko soften out the Cabernet tannins and offer up red fruits- dark cherry and ripe red plum, still wrapped in that barrel spice from the nose. This is a modern style wine, one that I’d serve as a main course wine with braised short rib and root vegetables.