2018 Diamantis Papageorgiou Xinomavro 'Magoutes'

100% organic Xinomavro from the single Magoutes vineyard in the PGI of Siatista in northern Greece. The vines are planted in limestone soils are situated at 2400’ elevation and are extremely low yielding. Two-day pre-fermentation cold soak, 13–16-day fermentation in steel tank, and 12-24 months aging in old, 500-liter oak barrels all combine to make this wine expressive, “fruit-forward” and noble. Resembling a great expression of Nebbiolo, this wine is opulent with dark fruit, savory tannins and spice notes. Decant it about an hour before serving and enjoy with your favorite lamb dish. This region, unlike most of Greece, sees no sea softening maritime influences from either the Aegean or Ionian by virtue of its high, inland isolation.

94 points, James Suckling. "A very balanced and fine tannined xinomavro with cherry, dried flower and peach pit character. It's medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Drinkable now."

92 points, Wine & Spirits. "Up to 3,000 feet above sea level—but deep inland, in the mountains of Greece’s northern border—Siátista’s vineyards lie at the edge of an ancient subduction zone. Old bush vines dot the slopes, rising just a few handspans above the ground, but sending their roots up to ten meters deep to seek water in the dry limestone crumble. Dimítrios Diamantís has made these largely abandoned vineyards, and the xinómavro he makes from their fruit, his life’s work. It’s easy to see why he might be so compelled when the wines sing like this one: in a higher register than Náoussa’s, a clean, piercing note of cherries and fractured limestone, textured with fine, chalky tannins."