Kir Yianni Ramnista Naoussa 2019

Description

Kir Yianni (greek for Mr John!) is the cutting edge winemaker in the modern Greek wine scene.  In the 90’s Yianni Boutari sold his share in Boutari the oldest and most established wine name in Greece. Over the decades Yianni acquired his own prime vineyards. In 1994 they released their first wines and with his son Stellios they have championed  “Xinomavro” the red grape of Greece grown in Naoussa (Alpine county of Macedonian Greek mountains). They have done extensive  research & development, clonal selection with ‘xinomavro” and they have gone from strength to strength.  This grape is regarded as the “Pinot” or the “Nebbiolo” of Greece for its fragrance, freshness and tannin profile.

100% Xinomavro.The grapes are carefully handpicked and sorted on a conveyor belt before crush. The 2018 Ramnista was fermented for the first time in 5000-lt wooden vats (French oak) under total controlled temperatures. In order to enhance the wine, the pigeage method is applied where the grape solids are pushed back into the wine for the proper extraction of color, flavor and tannins. The final blend is made five months after harvest and the last racking takes place about eight months later.

An aromatic complex wine which combines powerfully fresh red fruit and notes of rose, make up the new vintage of 2018 Ramnista. On the palate, gentle tannins and round mouth feel, with distinctive sense of the oak barrel. The unexpected full body and robust acidity showcase a great wine.  Cellar 10-15 years. Alc 13.5%

This wine hits the spot!! Terrific fragrance, depth of fruit, length of flavour, vibrancy and the more-ish tannins that creep up on the finish in this wine. This was a stand out of greek xinomavro tasting and drank it with relish at a greek  restaurant recently with slow cooked lamb.  Wow so good it demanded another bottle!  This is absolutely delicious in every way.   It kind of reminds me of a fine Italian nebbiolo … it overdelivers quality in spades!

Review of 2018:

92 Points, jamessuckling.com, “A firm and spicy red with sliced-plum, white-pepper and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with crisp and lightly tannined finish. Delicious now.”

• RRP $61  Our Special Price $49.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.