2019 Thrapsathiri Armi Vineyard
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Tasting notes
100% Thrapsathiri, an increasingly respected grape variety, grown in a single vineyard at 500 m in the mountains that run right across Crete. Harvest 5September. 12 hours' maceration, 17 days' barrel-fermentation in second- and third-use American and French oak of 225 litres (50%) and 500 litres (50%). Aged for two months in the same barrels with bâtonnage. Bottled 13December 2019. Diam closure. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.28, RS 2.07 g/l, SO 2 total 70 ppm, SO 2 free 18 ppm. Deep gold. Really interesting blend of leafiness (like so many Cretan white-wine varieties!) with a rich, burnished quality. Great grip on the broad palate without being uncomfortably astringent or oaky. The evolution of this unusual wine should be so interesting to follow. Silly price. VGV (JR)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
From Douli in central Crete. Dry-farmed at 500 m. 12 hours pre-fermentation maceration. Fermented in 2- and 3-year-old French and American oak. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.28, RS 2.07 g/l. Aged on lees for three months. Organic selected yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. There's a definite impression of spicy oak on the nose but it doesn't overwhelm the citrus and stone fruit. Quite oaky on the palate and needs time for the oak to recede, though there is a very nice touch of orange on the palate. Firm, chewy and classy, the oak the the fruit in harmony for the longer term. Powerful, deep but fresh. Long and satisfying. (JH)