Alpha Estate Red 2008

The 2008 Estate is a blend of Syrah (60%), Xinomavro (20%) and Merlot (20%) from several vineyards beginning at 620 meters above sea level, aged in French oak for a minimum of 12 months. With a one year difference in vintage dates, this 2008 is a little more disjointed than the 2007 revisited this issue. A bit tighter and more astringent on the finish at this point, its oak also shows a bit more at the outset as well and it is not yet quite as expressive as the Syrah component on the 2007. With air, it seems to wind up in much the same place as the 2007, and I suspect it will edge out the 2007 in time, although it is certainly not quite as appealing now. Be a little patient, as it will show better in 2-4 years. This is going to be a beauty. Drink 2012-2023. Score - 92. (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, June 2011)