Presumably, the Greek gods could have chosen to live in any wine region, yet they picked Rapsani high up Mount Olympus. Is that worth more than 100 points from Robert Parker? This is a wild frontier in Greek winemaking. As well as an unbeatable address on Zeus's doorstep, it has 800m of elevation, vineyards up to a century old, and the best red grape variety in Greece (Xinomavro). Yet it is only just coming to the attention of the outside world.It's no surprise to find the tireless Apostolos Thymiopoulos up here. His wines from further north (Naoussa), were groundbreaking, and this Rapsani is another another classic in the making. Full-bodied, slightly smoky, with ripe red fruit, it's softer and more rounded than his other reds, but has just as much depth. A blend of 50% Xinomavro, 35% Krassato and 15% Stavroto.
Deep garnet. Complex and inviting aroma that has so many layers: herbal red fruits, leafiness, sweet tobacco, even floral notes. A great combination of freshness, firm tannin texture and fruit that still has energy, even though it's ripe. Juicy, even though the tannins are firm and dry – really marked by the Xinomavro. Delicious now but a wine with a future, where the fruit and the origin, not the winemaking, shine.17 points
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 12/02/2023
| Type | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Thessally |
| Producer | Thymiopoulos |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Grape Varieties | Xinomavro, Krassato, Stavroto |
| Farming | Organic, Biodynamic |
| ABV | 13.0% |
| Bottle Size | 75 cL |
Apostolos Thymiopoulos is Greece's best red winemaker - a master of the Xinomavro grape variety in all its styles (many of which he pioneered). The core of the range is a series of Xinomavros from Naoussa, each of which offers a unique take on this world-class grape variety. The entry-level Jeunes Vignes is one of the best value wines to be found anywhere - a joyful, juicy red designed for early drinking. Earth & Sky, from older vines, is the flagship - the wine that more than any other has cemented Thymiopoulos' (and Xinomavro's) reputation for excellence around the world. At the top of the tree are three single site Naoussas from old vines - Kayafas, Aftorizo and Vrana Petra. These are outstanding by any measure, and comparisons with top Barolo are fully justified. The rest of the range continues to grow - his Rapsani from the foothills of Mount Olympus is superb, and his ageworthy Rosé de Xinomavro is one of the most complex and compelling rosés you will ever taste. Across all the wines, his signature style of silky, elegant tannins and beautiful balance shine through.
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