Alpha Estate 2022 Xinomavro Hedgehog Single Vineyard 750ml

The Alpha Estate 2022 Amyndeon Xinomavro Hedgehog Single Vineyard reveals a lean appearance and a light garnet color. The bouquet opens to ripe aromas of strawberry jam and raspberry tart. These give the wine a very simple or basic character that does eventually develop in the glass to show background tones of sweet spice, rust and pressed rose. If you can get beyond that initial hint of over-ripeness, this wine delivers a pretty drinking style to pair with appetizers or simple meat dishes. This estate demonstrates special care in its use of oak, and this wine matures in French barrel (medium-grain, light toasting) for 12 months. The Amyndeon appellation sits on a plateau of white rocks, and features big clouds in northwestern Macedonia. This specific site rests at a cool 690 meters in elevation, facing Lake Petron and Mount Voras.

Score: 90 points -- Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 2025