Alpha Estate — Axia 2017

The Axia from Alpha Estate, a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Xinomavro, opens up very quickly after uncorking, showing beautifully vivid red fruit and a hint of tomato on the nose. The two varieties harmonize wonderfully here. On the palate, soft yet persistent tannins cling beautifully. The acidity is superb, carrying the wine a long way. After being open for a few days, the wine reveals its full potential. Early oxidative notes emerge, lending it a more than respectable complexity despite its fairly young age. Gorgeous wild berries, but nothing overripe whatsoever. A brief floral peak precedes the medium-length finish. And what a — you really can't stress this enough — fantastic grip! A truly outstanding wine at 92 points. That you can get it for under €10 is almost impossible to believe. In this price range, it has to be one of the best red wines on the market.