Alpha Estate – Pinot Noir Strofi 2018

Alpha Estate Pinot Noir Single Block "Strofi" 2018 from Florina in Macedonia – enjoyed here with goose, and once again a wonderful opportunity for a Greek Pinot Noir. I had this vintage in my glass about a year earlier, with a marvellously expressive aromatic range from sweet citrus fruit such as kumquat through to caramelised beetroot; the 13.5 % alcohol, unlike in the Sole Pinot Noir 2019 from Biblia Chora, was not at all noticeable, and I awarded it 18 out of 20 points at the time. Over the course of a year, the wine has developed considerably. That is typical of wines from Alpha Estate, in my experience – you have to give them a little time so that they can show their full strength. Overall it is now a more typical Pinot Noir by international standards, even if some of the bloody notes have receded somewhat into the background. The profile still tends more towards redcurrant than cherry, but the tannins are now noticeably better integrated. The Pinot Noir from Juliet & Romeo Wines, which I had drunk the previous day, is a touch more elegant, but in return the Alpha Estate Strofi is a very juicy wine that drinks extremely well.