Kokotos Estate — Savatiano Barrel Fermented 2017

The barrel-fermented version of the Kokotos Estate Savatiano, from the 2017 vintage, seemed much fresher than expected for its age. This oaked expression sits alongside the estate's unoaked Savatiano, which in the 2021 vintage I found even more impressive — the most complex and elegant of the Savatiano wines tasted that evening, earning a magnificent 93 points. The barrel-fermented 2017, by contrast, lands at a very respectable 91 points. It's a compelling demonstration of what Savatiano can achieve beyond its longstanding association with Retsina, and Kokotos Estate clearly has a strong handle on the variety in both its oaked and unoaked forms.