Alexandris, Athiri 2017

(Rhodos island, high altitude vineyards, 60 years old, bush vines in schist, 1400 bottles of production). An impressive, very focused with dart-like precision Athiri - a rather neutral variety mostly used as a blending component - which in the hands of winemaker Panagiotis Alexandris is transformed in a gorgeous wine of purity and high complexity. Nose is rather shy but I presume will evolve over the next two years with peach, herbs and an earthy-mineral element. Classy, fragrant and salty on the palate with crisp acidity on the long finish this is another, definitely intriguing, dimension of Athiri. Would love to see a more modern label here.