Following my visit to Naoussa (you can read my report here [1]) I had the chance to taste extensively numerous wines, Xinomavro and beyond.
My overall conclusion is on par with my last paragraph ‘’ Nonetheless the major issue for me is the evolution of style, the refinement of tannins and the experimentation both in the vineyard and the winery. I strongly believe that if this is achieved with the wine retaining its sense of place and authenticity things can only get both better and brighter’’. There is so much room for improvement and solid dynamics for the area to further evolve that I feel producers should be working on that day and night.
My tasting notes follow. Detailed scores will be posted in the tasting notes [2] section of karakasis.mw very soon.
Foundi white 2017
A blend of Malvasia with Xinomavro as blanc de noirs. Aromatic on the nose with a waxy and oily palate. Light and honest aperitif wine. ***
Foundi Trygias 2016
Xinomavro blanc de noirs. This has seen 7 months in new oak (would much prefer to see it in neutral oak). Apricot, honey and toast. Full flavored and rewarding with sound aging potential. ***
Foundi Naoussaia Naoussa 2013
A blend of three terroirs. The definition of a classic traditional Naoussa. Textbook, refined and very savoury with spicy complexity and dusty tannins. Will age well. Produced in 13.000 b. ****
Foundi Estate Naoussa 2012
Single vineyard Karaoutsa. Exotic, Perfumed with lovely oak use this is very umami on the palate with subtle tannins and long lingering finish. A top Naoussa for now and for the next decades. ****+
Taralas Naoussa 2015
Produced in 10.000 bottles from Secco vineyard in Polla Nera region to the north of the appellation. Pale brick-red. Fresh and textural. Crunchy red fruit and red apple flavours. Light tannins and overall a very enjoyable wine. ***
Taralas Blanc de Noirs 2016
Flirting with 'natural approach' white wine with oxidative nutty nose yet there is much freshness on palate. Renewed barrels have been used. ***
Taralas Mavro Naoussa 2015
This is the fruity and more modern Naoussa of Taralas from whole berries selection. Matured for 5 m in oak it shows a spicy character with moderate concentration and finish. ***
Taralas Naoussa 2013
Classic old school Naoussa needing time to integrate oak. Rustic and savory with monstrous tannins and moderately long finish. ***
Taralas Naoussa 2017
Pre - release sample. Reductive and firm with a dense core of red fruit, sour cherries and raspberries. Crunchy cherries on the palate. Purity of fruit. Needs bottle aging but very promising. ****