2007 Cuvée Earth and Sky; AOC Naoussa, Xinomavro, Domaine Thymiopoulos
sweet cherry, plum, earth, soil, iron and rusty nail, persistent and elegant. Smoke, truffle, cedar and tobacco. Leafy, herby, complex and showing nicely, with good balance and freshness. A young Barbaresco or Roero is probably in a similar vein. Wild plum and strawberry. Really wonderful and subtle, a highly accomplished piece of winemaking. 17+/20]
2004 Chateauneuf-du-Pape; Chateau la Nerthe
garrique, leather, spice, pepper, herbs, dark plum, red plum, a very silky feel to the palate, wild strawberry, herbs and slightly green/unripe tropical fruits, young, fresh, balanced and with time on its side if not a touch simple. Some poise and depth, classic, but somewhat lacking in excitement. 15.5+/20