Alpha Estate, Florina (Greece) Pinot Noir 2009

If anywhere in Greece could make good Pinot, you’d think it would be in Amyndeon, which winemaker Angelos Iatridis says is the coolest place in the country. The vineyard is at an elevation of more than 600 meters. The soil is sandy clay, not the world’s most exciting for Pinot, but with excellent drainage, not awful either. On the good side, this wine has clean, ripe cherry fruit. But there’s not much complexity, and the finish is a little too tannic for the wine to be enjoyable in the near term. Considering how well Xinomavro, Merlot and Syrah do in the same vineyard, you have to wonder if Pinot is the best choice. 14% alcohol.