Kir-Yianni, Imathia PGI (Macedonia, Greece) “Dyo Elies” 2020 ($35, Diamond Importers)

The 2020 Dyo Elies — named for the two olive trees that stand near the Syrah vines — offers a distinctive and compelling expression of a 70/30 Syrah–Merlot blend. Syrah leads the way aromatically and on the palate, lending a subtle gamey note and a sense of savory depth that adds intrigue without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is textured and firmly structured, with gripping tannins that frame the wine’s core of dark berries and plum. The fruit is generous, but the wine’s freshness, precision, and well-integrated oak make it far more than a fruit-driven offering. Already expressive, it promises even greater nuance and complexity as it continues to develop.
91 Miranda Franco