Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by its namesake, Yiannis Boutaris, a towering figure in Greek wine. Based in Naoussa, its vineyards spread from Naoussa over to Amyndeon, on the western side of Mount Vermion in Greece’s far northwest. At the time Yiannis Boutaris struck out on his own, he was leaving his family’s Boutari Wine Group (founded 1879) in order to focus on a much smaller, quality-focused personal project. Today, the Kir-Yianni team, under the direction of Stelios Boutaris, Yiannis’ son, stands as one of the great producers not just in the northwest, but in all of Greece, and a leading exponent of the increasingly prized Xinomavro variety.
Wine Advocate Review:
The 2019 Ramnista, all Xinomavro, was aged for 16 months in 30% new 5,000-liter French casks (but for a 5% dollop of American wood). It comes in at 13.8% alcohol. I don't often compare producers within tasting notes, but this merits a comment. There are different styles of Xinomavro, just as in other regions with other grapes. A modest contrast in this report is this Ramnista versus the Naoussa from Domaine Karydas. The Karydas is lusher and rounder, seemingly more mouth-coating. The Ramnista is nervier, silkier and a little sharper, showing off its tannins and earthiness just a bit more, yet it is not a truly rustic Xinomavro. It is accessible now, but it could use another year or two in the cellar. They are both well done, different sides of the same 2019 coin. I liked them both about equally well and the pricing is similar. Today, I'd lean to the Karydas. I'm not sure that will be the answer in 2028. Buy some of each, drink the Karydas earlier and let this age another year or two. They are both well-priced beauties that can age. Anticipated Maturity: 2023-2035
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