Boston Wine Expo 2000

GREECE

Skouras Viognier Cuvee Larsinos '97 -- This wine answers the question of whether Greece can produce a Viognier. It can. However, it doesn't help with the question of whether Greece can produce a varietally-correct Viognier. This wine had a little bit of apple on the nose, and a lot of alcohol. It was missing any hint of the floral notes which distinguish Viognier. Tasted flat and slightly bready, with obvious alcohol and a little apple. There must be a native grape that would do better than this.
C-

Skouras Chardonnay V.d.P. Peloponiese '97 -- A nose of oak, with nuances of wood, and a hint of 2X4's. Butter and spice flavors add to the overall impression that they bottled the barrel and threw out the wine.
C

Skouras Megas Oenos '96 -- Just when I was wondering if there was any hope for international grape varieties in Greece, this wine saved the day. A blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 70% St. George, this wine shows a very interesting berry and currant nose, with smooth plum and berry flavors hanging on an appropriate framework of oak. Moderate tannins give this wine grip, but it is very pleasant to drink now.
B

Skouras Mediterranean Red '97 -- A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and St. George that smells like buttered popcorn. Decent plum flavors and moderate tannins. Not bad, but not great either.
B-

HUNGARY

Royal Tokaji Wine Company Tokaji Aszu 4 Puttanyos (Red Label) '95 -- After the great wines I tasted last year from this producer's '93 vintage, this wine is a real disappointment. Very oxidized character, with aromas of nuts. Some flavors of botrytis appear in the mouth with flavors of honeyed apricots, but the oxidation also shows up here, with nutty notes. A long finish of apricots and nuts. Medium sweet. Too much oxidation, and not enough fruit or complexity compared to other wines from this house.
B-

SWITZERLAND

Fondant de Sion Ce La Côte Vin du Canton de Vaud La Côte '98 -- Light and pleasant, with apple and grapefruit aromas and flavors and a lingering aftertaste.
B

Fondant de Sion Les Murettes '98 -- Made from Chasselas, thiw wight wine has peachy aromas and flavors, and is quite light in body. Simple but pleasant.
B-

Fondant de Sion Dôle de Siene Valais '98 -- A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay, this is a light-bodied, but very enjoyable wine, with red and black cherry aromas and flavors. A long aftertaste with moderate tannins.
B

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Copyright 2000 Marcel Lachenmann. All rights reserved.