The 2009 Viognier "Cuvee Larsinos" is one of two Viogniers from Skouras reviewed this issue. They come from different regions and receive different oak treatment (this receiving less oak). Named after Skouras' cousins, who own the vineyard, this comes screwcapped, from the Korinthia region and sourced from 24-year-old vines. It was fermented in 30% new oak. The oak is there, but this drinks quite nicely, shows good acidity and balance. It is a very pleasing wine overall. The acidity and fruit hold their own nicely here. This fresh and nicely balanced wine is a pleasure to drink, but it should be drunk young for best results. It is at peak now. Drink now-2013. Importer: Diamond Importers, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 549-6211

This Viognier is a combination of peach and honeyed spice on the nose and palate. Refreshing but with a round, fragrant curve, the wine has a velvety texture and finishes with a spin of peach and tropical fruit.——S.K.(6/1/2011)—— 87

The 2006 VIOGNIER CUVEE LARSINOS is one of Skouras’ “international” bottlings, and it comes with Stelvin. It was 20% barrel fermented on the lees. Light and a bit delicate, it nonetheless feels more ethereal than ephemeral, stylistically true to Viognier. It has lovely aromatics and good focus. There were 3,200 cases produced. Drink now-2010. George Skouras is one of Greece’s stalwarts, having studied oenology in Burgundy, founded his winery in 1986 and released his well known “Megas Oenos” brand in 1988, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (usually around 20%) and one of Greece’s most successful indigenous reds, Agiorgitiko (usually around 80%, from old vines dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, says Skouras). Note that Skouras translates Agiorgitiko into “Saint George” on his labels. All of the Megas Oenos wines are unfiltered. Skouras may use some Cabernet Sauvignon, but his elegant wines remind me more of Burgundy. Some library wines are included in these reviews to demonstrate the evolution of the Megas Oenos brand, going from a light, very low alcohol wine to a riper, more modern wine with better balance and depth. The early examples are fun and often very well crafted, but the current bottlings, still quite elegant, seem more likely to excel.Importer: Diamond Importers, Chicago, IL; tel: (773) 549-6211