Ripe and a touch brooding, with plum pudding and dried black fig flavors that turn thick and tannic midpalate. Iodine and sanguine notes fill the finish. Drink now. 9,665 cases made, 450 cases imported.??–KM??Region: Greece / Naoussa Select to Add

The 2008 XINOMAVRO EMEROS white is a blanc de noir. The brand name “Emeros” means “desire,” as in desire for perfection, according to the winery. Some think Xinomavro is an acquired taste; if so, blanc de noir Xinomavro is even more so. This has a fairly rich texture, and a fruity yet distinctive flavor on the finish. I like this rather better than examples I’ve had in the past, but it certainly has its own personality, a little spicy, perhaps, gripping, and with a bit of a sour lemonball note on the finish. Drink now-2011. Vaeni Naoussa is a co-op that takes a large part of the Naoussa region’s production. Its focus has traditionally been on Xinomavro, making both white wines (from red grapes) and reds.Importer: Stellar Importing Co., Whitestone, N.Y.; tel: (718) 352-1180

The 2007 XINOMAVRO EMEROS white is a blanc de noir and a vin de pays from Macedonia, although the appellation is not clear from the USA labeling. The brand name “Emeros” means “desire,” as in desire for perfection, according to the label. Only 11.8% alcohol, it is light and bright, with an almost oily texture on the finish and good aromatics. Fruity and straightforward, it could have a place as a nice party wine, easygoing and friendly. Drink now-2010. Vaeni Naoussa is a co-op that takes a large part of the Naoussa region’s production. Its focus has traditionally been on Xinomavro, making both white wines (from red grapes) and reds.Importer: Stellar Importing Co., Whitestone, N.Y.; tel: (718) 352-1180

The 2005 XINOMAVRO EMEROS red is, like its white sibling, a vin de pays Macedonia, produced from Xinomavro in Naoussa by this large co-op. It is light, with a little acidity and tannin, and a grapey, rather sweet, simple feel thereafter. There is little character here and it is rather candied on the finish. The acidity rescues this wine to an extent, but it retains that very sweet finish. Drink now-2009. Vaeni Naoussa is a co-op that takes a large part of the Naoussa region’s production. Its focus has traditionally been on Xinomavro, making both white wines (from red grapes) and reds.Importer: Stellar Importing Co., Whitestone, N.Y.; tel: (718) 352-1180