Gerovassiliou Avaton 2016

The 2013 Avaton is the winery's indigenous blend (50% Limnio, 30% Mavroudi and 20% Mavrotragano), fermented in neutral oak and then aged for 16 months in French barriques (50% new). It comes in at 13.5% alcohol. It feels like a big boy. Gamey and earthy, this is far more expressive in its youth than most when it comes to fruit flavor. The mid-palate shows finesse. Then, the power kicks in. Tight, fresh and persistent, this unevolved and somewhat disjointed Avaton should come around well ultimately, but there are just too many components pulling in different directions just now. It looks like it has terrific potential, but right now it mostly is about the potential. Cellar this puppy a few more years. It should be among the best Avatons. We'll see how good it is when it settles down. There were 10,000 bottles produced.

Tasted Apr 2017 - 40% Limnio, 30% Mavrotragano, 30% Mavroudi. A bordeaux style with Greek varieties: fermented in big oak vats and aged in barriques of various ages. Deep cherry red. Very toasty on the nose and a bit of oak char. Oak is prominent at the moment but there’s plenty of red and black fruit on the palate. Peppery and dry on the finish, fine-boned, refined, with a chalky fresh aftertaste. (JH)

This is loaded with red fruit and spice flavors that are fresh and pure-tasting, delivering plenty of minerally notes. Plush midpalate, revealing black olive accents on the finish. Limnio, Mavroudi and Mavrotragano. Drink now through 2018.

This Limnio, Mavrotragano and Mavroud blend is fun and fruity but at the same time, offers some serious character. Smoked sausage, fennel and clove on the nose lead into flavors of vanilla, red fruit and savory spice on the palate. Balanced, with good tannic and acidic structure. Ageable. — S.K. (3/1/2014)