Cyprus tasting notes

These notes accompany our in-depth feature on Cyprus and its wines.

HADJIANTONAS

Hadjiantonas Chardonnay 2008
Three months ageing in barrel, but not fermented in oak "It's too dangerous in Cyprus," says Theo Hadjiantonas, "because of the temperatures here." Lemony fruit and freshness cuts trhough a sheen of creamy oak. A touch of green apple. On the palate very fresh and tangy, with lots of citrus juiciness. Oak delicately handled and this will improve. 90/100. Sells for 25 - 30 euros locally.

Hadjiantonas Chardonnay 2007
A very nicely oaked Chardonnay, with a gently mamalade and toast nose and little glimpses of peachy ripeness. The palate stays fresh and tangy, but the ripe fruit and creamy oak rounds things out. A really nice drink this. 88/100

Hadjiantonas Syrah 2005
No shortage of powerfully spicy and resinous oak it has a really rather liquoricy density and the oak does seem overdone. The rich, warm, summer berry fruit comes through powerfully, with plenty of ripeness and spice, a touch of black pepper, but then the creamy richness of the oak adds a chocolaty depth and length. Excellent, though would be better with the oak reined back. 89/100

Hadjiantonas Shiraz 2007
Bottled two weeks ago. Grapes from a single vineyard at altitude in the Nicosia region. Very solid black fruit, showing through with a more pastille quality that is attractive. Nice background of earthy spice and black pepper. The palate perhaps lacks a touch of fruit at this stage - though that may well be the proximity to bottling - as the tannins seem finer than the 2005 and the wine better balanced. Potentially a very good Shiraz. 88-89/100

Hadjiantonas Cabernet Shiraz 2006
Clean, quite pure, with a nice touch of Cabernet game and black olive, and a good core of fruit. A layer of oak adds a slightly resinous touch. The palate has a chewy density, with good black fruit and a roughening edge of quite rustic tannin. This has good fruit though, which pushes through to a balanced finish. 88/100

Hadjiantonas Sweet Semi-Sparkling Muscat 2007
Nicely soft and peachy, with small creamy and toffee notes and some fragrant muscat character. Nicely peachy palate, with gentle bubbles and fresh acidity. 88/100

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