Santorini [100% Assyrtiko]

Score

94

"This is the proverbial bread and butter wine by Vassaltis Vineyards, with 25,000 bottles created. The 2023 Santorini Assyrtiko is fermented in steel tank, with eight to 10 months on the lees in steel with frequent stirring. The grapes do not come from a specific site; however, old vines (60 years old and more from the island's typical sandy soils that are poor in nutrients) are given priority. It offers a fleshed-out mouthfeel with medium fruit weight and pretty aromas of summer peach, oat bread and sea salt. Proprietor Yannis Valambous says the idea is"

Score

92

"This saline and mineral white has notes of crushed rocks, seashells, peach pits and apples on the nose. It's full-bodied with racy acidity and a long, pristine finish. Drink now or hold."

Score

17+

"Pure, stony citrus, a touch herbal. Very tight, crisp, mineral-driven and just a hint of smoky reduction. Stone dust, elegant, refined and very fine texture. Bone dry, extremely pure and very long. (JH)"

Score

93

"This is an elegant and fleshed-out expression of Assyrtiko with the concentration and honey-like flavors you can expect of the sun-drenched southern Aegean Sea. In a heavy glass bottle, the Vassaltis Vineyards 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko has a mid-weight and waxy texture with concentrated fruit, honeycomb and quince. Its texture is glossy, silky and generous."

Score

91

"High acidity, salinity, and notes of tropical fruits mark this Santorini assyrtiko; it's made in stainless steel from a wide variety of sources on the island. That salinity is fully integrated in the wine, knit in with some dry extract before finishing with a little bit of herbal greenness"

Score

17

"A very mineral style of Assyrtiko, stony and then lemon/lime fruit. A touch chewy, crisply citrus underneath, clean-cut, mineral, chalky and long. (JH)"