WINE & SPIRITS

95 / 100

"This assyrtiko may not be as powerful as Sigalas's single-vineyard bottlings, but the 2017 excels in the simple joy and purity it transmits. It's a liquid landscape of Santorini, from ... Read More »

WINE & SPIRITS

95 / 100

"This assyrtiko may not be as powerful as Sigalas's single-vineyard bottlings, but the 2017 excels in the simple joy and purity it transmits. It's a liquid landscape of Santorini, from the clean, salty scent of a white-sand beach to the blinding brightness of the white limed buildings, telegraphed here in sunny, pithy lemon flavors. It feels minimalist and yet dynamic, thirst-quenching and vital."

THE WINE ADVOCATE

93 / 100

"The 2017 Santorini Assyrtiko, the flagship 100% Assyrtiko (which I have often called in the past either Assyrtiko or Santorini, as both fit) is unoaked and comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Maybe it was just due to my tasting this next to some of the brilliant 2016s this issue, but this seemed rather understated by comparison and a bit off of its normal brilliance. Then, I went back and did what I find is important to do when tasting quality young Assyrtiko—taste it again the next day..."Understated" is the last word to use. It exploded in the glass. Showing fine freshness despite its size, it is simply gripping on the finish, filled with energy and very tense. It is also very concentrated. The wine doesn't seem thick exactly, but it is actually a little unctuous as it sits on the palate, showing how ripe and rich the fruit is. It fills the mouth. For all that, it seems to keep its balance. As good as this is, it left me wondering where it goes and how it will develop."