The Whites (highest scores of 94/100 and 93/100)
Avantis Estate, Afoura 2013
PDO Santorini
Winemaker Apostolos Moudrichas based in Evia Island takes his chance vinifying Assyrtiko in Santorini. The Afoura version which is partly matured in oak (there is also the unoaked Dolphins) shows a honeyed - golden colour and a complex bouquet of pears, tarte tatin with creamy biscuity notes. Full throttled and oaky on the palate with a vanilla layer on top of a dense core of peach fruit. Really long finish. 2016-2019. 94/100
T-Oinos, Clos Stegasta Assyrtiko 2011
Tinos Island
From the stunning Stegasta vineyard in Falatados Tinos, this is a great example of a top Assyrtiko outside Santorini. This is in fact so stunning that makes a lot of top Santorinis blush with its combination of purity and elegance. Super fresh on the nose with citrus fruit and minerals along evolving honeyed character. Salty, layered and detailed on the palate this is a gem. 2016-2022. 94/100
Argyros Estate, Estate Argyros 2015
PDO Santorini
The flagship Santorini of Argyros Estate, (a more mineral unoaked version called Assyrtiko can also be found- though not so easily in its country of origin!), is consistently one of the best Greek whites. Produced from really old vines up to 150 years of age and matured in 20% 500 lts French oak it manages to combine an intense ripe stone fruit character with an added layer from oak maturation. Lots of minerality and precision with a long lasting finish. A beauty. 2017-2025. 93/100
Gaia Estate, Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2015
PDO Santorini
For someone used only on the mineral side of the variety this one comes as a surprise with its luxurious oak on top. That oak is however very well defined and nutty followed by a layered palate with high concentration and a long finish. A Burgundian impressive expression of Assyrtiko. 2017-2022. 93/100
Karadimos, Palaiokastra Malagousia 2015
Atalanti
Very complex wine with density of fruit, tension and excellent integration of oak. Palate is layered with a long scented juicy finish. (6m in oak on the lees, planted at 440m). 2016-2018 93/100
Sigalas, Kavalieros 2014
PDO Santorini
A single vineyard Assyrtiko fermented in stainless steel tank and staying on its lees for 18 months. Colour is medium to light straw with green hues. Complex and refined nose of lime, lemon blossom, chalky minerality and scents of green pears and iodine. Full-bodied and dense yet crispy and vibrant with bright acidity and a long aftertaste. Still very youthful. A Santorinian star. 2016-2024. 93/100
T-Oinos, Clos Stegasta Assyrtiko 2015
Tinos Island
The current release of T-Oinos Assyrtiko is still firm on the nose with a mineral and citrus fruit core along some herbal notes. The magic appears on the palate where the wine is very textural with impressive complexity for its age. Pure and mineral driven. (partly matured in 2 tonnes wooden casks for 7 months). 2018-2025. 93/100