VASSALTIS SANTORINI ASSYRTIKO 2023

Great passion vintage after vintage from proprietor Yannis Valambous alongside consulting oenologists Elias Roussakis and Yannis Pap aeconomou. Now 11-plus years into their tenure with fruit coming from decades old vineyards planted by Valambous’ father Vassilis. The world of assyrtiko is the furthest from varietal one-dimensionality and in Valambous’ small corner the intricacies are boundless, multifarious and endless. The quality climbs another notch with this 2023 to speak for Santorini in not only clear vernacular but with great precision and style. Implosive and inward as they come, nowhere near opening and wound as if a wire around a winch. The volcanic salinity and coiled extract are entwined with tannins so pointed and sharp you can file your palate on its sold stone groove. All that said the levels substance and concentration are second to none. A discovery of highest interest and intensity awaits. Drink 2025-2030. Tasted May 2025. (Michael Godel,winealign.com,June 22, 2023)