Argyros 2019 Estate Santorini Assyrtiko 750ml

The 2019 Assyrtiko, the regular Santorini is unoaked, dry (four grams of residual sugar, 7.01 of total acidity) and comes in at 14% alcohol. Quite a difference from the 2018 (which was drier, more tense on the finish and not as rich). This is a blend from mainly Messaria, Karterados, Pyrgos, Megalochori and Akrotiri. The 2018 is more along the lines of the Atlantis but bigger—meaning, fresh, crisp and nervier. This is more along the lines of an upscale Santorini in style these days (although at a more reasonable price)—richer, full of flavor and nicely ripe. I liked both iterations, perhaps for different uses and different moments, but I suspect this will be the more popular wine. It certainly shows better today, as its bigger fruit is up front and delectable. I'm not sure that will be the final answer, though. Meanwhile, the structure may preserve the 2018 better. For the moment, this 2019 finishes with authority—and that extra flavor. The winery suggests it can last for a decade. It might do better, if well stored.

Score: 92 points -- Mark Squires, The Wine Advocate, 2020