92 Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2013 Santorini is Assyrtiko, listed at 13.7% alcohol this year. Fresh and refreshing in this vintage, stylistically this seems to be a very different wine than the rich and ripe 2012 Santorini reviewed last year (or the 2012 Kavalieros submitted this issue). I imagine opinions will split on which style is preferred, but this seems closer to the purist image, if a little bit understated on opening. Showing the fine fruit, minerality and transparency that Assyrtiko groupies hope to see in the grape, it is not one of the winery’s densest or biggest offerings, but its sunny demeanor and lively personality gives it a feeling of both endless purity and irresistible charm. It has substance, persistence and finesse. It's not a "look at me" wine this year, as its 2012 predecessor often was, but it becomes ever more impressive with aeration. The longer I sat with it (tasted over 3 days), the more I liked it. The only real question is how exceptional it is in the grand scheme of things. I am inclined to lean up a bit just now, notwithstanding its reticent beginning. As it warmed in the glass on Day 2, it showed surprising persistence and tension on the crisp, gripping and juicy finish, but also quite delicious fruit. It really didn’t begin to show any expression to its fruit at all until after it was open for 2 hours on Day 2. It showed better still on Day 3. You can dive in now, but it's better that you wait until next summer, at least. These wines always tend to surprise by revealing layers you didn't think they initially had. I'd add, finally, that you can source this wine in Greece for under 12 euros. It's a screaming good value, too. Drink now-2024. "

91 Wine Spectator

"A well-crafted and juicy version, with luscious flavors of ripe melon, red peach, gooseberry and quince. Seductive, lightly smoky notes and a creamy element linger on the complex finish. A textbook Santorini white. Drink now through 2022."