2018 Assyrtiko Cuvee Monsignori Santorini
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Cuvee Monsignori Santorini is all Assyrtiko, unoaked, dry (1.8 grams of residual sugar and 7.02 of total acidity) and comes in at 14% alcohol. This is sourced from vines at least 200 years old, says the winery. As I've mentioned in the past, Argyros has access to very old vines. This is lovely and probably a small step up on the 2017, also reviewed this issue, but reasonable minds might differ. I loved the freshness on the 2017, but this adds a hint of richness while still having plenty of that freshness. It remains lively and focused, with a big finish. It has finesse and elegance to spare. True, it might just be the impression of more exuberant fruit, since this is younger, but I'd give this the very slight nod for now. Like its older brother, it might age rather well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
Tank sample. Assyrtiko. To be bottled in July 2019 and released March 2020. Intense citrus and pear fruit on the nose. Plus a wonderful smoky, stony dusty minerality. Amazing purity and intense minerality but still lots of fruit. Both precise and generous and more leesy richness without loss of mineral finesse. Great length. Mouth-watering and pure. (JH)