Santorini Blanc

Yiannis Valambous' father Vassilis was in finance and shipping, originally from the island of Iona, while his mother was from Ithaca (part of the Ionian islands). Dad passed in 2006 and it was in and around 2009 that Yiannis (who was working abroad) decided it was time for a change in philosophy and direction. He moved back to his beloved dad's Santorini and grasped control of the vineyards from farmers who were “theoretically” taking care of them. Solicited help from Oenologist Elias Roussakis and the rest is making history. This PDO is simply labeled as it must be to exult the workhorse and star, that being big production assyrtiko (responsible for 65 per cent of the total) and a 100 per cent stainless steel fermented and raised example that made use of lees to bring weight and heft, but also aiding and abetting to the all important aftertaste. Flint and gunpowder, low pH just above three and great varietal acidity. The flintiness just goes on and on without any wood and only Chablis at Grand Cru level can act the equivalent child of nature taking full advantage of this kind of cause and effect. This is true natural selection in action, as this is the variety that has endured, above and beyond all the others brought to and nurtured on this spark plug of an island. So tight and blessed of intensity riding shoulder to shoulder with the finest striking scintillant wines of this world. Drink 2023-2031. Tasted February 2023.