*** Decanter World Wine Awards, Gold Medal, 96 Points *** 'The Barrel Aged Assyrtiko from Vassaltis is one of the finest Greek wines I have ever tasted.It wouldn't seem out of place amongst its more venerable European Cousins' Will Lyons, Wine Columnist for The Sunday Time London Country: Greece Varietal: Assyrtiko Vintage: 2018 Colour: White Style: Dry Producer: Vassaltis  Description: This 100% Assyrtiko was fermented in stainless steel but aged in 500 litre second fill French oak with ample batonnage employed, remaining in barrel for around 4.5 months before being returned to stainless steel tanks on its fine lees for a further 7 months ageing. There is a lovely restrained nose of yellow citrus, yellow orchard fruits, petrichor, wet slate and basalt minerality. Oak influence is very subdued and the fruit expression also remains backward and shy, leaving the salty, stony mineral nuances to rule the roost at the moment. The most profound element of this wine is its explosive concentrated palate that displays such awesome gravitas and intensity with notes of pineapple pastille and white peach purée. At once texturally rich, broad and mouth coating while remaining bright, tart and deliciously saline. This is a wine that has left an impression on me since the very first day I tasted it. Some may scoff at the idea of ageing Assyrtiko in oak and thus adulterating the purest elements of its volcanic maritime terroir, but this 2016 wine is a towering winemaking effort with impressive gravitas, harmonious balance and imperious textural complexity. Drink now or over the next 5 to 8 years. Gold  Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 Food Matches: Avocado and prawn salad or grilled chicken.