2017 Argyros Vinsanto First Release 500ml, Santorini

Few sweet wines in the world are as distinctive as Vinsanto from Santorini, and few producers have done more to elevate its reputation than Estate Argyros. Founded in 1903, the Argyros family has spent more than a century farming the volcanic vineyards of Santorini, becoming custodians of some of the island's oldest ungrafted vines. Today, fourth generation winemaker Matthew Argyros continues the family's commitment to preserving these extraordinary vineyards and crafting wines that express the island's unique terroir with remarkable clarity.

Vinsanto is one of Greece's greatest wine treasures. Produced primarily from Assyrtiko, with small portions of Aidani and Athiri, the grapes are harvested at full ripeness before being laid out under the Mediterranean sun to dry naturally. This traditional process concentrates sugars, flavours and acidity before fermentation and extended maturation in oak barrels. The volcanic soils, relentless Aegean winds and ancient basket trained vines contribute a level of complexity found nowhere else in the wine world.

Deep amber gold in colour with copper highlights, the wine delivers an extraordinary aromatic profile of dried apricot, orange marmalade and fig, layered with honeycomb, dates, roasted nuts and sweet spices. Notes of coffee bean, caramel and candied citrus peel emerge with time in the glass. Rich and luscious, the palate is remarkably balanced by Santorini's trademark acidity, preventing any sense of heaviness. Flavours of toffee, raisin, dried peach and burnt orange flow seamlessly into a finish that seems to last for minutes, carrying echoes of spice, honey and volcanic minerality.

A magnificent companion to walnut tart, crème brûlée, sticky date pudding or aged blue cheeses. It is equally compelling enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal, where its complexity can be fully appreciated. Already showing remarkable harmony, this Vinsanto has the structure and concentration to continue evolving for decades, rewarding collectors with ever greater depth and nuance.