Oeno P - Tria Ampelia Santorini Assyrtiko 2023 (750ml)
Oeno P Description
Paris Sigalas needs little introduction as one of the definitive producers of the modern Greek wine renaissance. Originally a mathematician, he found his vinous calling working the 1987 harvest at his grandfather’s small canava on the north side of the island of Santorini and returned there to establish his own Domaine Sigalas in 1991. For the next thirty years he played a fundamental role in transforming the Santorini appellation and the Assyrtiko variety from interesting regional specialties into internationally beloved categories.
For all his accomplishments, one thing that, in humility, Paris claims never to have done: produce a truly great Santorini wine. Others may quibble with that self-assessment (Kavalieros, anyone??) but it’s refreshing that at his ripe age he continues to seek perfection. And with Oeno P, his brand-new personal project, he may have come dangerously close.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
In a sense, this is an extension of what Paris Sigalas achieved back at Domaine Sigalas with his legendary blend of Assyrtiko from the seven villages. Only this wine is a blend of fruit from three villages (Fira, Megalochori and Akrotiri), each with fruit from Kouloura basket vines that are 60 years old or more. The wine ages in clay amphorae for 16 months. Tria Ampelia is textured and rich with ripe fruit aromas and a special oomph that comes with lemon meringue pie and creamy tangerine. You feel the softness of careful lees management and bâtonnage. No malolactic fermentation occurs on these whites.
Decanter: 94 Points
Very bright and pure, with a nose humming of fresh lemon, pith and shortbread. On the palate there's a lovely generous, creamy roundness, counterbalanced with that tantalising flavour of sablé Breton, a chalky texture and fizzle of ozone on the finish. Compelling and complex but feels like it has an extra gear to it – one to watch as it develops.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2023 Santorini Tria Ampelia opens with pronounced stony citrus, wet stone and sprinkles of jasmine. Totally refined and ultra-tensile, the medium- to full-bodied 2023 hit the palate with impressive inner energy persisting all the way through to the long, subtly smoky and salty finish that lasts for over a minute.
