5 | Wine | Other White, 91 or higher

"The 2011 Santorini is an exceptional Assyrtiko from Sigalas, another great moment for this estate. On opening, I was actually surprised at how fruity and accessible it seemed, since these often need a lot of time to show well when young. It seemed elegant and refined, with a lush texture and a beautifully lingering finish. I suspected that was only half the story. Indeed, it was not even half the story and as it turns out it was really shut down. The next day it fulfilled the promises it gave in the first hour or so, fleshing out, seeming deeper and more intense. It still wasn’t done. After letting it air out for awhile on Day 2, this seemingly gentle, young Sigalas became quite intense, the acidity taking charge, the wine still remaining rich and mouth coating. It is crisp and persistent, beautifully put together and impeccably balanced, mingling elegance with that fine structure. It is built to age. This is a wine that should drink better in the next year or two, even if it is entirely enjoyable now."

"Pale gold. High-pitched aromas of candied orange, honeysuckle, minerals and candied ginger, along with an exotic note of curry powder. Bright, focused and concentrated, showing impressive clarity to its chalk-accented orange zest, vanilla and quince flavors. A note of toasty lees builds with air and adds depth to the long, incisive, mineral-dominated finish."

"Light, bright gold. Complex, highly fragrant aromas of peach pit, melon and orange peel, with musky floral and mineral qualities gaining strength with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering intense, well-defined citrus fruit and anise flavors lifted by chalky minerality. At once powerful and lithe, with excellent finishing clarity and a lingering note of bitter orange."

"Fragrant minerals, fennel, and white fruits lead to a creamy textured, richly fruity palate. Impeccably balanced and very lengthy, it is an outstanding value that will provide pleasure for another 3-4 years."

"A barrel sample of the 2009 Hermitage Ex-Voto Blanc is sensational. Notes of powdered rock, anise, intense honeyed citrus, tropical fruit and quince along with lively acids and massive concentration suggest this 2009 will be a long distance runner and confirms the greatness of this vintage. Fat and unctuous, it should be approachable young, but last for 2+ decades." 94-98 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"It has a precise nose with faint traces of lime zest, freshly sliced grapefruit and white peach. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity, great tension, and honeysuckle, almond and shaved ginger on the very refined finish. This is outstanding, but alas only around 6,000 bottles are produced."

"It is undeniably one of the finest Verdejos I have ever tasted. Yields were less than three tons of fruit per hectare, which is noticeable in the wine’s old vine intensity. Notions of caramelized white citrus and tropical fruit blossoms along with a naked, natural texture as well as finish make for a terrific dry white with loads of personality and complexity. This beauty sells for an absurdly low price. Enjoy it over the next year." -Robert Parker