2023 Jim Barry Assyrtiko Magnum (1500ml)

Jim Barry’s love affair with the Assyrtiko began in 2006 whilst on holiday on the Greek Island of Santorini, the birthplace of the variety. Its crisp acidity reminded him of Clare Valley Riesling yet it had a unique flavour profile that he had not experienced before. Intrigued, he began the process of importing cuttings and by 2012 had planted Australia’s first Assyrtiko vineyard.
Brilliant water like colour with a greenish tinged outskirts. Pear and lime scents jump out of the glass trailed by green apple, wet stone and subtle fresh herb notes. Highly energised in its feel, crunchy pear, green apple and lime fruits decorate the scrumptious palate with delicate infusions of fresh herbs and stony mineral characters lurking underneath. Crisp acidity provides tension and focus to the long electric finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12%

Other Reviews.....
Well, this is the seventh vintage of this wine we’ve reviewed, and I think it’s getting better and better. Seems I’ve been the Assyriko Man (I could make a Seinfeld reference, but won’t, because I’m not The Assman!) for the most part, with MB chiming in once. We now wait for CM or KS to review the next vintage. Anyway, this is just the ticket for a 35c September day in Sydney.
Lots of crunch, plenty of bite. It’s frisky, lemon zest, green apple and aromatic herbs, a little fennel. Texture is excellent, along with fresh thirst-slaking quinine-laced dryness, and a juicy/dry finish of excellent length. Very good. Energetic. Delicious. 2023 - 2026+
93 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

It's a light and lean white wine, energetic and vivid in its delicate yet nuanced expression. Cucumber, tonic water, lemon juice and talc-like mineral characters with alpine herb elements in play. Attractive, powdery dry texture with a briny, minerally element assisting. A statement wine with intent for warm days and beach-side drinking. Really well done, and kudos due for the pioneering with the variety in Australia. Drink by 2027.
93 points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion