"This comes from a parcel of bush vines growing in the higher altitudes of eastern Crete. It’s a meaty white, powerful in its stony savor, with a peppery spice from alcohol. Broad and muscular, it could use a few more months (or perhaps years) in the cellar to mellow, or a decant and a roasted game fish to match."

- Wine & Spirits Magazine (October 2019), 91 pts

Go To Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila

"This was imported from Santorini in the 1970s. Bracing, fresh, with good acidity and a slight saltiness. This has fresh almonds, lemony acidity and great precision. Great concentration and depth here: such precision and focus, but also approachable with lovely fruit."

- Wine Anorak (November 2020), 92 pts

"The 2019 Assyrtiko Vóila (not the French word!) is unoaked, dry and comes in at 13.4% alcohol. This is sourced from the Vóila area in Sitia (eastern Crete) with vines at approximately 600 meters in altitude. This area is different than Santorini, says the winery, with a slower ripening time. The vines were originally brought from Santorini, though, in the early 1990s, typically ungrafted. This was previously marketed as just "Assyrtiko."

Showing fine depth—and adding a layer of depth to the fresher whites like the Vidiano this issue—this is nicely crafted. It's bright, moderately gripping on the finish and has adequate stuffing in the mid-palate. It is actually a bit tight today, but by mid-to-late summer, it will open more. At the moment, the structure is in control, giving it a slightly sharp edge. The fruit already shows signs of becoming more expressive, though, in its dry and serious fashion. It should hold pretty well for a few years thereafter, perhaps more than anticipated. - Mark Squires"

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #249, June 2020), 89 pts