Critics reviews
Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com, Nov 2015
About this WINE
Domaine Lyrarakis
Domaine Lyrarakis, established in 1966, is located in the mountainous commune of Alagni (440 metres above sea-level), south of the city of Heraklion, in Crete. The well-preserved 14th-century stone-presses in the fields around the winery are testament to the area’s long history of grape-growing and winemaking.
The winery is at the forefront of viticultural innovation, championing obscure local varieties such as the ancient white cultivars of Plytó, Dafni, and Vidiano, that it rescued from extinction.
The winery’s extensive portfolio consists of a range of monovarietal wines (Vidiano, Plytó, Mandilari, Assyrtiko, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Kotsifali) – some from single, “premium” vineyard plots, as well as blends of indigenous and international varieties (such as Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot). Quality remains key and the style emphasises fruit precision, purity and supple texture – placing the wines firmly in the modern camp, yet without flamboyance or exaggeration.
Dafni White
Grown exclusively in the mountainous area of Alagni near Heraklion in the island of Crete, Dafni is one of the most ancient grape varieties. The inscription “Dafnitos Oinos” (=wine made of Dafni grapes) can be seen on a copper vessel that dates back to the bronze-age (and is on exhibit in the museum of Chania in Crete).
The name Dafni derives from the Greek word "Dafni" (=bay leaf/ laurel) and the flavours found in the fresh grapes are indeed reminiscent of this herb. The Dafni grape variety is still very rare, and obscure, and was brought back from extinction in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of the vine grower Lyrarakis.
Dafni is a late-ripening (harvested in October), prolific variety, and but needs very careful cultivation. The grapes are big, with thick skins, thereby preserving the aromas. The resulting wines display layers of complex botanical flavours ( juniper to eucalyptus, spearmint) underlined by refreshing, cleansing acidity.
The wine makes a great accompaniment to dishes with herbal overlays like rosemary, thyme, marjoram.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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Description
An innovative way to introduce an unknown grape variety. By itself, the Dafni grape variety would sell few bottles, so the Mistirio (mysterious) name is to intrigue. Indigenous to Crete and rescued from extinction by local wine hero Bart Lyrarakis, the wine is best drunk quite young, but can also develop in bottle.
The wine displays a fascinating and unique profile; notes of bay leaf and unusual botanicals, from juniper to eucalyptus, and a remarkable line of spearmint (really!). Quite rich but dry in the mouth, and the early impressions above evolve to more tangy and citrus notes. Drink now to end 2016.
Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Director
Domaine Lyrarakis’ Dafni showcases one of the region’s most ancient, indigenous varieties. With this wine you will enter a world of hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level. The Dafni grape variety is actually one of Crete’s best kept secrets. It is still very rare, and obscure, and it was first brought back from extinction in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of the aforementioned domaine.
The grape profile comprises layers of complex botanical flavours ( juniper to eucalyptus, spearmint) underlined by refreshing, cleansing acidity.
Eva Polaki - Greek Wine Specialist
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