Our friends at Lyrarakis have done it again with this fabulous blend of indigenous varietals – Muscat of Spina, Vilana and Vidiano – and Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is complex and inviting: floral aromas characteristic of the Muscat family combine to great effect with Vilana’s delicate spice. There’s bags of ripe grapefruit too, for which Sauvignon Blanc, presumably, takes some of the credit. On the palate, expect mouth-watering acidity, which speaks of the altitude of the estate’s vineyards (500 metres above sea level). Although Okto sees no oak, it’s aged on its lees for six months, contributing texture and extra weight to the palate. An approachable yet truly fascinating wine, and the label’s not bad either. Bravo!
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer

If you’re yet to taste Dafni, you’re in for a treat. If you have tasted previous vintages, this wine will require no introduction – it’s among the most distinctive in the entire Berry Bros & Rudd range. Worldwide, there are just 15 hectares of Dafni under vine (the majority at the Lyrarakis estate) but expect that number to increase as winemakers tumble before its charms. Dafni ’16 combines the beguiling bay leaf and fennel aromas characteristic of the varietal with breath-taking freshness and purity of fruit – winemaker Miriam Ambouzer tells us ’16 yielded the highest quality fruit she’s seen in fifteen years at the estate.
Try Dafni with salt and pepper squid or on its own as a stimulating aperitif.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd

The family-run Lyrarakis estate has made a habit of rescuing indigenous grape varietals from the brink of extinction – first the remarkable, laurel-scented Dafni, now the equally characterful Plytó. Grown in the spectacular Psarades vineyard, which sits close to 500 metres altitude, this is the only 100% Plytó in commercial production anywhere on the planet. It has a dazzling yellow hue and subtle aromas of white flowers and orchard fruit. There’s an engaging saline lick and ‘olive pit’ bitterness to the finish, as well as the finesse and freshness that are hallmarks of the domaine. I enjoyed this at first sip, but fell in love with it over a plate of whitebait.
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer