Lyrarakis Symbolo 2014

Talk about a show stopper... if you enjoy rich, concentrated reds, whether you reach for Napa Cabs, Big Bordeaux or Super Tuscans, this is the red for you. Symbolo is a very special reserve wine hailing from Crete and the quality-driven Lyrarakis family. Its inaugural release was a celebration of the great vintage of 2005, marking an important milestone in the history of the Lyrarakis Estate. They have since kept the commitment to release this wine only in the very best vintages. The 2008 and 2012 were also deemed worthy of the "Symbolo" title as is this recent vintage of 2014.

Beautifully ripened and concentrated grapes of Syrah, Mandilari and Merlot were sourced from the family's finest sustainable and organic vineyard sites, macerated gently and aged for 17 months in French and American oak barrels. Symbolo 2014 is full of ripe dark fruits supported by oak spices and cocoa butter with a hint of coconut milk. On the palate, it is a powerful wine, full of chewy tannins with an incredibly long and savory finish. Pair it with juicy steaks, slow-smoked ribs and more.... this will impress you!

The Lyrarakis Estate was founded in 1966 by brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis. It is surrounded by the Lassithi mountains and focuses on rare local varieties and single variety wines. The Lyrarakis family is credited with the revival of two ancient white Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third “vineyard treasure”, the indigenous Melissaki, was recently added to their credit. Kotsifali and Mandilari are our favorite local red wines they make, and Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon go into their special Symbolo bottling.

The winery is situated in one of the most noteworthy vineyard regions of Crete, namely at Alagni, Heraklion, the most mountainous village of the appellation area (AOC) of PEZA. The company only started bottling wines under the Lyrarakis name in the early nineties, and 1992 was the first vintage.  Today, the company is managed by the second generation: Bart (CEO and now our good friend:), George (Chairman) and Manolis (viticulturalist). The estate vineyards spread over 14 hectares, at an average altitude of 550 meters. The soil is composed of gravel and limestone. 

The farming is sustainable and they are in conversion to organic farming - certain vineyards are already certified. Biodynamic viticulture in selected vineyards. Member of the People4soil initiative - European Citizens Initiative (ECI) - aiming at lobbying for the creation of a specific European legislation that will recognize soil as a common good and will establish regulations for its protection. An organic community garden produces part of the vegetables used for the meals served during the meetings of various groups (employees, members of St August winegrowers group and others).