The Wines of Lyrarakis
A Lesson in Diversity
We were lucky enough to welcome Katie from Thorman Hunt to the Tasting Room last night (27th March 2025) to take us through the wines of Lyrarakis. Based in Crete, they are a producer who have championed indigenous grape varieties, saving more than one from extinction. We were lucky enough to taste on of these, their Daphne, and whilst it split opinion in the room, there was a general agreement that trying varieties that few have heard of before and are only available from Crete, was fascinating. My favourite was the Theapsathiri. whilst it became increasingly challenging to pronounce as the evening went on, it had a Burgundian quality to it at an excellent price point. a great evening, that really showcased the diverse nature of the indigenous grapes of Crete.
Spotlight on Blank Canvass
Who are they?
Blank Canvass are a husband and wife team, but in the world of wine, they would be akin to Disney’s Incredibles. Award-winning winemaker Matt Thompson and his MW wife, Sophie Parker-Thomson started their collaboration over a decade ago In Marlborough. Making wines from nine exceptional, sustainable single vineyards, they make wines from vineyards whose soil and microclimate really suit the varietals planted there, and which are nurtured by individuals who respect and love the land they work.
We first discovered their Gruner Veltliner, but have since added the three wines profiled below.
Tano Marlborough Chardonnay 2023
This is a wine made in honour of Matt‘s mentor Gaetano "Tano" Tobin. Fruit for this wine is sourced from the Anandale Farm vineyard in the coastal Blind River subregion of the Awatere Valley, known for its wild, cool and dry climate. Think vibrant and intense grapefruit, white florals and hazlenut. Good acidity and a long finish.
Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019.
Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018.
Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018.
This is the debut release of the Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir. From the Omaka, it has great density and power, with ripe blue and red fruits. and a savoury edge to it. Drinking well now, this will also age well.
Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018.
Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018.
Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018.
lThis comes from the smallest vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, an area increasingly becoming known for its Syrah. This is an elegant, Cote Rotie inspired Syrah. It is aromatic and has a lovely peppery character, no doubt enhanced by the use of Grüner Veltliner to co-ferment, rather than Viognier.