2018 Kir-Yianni Diaporos Red

95 Points John Caro
In stock
A world-class wine, highlighting one of the Ktima's best crus. A serious yet still approachable red from the top of the Kir-Yianni range. The Diaporos is sourced from a special site at the heart of Block 5 in the Yaianakahori Vineyard, where treasured vines lie on a 15 degree slope of alkaline loamy clay at 120-280m. Rich flesh and concentrated ripeness balancing powerful tannins. It is this wine's expressive fruit, beautiful finesse and long finish that are its most impressive features. You can broach it now but this is a wine that will do nothing but improve for years in the cellar.
$59.99 in mixed 6+ or $66.99 per bottle

Grape

87% Xinomavro, 13% Syrah

Its Origins

Kir-Yianni is one of Greece's top wine Estates. Established in 1997 by its namesake Yiannis Boutaris, a prominent figure in the Greek wine industry and the former mayor of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. He had departed from the historic Boutari Wine Group, which was established by his grandfather in 1879. As head of winemaking and vineyard management there, he had initiated significant research into varieties and terroirs. His new personal project focused on producing smaller quantities of exceptional wines from old vines at high altitudes. It all began with the establishment of the new winery on a 40ha vineyard of Xinomavro that was originally planted by Yiannis himself in 1970. Here in Greek Macedonia, nestled on the eastern foothills of Mount Vermion near Naoussa, this vineyard played a pivotal role in reviving the appellation, and showcasing its potential. Additionally, Kir-Yianni maintains a smaller vineyard area at 700m in Amyndeon, situated on the western highlands of Mount Vermion. Visitors can indulge in winter skiing on the higher slopes while exploring the winery's offerings. Now under the leadership of Stelios Boutaris, Yiannis' son, the Kir-Yianni team has emerged as one of the most renowned producers in Greece. The core pillars of the company’s philosophy are: innovation, respect to tradition, and specialized knowledge on wine, from the vineyard all the way to the consumer. The main aim is always the creation of wines of a special character: Rich but refined aromas, acidity to provide zest and ageing potential, perfect balance in the mouth and ease of combination with various dishes. They have become the leading proponents of the now highly esteemed Xinomavro red variety. This is most closely compared to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo with its ability to produce utterly profound wines. Today, Kir-Yianni stands as a testament to the Boutaris family's enduring legacy and their unwavering pursuit of excellence.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Mark Squires (2017 vintage)

"The 2017 Diaporos (the labels of late just say "single vineyard" and have dropped the "Block 5") is all Xinomavro but for 13% Syrah. It was aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak and comes in at 14.3% alcohol. Though the "Block 5" is not on the label any more, this is still sourced from "the heart of Block 5" of Kir-Yianni's vineyard, says the winery. There are some rustic Xinomavros in this report, but this adds a lot more flesh and more ripeness to balance the tannins. The tannins, by the way, are still powerful; this is no easy wine. It will need some air or some cellaring to show its best, even if the concentrated mid-palate better soaks up some of the power. The Syrah may be a small minority of the blend, but it does color this and express itself, adding some important nuance. This is very young, very unevolved and very much likely to improve in the cellar, but right now it looks like a great Diaporos. I personally wouldn't want to touch it for another five years, and that might not be enough. That's not to say it is completely unapproachable even now, but it will surely show better, as well as more harmoniously, with development. Drink 2023-2045"

Variety Other red
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2022 - 2040

This Wine Goes Well With

with GAME
with LAMB
with VENISON

Taste

4

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