Grand Plavac 2018 (Zlatan Otok)

Drinking well now but will keep improving for the next 11 years in the cellar. With a deep ruby colour, the wine aromas are a heady and complex mix of leather, vanilla and a hint of smokiness which is a feature of wines from this area. Ripe fruit such as plums, raisins and blackcurrant are also present. The palate confirms a lot of what the nose offers – plum, red berries, blackcurrant mixed with vanilla and perhaps even ripe figs. The tannins are strong but balance well with the high acidity. The wine oozes richness and complexity demonstrating that this is a wine that is of the highest quality. The finish is persistent and worthy of this wine. With very low yields and careful selection of the Plavic Mali grapes, the wine produced is of the highest quality. Ageing in new oak adds complexity to the wine as well as vanilla tones, and the maturation is completed in bottle. Great food matches include roasted red meats, beef stews, sausage, cheese, and game. Originally known as Vitis, the name of the winery was changed to Zlatan Otok in 1993. The vineyards are located on the island of Hvar and benefit from prolonged sunshine on the south facing slopes of the island along with the cooling effects of the sea.