Time to look at an expressive blend that reflects the Istrian, sunny and, yes, stubborn character, but also a character full of caring, heartwarming charisma.

We’re tasting Bordon‘s Bon d’Or, a blend of 40 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 % Merlot, 10 % Refosco and 10 % Cabernet Franc that matured in oak barrels for two years. We’re in Slovene Istria, where there’s a vast abundance of suns with long and dry autumns when the climate allows. And such was the case in 2013.

The Bordon family looks after some fantastic vineyard plots. At the time of harvest, they were in the process of conversion into organic farming, a milestone they obtained and are proud of.

The vinification process follows tradition. First, grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed and crushed. They do extensive maceration with spontaneous fermentation, and after a gentle pressing, the young wine matures in oak barrels for two years before being bottled.

This results in a Cuvee of Ruby red colour with dense texture.

The nose is intense and fine, attractive how the character of Refosco strikes through with sour cherries, black olives, then blackberries, hibiscus flower, notes of chocolate, cedar, black pepper, smoke, eucalyptus and laurel.

A dry wine of pronounced softness. Its ripe freshness refreshes our palate. Yet, at the same time, we feel the astringency, with tannins still rounding off.

An intense wine of robust structure with quite long persistency in which we can feel notes of roasted nuts, caramel, black forest fruit and herbs.

Bon d’Or is a harmonious and mature wine that will please for a further five years. However, looking at the price tag of 15,90 Eur, you should look for some available bottles at Vinoo.co or Twisted Cellar.