Kristančič – Cabernet Sauvignon Pavó, 2016

Let’s head tonight to a producer whose Cabernet Sauvignon attracts and most of all, delivers. Especially the one released under the Pavó line. We’re at the Kristančič family in Medana, having a look at their Cabernet Sauvignon Pavó 2016.

My first encounter with their Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pavó line happened in 2009 when my colleague Jure Močnik introduced me to this wine. At the time we were classmates at the sommelier course and it was their 2005 vintage. As you can probably imagine this made quite an unforgettable impression.

Fast-forward to today, I’m tasting the 2016 vintage and the evolution is remarkable. It is simple, they have some of the best plots for this late-ripening variety. Grapes are harvested from a thirty-year-old vineyard and the wine matures for two years in selected barriques.

No wonder Kristančič’s Cabernet Sauvignon presents with a deep, ruby red colour with a dense, thick texture.

Aromas are intense and sophisticated. We perceive scents of ripe blueberries, black cherry, mulberry, black currant and forest fruits, followed by dried red flowers and hints of cloves, chocolate, coffee, mint, liquorice, with a slight touch of smoke.

A wine of softness, reasonable warmth, and at the same time refreshing, with grippy tannins that will slowly round. Intense on the palate, with a vigorous body and noble elegance. With lasting persistency, showing especially flavours of overripe blackberries, chocolate, mint and smoke.

A wine that can easily wait for the next ten years, but expresses the greatness of this variety in full. A bottle will cost you approximately 33 Eur and you can order it at Koželj, Vinoteka Sodček or TuamV.