Tonight we’re having a look at a Cabernet Sauvignon from Slovene Istra. It’s the one of Vinakoper. Honestly, though, it’s a demanding variety as it ripens late. The largest cellar on the Slovene coast is lucky to own some of the best plots and be where climatic circumstances allow him to fully mature and possibly escape some of the rain, which can occur right before harvest time.

Two plots are used for this wine, one coming from the vineyard planted on cliffs above the sea, the other from Hrvatini facing Koper’s gulf. Fully rape grapes were harvested, destemmed and left to macerate for eighteen days. Following malolactic conversion, the young wine was left to mature in barrique barrels for three years. It was then assembled in large, neutral oak barrels to fully incorporate and calm before bottling.

This Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep, ruby red colour, with light edges and dense texture.

Aromas are sophisticated and intense. They recall ripe blueberries, cherries, chokeberries, violets, liquorice, roasted nuts, tobacco, leather, pencil tip, black pepper.

We sense softness on the palate with well-integrated alcohol. Even though it spent a lot of time in barrels and was harvested fully ripe, freshness is vibrant with velvety tannins that are starting to round off slowly. The mouthfeel displays an intense pleyade of flavours with a vigorous body and accentuated elegancy. With a pleasant and lasting persistency that lovers of big, characterful wines will enjoy.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolute stud that shows potential to age for the next ten years. You can get it straight at their stores or at Koželj, and it will cost you approximately 18 Eur. A real bargain, especially looking at its longevity and potential it has.