Zara 2011

Roxanich who make the popular wine Zara (named after the family's daughter) are based in Croatia, and with the founder having made a good amount of money in a previous career, the family decided to start making wine which showcases the complexity behind serious aging.

This is possible when you first start out with wealth behind you, as you have the ability to 'hold wines back' from the market, until you feel they are ready. And this wine is a perfect example, as this bottle is a newish release... but is a 2011 vintage.

So what's the wine?
Sixty-five days of skin maceration on this seven grape field blend, followed by 116 months in the barrels in the cellar. We are talking layer after layer after layer of flavour & intensity here..

This wine boasts impressive complexity and flavours ranging from butterscotch & toasted nuts to chamomile & apricot, with flickers of vanilla, honey and fennel inbetween alongside a wealth of others to enjoy discovering. It's serious, fine and damn delicious.

Not cheap at 44€, but a very, very impressive Croatian wine.