Dubokovic Medvjedica 2012

Drink now through to 2028. Decant 2 hours before serving.

The Duboković family have been growing grapes for decades, but Ivo Duboković initially chose to study economics rather than join his father in the vineyard. It wasn’t until the 90s that Ivo’s interest in the world of wine grew and he set out to learn everything he could about viticulture from his cousin Ivo Barbić who recently became Croatia’s first Master of Wine.

Today Ivo is recognised as one of Croatia’s finest artisan winemakers, creating impressive limited production wines from indigenous varieties planted in his family’s prime vineyards on the sunny island of Hvar. This robust red is made with the local Plavac Mali grape and is named after the now-extinct sea lions that used to roam the waters around Hvar. After the harvest and vinification process, Ivo ages the wine in large used oak barriques.

On the nose you’ll notice intense aromas of blackberries, oregano and freshly-cracked black pepper which carry through onto the palate. There are also hints of mint, leather and smoky tobacco along with a full body, firm tannins and silky smooth texture. This generous wine is an ideal candidate for extended cellar ageing, although it can also be drunk now alongside a prime steak or hearty beef stew.