Highly recommended
90-94pts
94 Domaine Koquelicot, Santa Chiara Malvazija-Chardonnay, Central Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 93 IB 93 DJ 95 domainekoquelicot.eu
Rich and ripe, showing some maturity, dried citrus peel, floral and complex. Beautiful structure with ripe acidity and excellent balance. Bitter orange zest and quite long, structured finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 12%
93 Damjanić, Akacija Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 95 IB 91 DJ 92
£25 (2016) Croatian Fine Wines
Youthful, fruity, coffee and lemon-lime and savoury camomile notes. Lovely intensity, very pure on palate with a rich, soft, almost oily texture. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
93 Klet Brda, Quercus Pinot Grigio, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 95 IB 94 DJ 90
£10.49-£12.99 Berkmann, Strictly Wine, Vinvm Vanilla and poached pear nose. Has finesse, harmony of fruit, acidity and ripeness alongside a good concentration of fruit, with a long finish. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
93 Steras, Saurin Hills Malvazija, Slovene Istria, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 93 IB 92 DJ 93 steras.com
Stone fruit with a twist of lemon zest. Juicy, fresh and complex; weighty but good acidity, too, and just a hint of sea salt on the finish. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
93 Coronica, Malvazija Istarska, Western Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 96 IB 91 DJ 93 coronica.eu
Herby hints on the nose, with ripe apples. Palate is rich and generous with well-defined flavours of ripe fleshy fruit, floral notes and a soft texture. Very well made; the acidity is just perfect. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13%
93 Franco Dešković, Malvazija Barrique, Kostanjica, Grožnjan, Istria, Croatia 2020
CG 95 IB 90 DJ 93 vina-deskovic.hr
Attractive nose – acacia flowers, white peach, honeysuckle. Good acidity and structural balance underscored by fine mineral texture. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13.2%
93 Marjan Simčič, Classic Pinot Grigio, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 95 IB 92 DJ 92
£21.99 Askew Wine, Brunswick, Golborne Deli, Handford, Orbit Wines
Spiced pear and red apple aromas. Good intensity, some strawberry and spice. Subtle minerality, structure, touches of smoke and graphite. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 14%
93 Zigante, Malvazija Istarska, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 93 IB 93 DJ 93 vina-zigante.hr
Good nose, typical pear and hay meadow with camomile. Nevertheless a wine of balance, expression and character with nice richness on the palate and a lengthy finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 12%
93 Coronica, Gran Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 95 IB 93 DJ 90 coronica.eu
Youthful quince, blossom and pear notes with a hint of acacia. Good level of citrus fruit on the palate, well-integrated alcohol and acidity. Fine finish, too, with attractive purity and length. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13.5%
93 Ipša, Malvazija, Central Istria, Croatia 2016
CG 93 IB 92 DJ 94 ipsa-maslinovaulja.com
This has plenty of fruit and spice character; lemon-lime, apple flesh and a bit of apple and orange peel. Broad and generous.
Good acidity, still lively and long with saline hints on the finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 14%
93 Meneghetti, White Chardonnay-Pinot Blanc, Western Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 93 IB 94 DJ 92 meneghetti.hr
Pear, hay meadow notes, hints of spice and camomile, flinty aromas. Intensity and sleek texture with nicely balanced acidity. Good weight. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13.5%
92 Andrej Kristančič, Nando Blue Label Rebula, Ruttars, Primorska, Slovenia 2020
CG 93 IB 91 DJ 91
£22.49 Hay Wines, Les Caves de Pyrene, Liberté Chérie, Mad Atelier, Sip Wines,The Natural Wine Co Rich amber-gold, inviting nose of apricot, peach and mock orange. Intense tangy orange zest, peach skin with juicy acidity and crisp structure. Drink 2022-2030 Alc 13%
92 Black Island Winery, Merga Victa Pošip, Smokvica, Korčula Island, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia 2021
CG 94 IB 89 DJ 94
£23.99 Askew Wine, Golborne Deli, Hedonism, Orbit Wines, Trivet Cellar
Clean and inviting, fresh Williams pear, apple blossom. Good palate weight with juicy acidity, light Mediterranean herbs, a gorgeous balance. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13.5%
92 Fakin, La Prima Malvazija, Coastal, Croatia 2020
CG 90 IB 90 DJ 95 fakinwines.com
Gorgeous. Orange peel and mandarin expression. Rich, full-bodied, maturing and showing some dried fruits and good length. Excellent structure, balanced and very individual. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 14.5%
92 Jako Vino, Stina Pošip, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia 2020
CG 92 IB 93 DJ 90
£29.25 Hallgarten Wines, Shelved Wine,
Strictly Wine
Subtle aromas of clean citrus, lemon flower and apple. Soft citrus and saline palate with gentle weight and acidity. Drink 2022-2026
Alc 12.5%
92 Zlati Grič, Sauvignon, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2021
CG 93 IB 94 DJ 88 zlati-gric.si
Ripe, well-defined aromas and flavours of bright elderflower, peapod and nettle. Super-crisp and vibrant with mouthwatering freshness and a long, flinty finish. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 12%
92 Brkić, Mjesečar Moonwalker Zilavka, Citluk, Herzegovina, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2018
CG 94 IB 89 DJ 92
£49.99 Brinkleys Fulham, Brunswick, Orbit Wines Hints of Asian pear, lemon zest and camomile. The palate shows more citrus, lemon blossom, stone fruit and a Mediterranean herbal character as well. Well made with good fruit intensity. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
92 Kušter, Sivi Pinot Rutilus, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2020
CG 88 IB 97 DJ 90 vino-kuster.com
Neroli, lemon peel, red apple. Clean, fresh and juicy, this is a very clear version of the Piont Gris variety. Dry and fruity on the palate with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 13%
91 AB Vina, Malvazija Istarska, Western Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 90 IB 93 DJ 91 vina-brcic.com
Subtle nose, hints of dry herbal and vegetal notes. Ripe, balanced fruitiness with citrus, yellow apple and a hint of pear and quince.
Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13%
92 Cossetto, Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 92 IB 92 DJ 91 cossetto.com.hr
Acacia blossom and light pear juice, subtle with a floral and fruity nose. Clean style, but it is evolving quickly. Generous and fruity on the palate with a refreshing structure. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
92 Gašper, Selekcija Rebula, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2019
CG 95 IB 92 DJ 90
£24.99 Liberty Wines
Classy, inviting nose of fresh pear, a hint of mayflower, well-integrated vanilla. Body is juicy, fresh and clear with a good finish.
Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13.5%
92 Meneghetti, Black Label Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 94 IB 93 DJ 90 meneghetti.hr
Quite complex nose; lemon and dried fruits with honey, sweet spicy and herbal notes. The wine shows refinement with even some minerality beneath the citrus expression.
Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13.5%
91 Anđelini, Filomena Malvazija Istarska, Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 93 IB 88 DJ 92 andjelini-vina.hr
Smoky, juicy lemon and lime notes on the nose with herbal undertones. Showing some maturity; high acidity and dried fruits.
Drink 2022-2027 Alc 12.5%
‘Most of these wines are gorgeous exotica, treasures of where they are so at home’
--------------------------- Darrel Joseph
91 Bastiàn, Malvazija Istarska, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 92 IB 92 DJ 90 bastian.hr
Lemon, apple and currant fruit. Quite lively and intense on the palate, and it’s balanced by acidity along with moderate length.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
91 Doppler, Sipon, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2019
CG 93 IB 93 DJ 88 doppler.si
Expressive nose of poached pear, quince, acacia and lemon oil. Generous, rich and full-bodied wine showing dried fruits and citrus with a hint of melon; long on the finish. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 12.5%
91 Klemen Benedetič, Brgalot Chardonnay, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2018
CG 91 IB 88 DJ 93 benedetic.si
The oak here is sophisticated and lends real power. Nutty, herby, vanilla complexity, lemon and a hint of pineapple. Rich, ripe style, creamy lemon with balanced acidity.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13.5%
91 Juričić, Sv Barbara, Labin, Eastern Istria, Croatia 2018
CG 92 IB 90 DJ 90 vina-juricic.hr
Inviting ripe apple fruit and camomile nose. Generous; lovely fruit weight, with quince and pear. Textured and complex with a saline, mineral core and good length.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
91 Damjanić, Clemente, Western Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 93 IB 91 DJ 90 damjanic.eu
Quite layered nose with good integration, very rich and ripe with plenty of vanilla, pineapple and creamy notes. Acidity is well integrated in quite a rich and full-bodied wine. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
91 Dvorac Belaj, Malvazija Selection, Eastern Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 90 IB 90 DJ 92 dvoracbelaj.com
Beautifully clear lemon-lime, camomile, curry and savoury aroma notes. Soft, ripe and layered on the palate with good balance and structure. Broad on the finish.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13.5 %
91 Klemen Benedetič, Sauvignonasse, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2020
CG 95 IB 91 DJ 87 benedetic.si
Lovely purity, with poached pear, lemon zest and basil notes. Well-made wine with good structure; weighty and intense, sleek, grapefruit and herbs, lovely integration.
Drink 2022-2028 Alc 14%
91 Marjan Simčič, Opoka Sauvignon Blanc, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2019
CG 95 IB 91 DJ 88
£44.99 Brunswick, Handford, Hedonism, Orbit Wines Lovely complex nose; layers of lemon oil, nettle, papaya and well-integrated vanilla. Showing some maturity, there are hints of cream along with honey and ripe stone fruits. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13.5%
91 Degrassi, Bomarchese Selekcija Malvasija Istarska, Northwest Istria, Croatia 2020
CG 91 IB 91 DJ 90 degrassi.hr
Acacia, honey and ripe apple aromas, slightly nutty too. Showing some maturity. Nice body and balance of acidity, harmonious. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
91 Gašper, Malvazija, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 92 IB 87 DJ 94
£15.99 Liberty Wines
Reveals a touch of almond with the green apple and fine red apple. Youthful acidity is the character here: fresh, linear and nicely made, with fresh green apple and melon notes. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
91 Klet Krško, Turn Classic Zeleni Silvanec, Bizeljsko Sremič, Posavje, Slovenia 2020
CG 92 IB 91 DJ 90 klet-krsko.si
Fine nose showing cut pear and a hint of camomile. The palate is youthful, fresh, juicy and straightforward. Good fruit structure on the palate with a refreshing finish. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 12.5%
91 Matić, A Love Story in Three Acts Sipon, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2021
CG 90 IB 92 DJ 91
£18 Pip of Manor Farm
A hint of almond with fresh fruit ranging from peach to a touch of apricot. Vibrant and precise, a cool linear wine with nice purity. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 12.5%
91 Monterosso Malvazija, Northwestern Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 91 IB 92 DJ 90 monterossoistra.com
Ripe with good fruit structure, refreshing and generous. Green melon, lemon-lime aromas, well-balanced acidity and a juicy palate. It has some bitterness that works nicely. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13% 91
Tomaz, Sesto Senso Malvazija Istarska, Motovun, Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 89 IB 92 DJ 92 vina-tomaz.hr
Savoury curry and camomile aromas dominate the bouquet. Good depth of flavour on a rich, layered palate, from dried fruits to nuts and spices. Drink 2022-2029
Alc 14%
90 Benvenuti, Malvazija, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 87 IB 93 DJ 90 POA
Howard Ripley
Very balanced, ripe aromas with pear, yellow apple and quince. Generous palate, refreshing, fruit and floral notes with a long finish. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
90
Brkić, Wild Yeast Zilavka, Citluk, Herzegovina, Bosnia & Herzegovina
2021 CG 92 IB 88 DJ 90
£26.99 Askew Wine, Brinkleys Fulham,
Golborne Deli, Orbit Wines
Floral, grapey aromas with hints of dried stone fruits. Dry, some grip but also peach and pithy citrus fruit. Silky, slightly oily body, moderate acidity. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
91 Sosich, La Pregiata Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2017
CG 95 IB 91 DJ 88 sosichwines.hr
An inviting and expressive nose of quince, white peach, spice notes and acacia, then a generous palate with quite a good texture. Maturing nicely, this is layered and long.
Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13%
91 Vinakoper, Capris Malvazija, Slovene Istria, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 90 IB 89 DJ 93 vinakoper.si
Fine, elegant nose of apple, blossom and elderflower. Good weight and intensity with mock orange, saline notes and white peach, too. Excellent expression. Drink 2022-2024
Alc 13.5%
90 Benvenuti, Anno Domini Malvazija, Istria, Croatia 2020
CG 90 IB 90 DJ 90 POA
Howard Ripley
Nutty and complex nose with peaches and lemon curd. Rich, full-bodied and ripe, generous on the palate with a hint of sweetness, but balanced by the acidity and alcohol. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 14%
90 Cossetto, Prima Luce Malvazija, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 88 IB 88 DJ 93 cossetto.com.hr
Enticing apple and pear with notes of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme. Attractive fruity style, refreshing and vibrant. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
91 Steras, Zlati Cvet, Slovene Istria, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 93 IB 90 DJ 89 steras.com
Appealing nose with light, ripe golden fruit and a hint of herbaceousness. The palate is intense and bright with vibrant acidity, fresh apple, melon and lemon notes and a touch of pineapple. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
90 Arman Marijan, G Cru Malvazija, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 93 IB 89 DJ 89 arman.hr
Honeysuckle, lightly floral aromas, typical varietal expression. The acidity is on the gentle side – it’s mouthfilling but sleek and has enough mineral freshness to support it.
Drink 2022-2024 Alc 13.6%
90 Bertoša Robi, Berba Malvazija Istarska, Motovun, Central Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 89 IB 90 DJ 91 bertosawines.com
Wet stone, sour cherry and floral notes on the nose, then good acidity and more green fruit – a linear style and slightly steely. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
90 Dario Sirotić, Malvazija Istarska, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 93 IB 87 DJ 90 sirotic.com
Lemon-lime aromatics with acacia and Mirabelle. Good fruit, focused with nice purity, gentle but balanced acidity and a fine finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13.5%
90 Domaine Koquelicot, Belaigra
Grand Cru Chardonnay, Central Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 89 IB 93 DJ 88 domainekoquelicot.eu
Deep, ripe fruit and mineral nose with a Mediterranean influence, hints of vanilla, chestnut, honey and baked apple. Crisp and refreshing. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 12.3%
90 Geržinić, Malvazija Istarska, Western Istra, Croatia 2021
CG 88 IB 93 DJ 90 gerzinic.com
Bright with a touch of pineapple, a hint of rose petal and ripe Williams pear. Youthful and expressive with balanced acidity and a moderate finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13%
90 Kabola, Unica Malvazija, Momjan, Northern Istria, Croatia 2019
CG 90 IB 91 DJ 90 kabola.hr
Reductive, flinty notes with pineapple and camomile, lemon oil and spice. Nice oily texture, quite generous yet a sleek wine.
Drink 2022-2028 Alc 14%
90 Kozlović, Santa Lucia Malvazija, Western Istria, Croatia 2017
CG 93 IB 90 DJ 88 kozlovic.hr
Reductive nose with some flinty character, though the palate is intense and lively, showing salted lemon notes, ripe apple and hints of candied pineapple. Fine finish.
Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%
90 Edi Simčič, Rebula, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2020
CG 92 IB 88 DJ 89
£28 Bancroft, Barrique Fine Wines, Vinvm Discreet nose with a juicy, mouthwatering palate. Nutty complexity, Mirabelle fruit notes, saline fresh lemon and pear. Elegant structure, good depth with well-handled oak. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
90 Guerila, Retro, Vipava Valley, Primorska, Slovenia 2020
CG 90 IB 88 DJ 92
£25 Alliance Wine
Orange peel, soft fresh leather and tobacco on the nose; a slight touch of reduction. Orange zest on the palate with some melon and stony texture. Fresh, juicy finish, a nice food wine. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
90 Klet Brda, Quercus Pinot Bianco, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2021
CG 91 IB 88 DJ 90
£10.49-£12.99 Berkmann, Strictly Wine,
The Drink Shop
Nice purity, lemon flower and white peach bouquet. White currant and white peach with good structure. A refreshing palate with a hint of dried fruit. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 14.5%
90 Leonardo Palčić, Malvazija Istarska, Novigrad, Western Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 90 IB 92 DJ 89 leonardo-palcic-wine.business.site
Honey and floral notes, ripe orchard fruits with a hint of mint. Good weight with fresh citrus-pithy and subtle herb overtones.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 12.5%
90 Franco Dešković, Malvazija, Kostanjica, Grožnjan, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 92 IB 88 DJ 89 vina-deskovic.hr
Lemon, apple and meadow flowers. Rich palate, ripe, floral with sweet fruits. Dry and has a good finish. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
90 Jaunik, Sauvignon, Maribor, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2021
CG 91 IB 91 DJ 89 vinajaunik.si
Classic Sauvignon Blanc nose with some vegetal notes along with ripe yellow fruits. Just off bone-dry, passion fruit and crisp blackcurrant leaf, good length and cool varietal expression. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 13%
90 Klet Krško, Turn Premium Beli Pinot, Bizeljsko Sremič, Posavje, Slovenia 2018
CG 89 IB 91 DJ 89 klet-krsko.si
Yellow apple notes with melon, sour lemon, baked apple, chestnut and honey aromas. Creamy yet layered, this is mature but still interesting. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 14%
90 Marjan Simčič, Opoka Ribolla, Goriška Brda, Primorska, Slovenia 2019
CG 94 IB 85 DJ 90
£44.99 Brunswick, Golborne Deli, Orbit Wines, Trivet Cellar
Orange zest with herbal apricot aromas. Good acidity enhances very good structure, then a wet stone mineral finish and good length. Drink 2022-2030 Alc 13.5%
90 Medea, Chardonnay, Southern Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 89 IB 89 DJ 91 medea.hr
Gentle fruit aroma, some citrus blossom and light Mexican orange blossom. Palate is fresh with good weight; it’s typical with some ripe apples. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13% 90
Rossi, Chardonnay, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 87 IB 90 DJ 92 vinarossi.com
Good intensity of aromas and flavours: rosemary, grass, nuts and lime. The palate yields crisp, juicy acidity with vibrant citrus and pear notes. Balanced and harmonious.
Drink 2022-2026 Alc 12.5%
90 Valenta, Sauvignon Blanc, Motovun, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 90 IB 91 DJ 90
@valentawines
Passion fruit, blackcurrant and nettle aromas. Dry with good structure, and the oak is used to good effect. Has good fruit and vibrant acidity, a generous, well-made wine. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 14%
90 Milan Budinski, OMO Malvazija Istarska, Istria, Croatia 2020
CG 92 IB 86 DJ 92
+385 91 442 0770
Lemon-lime wafts along with camomile and honeysuckle on the nose, and candied peel. Expressive acidity makes a lovely structure. Youthful but with nice ageability.
Drink 2022-2025 Alc 14%
90 Vina Laguna, Festigia Riserva Malvazija Vižinada, Western Istria, Croatia 2016
CG 92 IB 91 DJ 88 vinalaguna.hr
Youthful aromas of lemon blossom and Asian pear. Fresh with a soft fleshy palate, pulpy fruit, some floral notes and good length. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
90 Podrum Mladina, Erdoro Blend One, Plešivica, Croatian Uplands, Croatia 2021
CG 89 IB 90 DJ 90 facebook.com/podrummladina
Spicy lychee and lemon notes, youthful. Good fruit structure and good winemaking here. Clean, harmonious, medium weight and quite fresh. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13%
90 Tomaz, Avangarde Malvazija Istarska, Motovun, Istria, Croatia 2021
CG 90 IB 92 DJ 87 vina-tomaz.hr
Classic fresh hay, summer meadow nose. Ready-to-drink youthful wine, bright white peach fruit and fruit salad style with balanced acidity. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13%
90 Vino Jarc, Sauvignon Blanc, Maribor, Stajerska, Podravje, Slovenia 2021
CG 90 IB 92 DJ 87
@vinojarc
Elderflower and blackcurrant fruit aromas. Dry and crisp on the palate, the influence of oak making it quite smooth without detracting. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 13%
‘There’s real intensity, great texture and a sea-salt mineral freshness in these unique local grapes’ --------------------------- Caroline Gilby MW