Saints Hills Dingač 2018

Tasting Notes: "Dingac is the premium Croatian appellation for the native plavac mali variety in the central southern Peljesac Peninsula of the Dalmatian coast. And this is a beautifully refined and finessed, elegant example, ripe and supple at 14% alcohol declared, supported by lively natural acids. It's fermented in both large and small wooden vats and aged for nearly two years in the latter, lending undeniable polish and sheen. The stark, stony soils of the region result in a certain angularity and energy but without any hard edges, and the concentration on offer from these low-yielding wines is exceptional. It's brimming with character and personality, as well as winemaking competence and acumen. Length, depth and complexity are terrific. Drink or hold a decade."  John Szabo, MS (94 pts)
 
Serving Recommendation:  16°C
 
Pairing Recommendation:  Game meats, grilled red meats, and aged / mature cheese
 
Awards & ratings:  Wine Enthusiast (2022) - 94 pts;  Wine Align (2021) - 93 pts (2016 vintage)
 
Vinification:  Hand-harvested.  Grapes go through double sorting: cluster by cluster, berry by berry.  Low yields - 200g per plant in this vineyard.  Dingač ages for 18-24 months in French oak barriques, and it is left to rest in the bottle for at least 6 months before release.