These are the tasting notes that follow the post about Damjanić Winery.
2008 Damjanić «Malvazija» – Istrian Malvasia
Straw yellow color. The nose is full of white flowers, under-ripe pear, wet sea rocks with hints of citrus notes. A nice fat mouthfeel, at first very soft and round from the ripe fruit but then acids come and maintain great freshness right to the last sip – nice balance. Moderate alcohol (12,7%). The finish moderately long and succulent, minerality explodes followed by pleasant almond notes. A medium to full bodied crisp white wine. I see it perfect with some good white fish in the oven – Sea Bass, Dorade (Sea Bream) or St. Pierre.
86pts
2008 Damjanić «Malvazija akacija» – Istrian Malvasia
Malvasia aged in acacia barriques. Straw yellow color with golden reflections. In the nose there are dry white flower, acacia honey, grapefruit and soft aromas of dry wood. In the mouth dry, warm (alc. 13%) and round, but a lack of acidity ruins the balance. Flavors are less intense than aromas. Again mineral but now also slightly bitterish in the finish due to the wood tannins. I prefer the version without the wood, but its grapefruit aromas made me think of trying it nicely cooled as an aperitif.
77pts
2007 Damjanić «Merlot» – Merlot
Ruby red with amber reflections. Cherries in spirit, plum marmelade and cloves in the nose with intense green herbal notes typical for Merlot in this region. In the mouth it is very warm, flavors of ripe fruit are intense, but a certain lack of acids makes it is too round so it looses a bit of structure and excitement. Tannins are still too aggressive and leave slightly bitter finish. This drawback could pass unnoticed if the wine is paired with meat dishes that possess certain sweetness – lamb on a spit, veal shin roast or boiled meat.
79pts
2008 Damjanić «Borgonja» – Borgonja (Gamay)
Violet red to ruby red. The nose is sweet, violets and black currant fruit are contrasting against heavier notes of wet humus. The mouthfeel is fruity (dark fruits), smooth with bright acids and soft tannins, nice equilibrium. The finish is moderately long and mouthwatering due to tasty minerals. An unpretentious but juicy wine of medium body which will also love non wine drinkers. Serve slightly chilled (13-16°C) with various minestrone, pasta with frutti di mare or with lighter sauces, grilled or fried sardines, cured ham (pršut) or sausages, non-aged cheese…
84pts
2007 Damjanić «Borgonja barrique» – Borgonja (Gamay)
Borgonja again, but now aged in oak barrels that makes it more complex and of bigger structure. Nice floral aroma of dry violets and roses in the nose, with some cherry and pomegranate, but bouquet becomes dirtier, and more appealing, when you discover the notes of wet forest soil and graphite. Juicy fruits in the mouth, the passage in the wood brought nice roundness that is perfectly balanced with resolute acids and exciting tannins. The finish is moderately long, again with great minerality that effectively cleans your mouth (so that you ask for another sip). The medium to medium-full body of this wine can get along with thick game meat goulash, roasted red meats, pasta al forno, tuna (or other red meat fish) prepared in umido. This is my favorite Damjanić’s wine and I can’t wait to see how it will evolve in a year or two.
87pts
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