Bibich R6 Riserva 2016

Drink now through to 2028. No need to decant before serving.

The R6 Riserva from Bibich winery has developed something of a cult following amongst aficionados of Croatian wines so it’s well worth stocking up while supplies of this vintage last. Pioneering winemaker Alen Bibić’s namesake winery sits up in the hills above the town of Skradin in northern Dalmatia where he works with grape varieties that his family have been using to make wine for generations and which are little-known outside of Croatia.

This generous red wine is a blend of Babic, Plavina and Lasin grapes which are all thought to be related to the popular Zinfandel variety which has enjoyed huge success in California. Following vinification the wine is then aged in American oak for 12 months to allow it the different components to fully integrate.

Skradin is one of the more northerly regions where these three varieties are traditionally grown, so the finished wine offers rich dark fruit flavours and aromas complemented by a distinctive freshness and hints of tobacco, dried Mediterranean herbs and a subtle stony minerality. On the palate there are fine tannins and a well-developed structure which will help this wine to age gracefully if cellared in good conditions over the next decade or so.