Skerk, Malvazija, Carso

An orange Malvazija Istarska - although I've understood this vintage has seen much less skin contact compared to the more recent vintages. 13% alcohol. Tasted blind. Evolved and quite hazy straw-yellow color. Evolved, quite tertiary and slightly oxidative nose with aromas of hay and nuttiness, some sweet honeyed tones, a little bit of resinous phenolic character, light foresty notes of birch sap and spruce needles, a hint of bruised apple, a touch of almond paste and a woolly whiff of …

An orange Malvazija Istarska - although I've understood this vintage has seen much less skin contact compared to the more recent vintages. 13% alcohol. Moderately developed and quite deep golden yellow color with a luminous bronze core. The nose feels quite powerful and moderately developed with nutty aromas of slivered almonds and roasted chestnuts, toffee apple, some smoky tones, a little bit of browned butter, light toasty notes, sweet hints of tangerine and dried apricots and a touch of grilled …

Alive, interesting. Floral nose, though not as much as some, with a savory, apple-et palate. Dense texture with lively acidity on the finish. Fantastic wine -- had with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, and sauteed chanterelles. Lovely stuff.

Light to medium golden. Very rich, almost excessively so, sweet, tropical nose with hints of mango, lychee, nutmeg. Intense acidity, very dry on the palate, very contrasting to the nose. Balanced as a thing in itself. Quite long. Rather aggressive to me.