Monastery Tvrdos Vranac

Had this bottle standing in my cellar for 2.5 years. I was waiting to share this with someone who really loved wine, but had never tried Vranac. Eff it, I said to myself, so I opened it about 4 hours ago. Cork was in great shape, and most was decanted. 4 hours after decant its nose was incredible. Aromas I've not yet smelled in a wine, almost coolaid-like fruit of bright sour cherry with hints at Sour Patch Kids. There …

Blueberry, plum, oregano, tomato, saline Highly acidic, moderately tannic

Rarely have Vranac - and I believe this was my first wine from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dark ruby, almost black. Medium intense nose of slightly unripe red cherries, blackcurrant, some earthy notes, dried cranberries, oak. Palate similar. The color indicates high phenolic ripeness - but that acidity is really something - no jamminess whatsoever. Crunchy red fruit with a tannic backbone. A reasonable option for pairing with steak or lamb. Medium body, high- acidity and medium tannins.

What a fantastic first meeting with this country's wine, the grape Vranac and my quest to enjoy one more wine country every week of this year. Made at a monastery, still good though. Dark red, towards purple. Nose is big, young, sunny and a bit plump, carrying some herbal notes. Complex and a tad unrefined. In the mouth, this is a big boy. Lush fruit with slightly low acidity and cough syrup herbal qualities. M+ length and very nice, smooth …

Dark purplish red. Prominent aromas of sour cherry, cedar and oakiness. In the mouth sour cherry, charcoal, cedar. Medium bodied, medium tannins, 15 ABV. Real good with some kind of Balkan food.