Wine Enthusiast: Five Hvar Hills Wines Scoring 90+ Points

The highest score, 94 points, went to Pharos Maximvs Plavac Mali 2020. On Wine Enthusiast’s scoring scale, this places the wine in the Superb category (94–97 points). A total of four Croatian wines featured in this category in the same issue. The other four Hvar Hills wines received scores in the Excellent category (90–93 points).

All five wines were tasted and rated by Emily Saladino, who covers Croatian wines for Wine Enthusiast, along with wines from Greece, Georgia, Hungary and Lebanon. She also writes a wine column for The Washington Post and previously served as an editor at the publication.

How are these scores determined?

Tastings for the Buying Guide are conducted blind, in flights of five to eight samples. The reviewer knows the vintage, grape variety and appellation, but does not know who produced the wine or how much it costs. Our name on the label therefore played no role. The score reflects what was in the glass.

What Wine Enthusiast wrote about each wine

• Pharos Maximvs Plavac Mali 2020 (94 points)

  Described as rich yet balanced, with tart red fruit and cocoa notes, silky tannins and a long finish. Saladino also notes that sipping this wine makes it easy to understand why Croatia’s indigenous Plavac Mali variety has such a devoted following.

• Syrah 2022 (93 points)

  Cranberries and pomegranates lead the aromatic profile of this elegant, medium-bodied Syrah. The structured palate features integrated tannins and subtle baking spices, followed by a long, satisfying finish. It is recommended with steak frites, hearty root vegetables or spiced lamb.

• Merlot 2022 (92 points)

  Lush red fruits are balanced by savory herbs in this beautifully textured red wine. The finish is long and savory.

• Surreal Pošip 2023 (91 points)

  With luscious vanilla aromas and a rounded palate, this is a dinner-party-ready white wine that still feels approachable enough to open on a random Tuesday. Subtle herbal undertones add nuance, while the finish is long and bright.

• Rosé Surreal 2024 (90 points)

  This salmon-colored rosé offers aromas of juicy stone fruit, tangerine and strawberry. Bright and lively, it is an ideal choice for a poolside patio with a cheeseboard and ceviche—or whenever you wish you were there.

Full reviews are available on Wine Enthusiast’s official website.

Why does this recognition matter to us?

The most important takeaway is not any single score, but the range of wines recognized. More than 90 points were awarded across our red, white and rosé wines, reflecting the breadth of our collection rather than a single standout vintage.

What these wines share is the work that happens after harvest: patient ageing, extended time in French oak where the wine calls for it, and the same level of care applied to every label, regardless of grape variety.

This recognition also comes as part of a continuing series of achievements. Syrah and Merlot debuted with Gold Medals and 95 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, Merlot 2022 was named among 15 wines from around the world recommended by Decanter, and this year brought further medals from Decanter and the International Wine Challenge.

A sincere thank you to our vineyard and cellar teams, and to everyone who chooses to open and enjoy these wines.

All five awarded wines are available in our webshop and at the Hvar Hills Wine Corner in Split.