375 ml “half bottle”
“Intense, but also fine and layered with tons of complexity, showing dried dark apricot, tangerine, sweet papaya, dried persimmon and saffron. But on the palate this is waxy, yet so effortless, with such bright and tangy acidity that makes it taste a lot less sweet than it is. Sea-buckthorn and kumquat finish. Really effortless and long. Nectar that calls for a second glass. Drink or hold.” 98 points James Suckling
“Aromas of citrus blossom, dried apricot and fresh fig transfer to the palate, where notes of freshly brewed coffee and toffee round out the complex flavor. This wine has lovely mouthfeel, with roundness on the palate and just the right amount of acidity to prevent this caramel-colored Eszencia from being too cloying.” 97 points Wine Enthusiast
“To me, the wines of 2005 are like watching a firework display: explosive, bright, colourful and vibrant. This vintage is focussed with a deep structure together with bright, lively acidity. As many of our wines, they show both great intensity and power.”
László Mészáros
Characteristics of the vintage
In Tokaj, the autumn of 2005 after a rather cool and damp summer will be remembered as an Indian summer lasting until the beginning of November with many delightfully warm and dry days. Though not huge in quantity, the exceptional quality Aszú of 2005 is reminiscent of classic vintages like 1999. Finely balanced acids and clear aszú flavours.
Tasting notes
A real speciality in the world of wine. It allies the fresh fruitiness and dynamism of the aszú wines with the thick, oily, creamy structure and honey-like concentration of Eszencia. A very rich wine that shows impeccable balance, great finesse and complexity though still young.
(September 2012)
Grape varieties
Aszú grapes: 100% Furmint
Base must: 100% Furmint
Vinification
Individual, berry by berry aszú grape selection on several pickings in the vineyard. Aszú berries were stored in stainless steel vats until vinification. Maceration of the aszú berries (without crushing) in fermenting must for 48-60 hours, pressing and then fermentation in stainless steel vats.The wine was aged in oak barrels for four years in our underground cellars. Bottled in April 2009.
Analysis
Alcohol: 6.7%
Residual sugar: 326 g/l
Total acidity: 13.8 g/l
Aszú Eszencia offers the opportunity to drift inwards on a wave of sensation. Savour with a characterful blue cheese or perhaps experiment with chocolate. Perfect instead of a dessert, as the final drink of a great dinner, with a cigar; it is a real meditation wine. To enjoy Disznókő Tokaji Aszú Eszencia to its fullest, serve cool (11-13°C). After opening, it can be kept in the fridge for two weeks. Ready to enjoy, and with an exceedingly long ageing potential, over 30 years at least. A collection item.