1993 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos Szt. Tamás- Hungary, Hegyalja, Tokaji (6/13/2009)
Stunning. Shimmering, deep orange like a cup of English Breakfast Tea. The nose is absolutely intoxicating and bursting with sweet brownish stuff-- stone fruits, orange peel, honey, and butterscotch. On the palate, this is viscous, multi-layered, and exceptionally sweet, but with so much bright acidity that the sweetness is not tiring. The palate reminds me of a great old Madeira, yet thicker. I find myself sipping this incredibly slowly-- not because I don’t want more, but because the finish goes on forever. Two minutes and counting, and it’s still there.
Noel, we’ve discussed this Tokaji vintage and producer, but this was my first and only bottle of this particular wine, which was a birthday present from Steve a few years ago. I’ve had their 5 puttonyos '93 many times, and although it’s not as layered, it’s lighter and easier to drink more in one sitting. We have more than half of the 500 ml bottle left, so I plan to revisit it tonight and (hopefully) tomorrow night too.
No foie gras here… it stood alone after a very rich, filling dinner.
I have had limited experience with Tokaji. But I have found that the 6 Puttonyos offerings - including the one you just enjoyed - have been so much more pleasing to me than the 5’s. Thank you, Melissa for the note.
My fondest of these pairings so far was a 6 puttonyos with Hungarian food cooked by a friend who is first generation. Outstanding.
I had another glass last night, and it was as fresh on the third night as it was on the first. Since Steve doesn’t enjoy stickies (yet!) I’m looking forward to revisiting this several more times.
The alcohol on this seems exceptionally low-- lower, I’d have guessed, than the 10% reported on the label.
I’d love to hear more about that Hungarian meal. The 6 is so rich and sweet on its own that I can’t imagine pairing it with dessert!
This has been open for nine days now, and it’s still quite fresh. If anything, it’s taken on a bit more complexity, with brighter citrus tones and a deep, roasted nut aroma. The finish is out of this world.
Folks, there isn’t a quality difference between the five and the six. It’s mostly about sweetness and acidity but there are many five puttonyos wines that I am happy to drink. And also remember that the five of one producer may have more sugar than the six of another - there are ranges, which may overlap. As a general rule, I’m more willing to crack a five puttonyos from a great producer than a six from someone of less quality. And if you taste them blind, not knowing which is which, the fives often come out on top. Cheers all.
The only problem with this wine is that although I had six bought for a song over a decade ago, they were too darn good not to slurp up. I only have one left. Fortunately, I still have older bottlings of Tokaji for when the mood strikes, but this nectar was every bit as good as just about any Kracher I’ve ever had, maybe not as intense as say, a 2002 #12, but every bit as complex if not more so and with a finish that’s just as long.