Disznoko Aszu Eszencia 2005

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, Jeff Jenssen, Wine Enthusiast

Throughout history, Eszencia has been perhaps the world’s most revered, most legendary of all sweet wines (it even merits mention in Hungary’s national anthem!) This is an Aszú Eszencia which means it is made from shrivelled, botrytised grapes in the usual Aszu fashion, but here the concentration exceeds the top Aszú level of six puttonyos.

Alongside 1999 and 2000, the 2005 Tokaji vintage is one for the history books, bestowing great intensity, deep structure and the acidity required for long aging. “To me, the wines of 2005 are like watching a firework display: explosive, bright, colourful and vibrant”, lends László Mészáros. It’s certainly a remarkable wine now, and will continue developing for decades.