Tokaji 6 Puttonyos Aszú 2012 500ml

The Tokaji 6 Puttonyos Aszú 2012 by Királyudvar is a nobly sweet wine from Tokaj, orange to amber in colour and strikingly youthful in both appearance and aroma. Linden blossom and orange blossom set the most intense accents, underpinned by mint, smoke, and saffron, joined by candied ginger, orange zest, a touch of pineapple, dried apricot, pear, and quince, with hints of honey, oak, and rock candy. Dense and captivating.

The grapes originate from the Danczka, Lapis, Becsek, and Percze vineyards, including the Grand Cru site Lapis. The soils are volcanic, characterised by white rhyolite tuff. Királyudvar cultivates 75 hectares and, since 1997, has been building upon the legacy of the former supplier to the Habsburg Imperial Court.

80% Furmint and 20% Hárslevelű, harvested in September 2012. For a 6 Puttonyos, six hods of botrytised berries (22 kg each) are added to 136.5 litres of base wine. Ageing takes place for 28 months in 5-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks, followed by at least six additional years of maturation before release. It was bottled with 10% ABV, 207 grams of residual sugar, and 9.3 grams of acidity.

Density, creaminess, and acidity are held in perfect balance. It feels elegant and vibrant, featuring stone fruit in both fresh and dried forms, ginger, saffron, black tea, and caramel. Juicy bitter orange stands out prominently, reminiscent of dark English marmalade. The finish brings together remarkable length, brilliant acidity, sweetness, and a pleasant, tart bitterness.

Sweetbreads with caramelised pear quinces, firm blue cheese such as Stilton or Stichelton with water biscuits, or a poultry liver parfait tart with pistachios and quatre épices.

The estate has been fully biodynamic since 2008, employing preparations and lunar cycles in both the vineyard and the cellar. István Szepsy was co-founder and the initial winemaker; since 2009, Szabolcs Juhász has been in charge of winemaking.