Tasting Note:
- Appearance: This Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2018 boasts a beautiful golden hue, hinting at the concentrated sugars and botrytis influence. The clarity of the wine suggests a richness and depth, promising a complex and rewarding tasting experience.
- Aroma: The nose unfolds with an enticing and layered bouquet. Dominant aromas of apricot, honey, and orange marmalade intertwine with hints of dried fruits like raisin and fig. Floral notes of acacia and honeysuckle add a touch of elegance, while a hint of spice (clove) and a touch of minerality emerge in the background.
- Palate: The first sip reveals a luxurious and balanced character, showcasing the hallmark sweetness and acidity of Tokaji Aszu. Intense flavors of apricot jam, honey, and candied orange peel dance across the palate, balanced by a refreshing acidity that cuts through the sweetness and keeps the wine lively. The botrytis character adds a luscious texture and a touch of lanolin or beeswax, a desirable quality in Tokaji wines.
- Finish: The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Notes of honey, dried fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality fade slowly, leaving a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Overall, Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2018 is a stunning example of this iconic Hungarian dessert wine. The interplay of sweetness, acidity, botrytis character, and fruit flavors creates a truly memorable wine. This 5 Puttonyos expression offers a rich and concentrated experience, perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying on its own as a meditative dessert wine.
Food Pairing:
Royal Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2018 is a rich and concentrated dessert wine with intense sweetness, balanced acidity, and complex flavors of apricot, honey, and botrytis character. Its opulent nature calls for pairings that can stand up to its richness and complexity without being overpowered. Here are some exquisite pairings to elevate your dessert experience:
Classic Dessert Pairings:
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Foie Gras: The richness and fattiness of foie gras can be surprisingly balanced by the sweetness and acidity of the Aszu. The wine’s honeyed notes can cut through the richness of the foie gras, creating a harmonious pairing.
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Blue Cheese: For a more adventurous pairing, try this Aszu wine with blue cheese. The sweetness of the wine can help to balance the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
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Dark Chocolate: Explore pairing the wine with dark chocolate, especially with a percentage of 70% or higher. The bitterness of the chocolate will balance the sweetness of the wine, while the chocolate’s richness will complement the wine’s honeyed notes.
Additional Pairings:
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Fruit-Based Desserts: Pair the wine with desserts that feature similar fruit flavors, such as apricot tart, peach melba, or a fruit salad with a touch of honey. The wine’s sweetness and fruit notes will echo and enhance the flavors of the dessert.
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Creamy Desserts: The sweetness and acidity of the Aszu can balance the richness of creamy desserts like crème brûlée, panna cotta, or cheesecake. The wine’s botrytis character can add a touch of complexity to the pairing.
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Caramelized Desserts: The sweetness of the Aszu pairs beautifully with caramelized flavors, such as in crème brûlée, apple tart Tatin, or caramelized nuts. The wine’s honeyed notes will complement the caramelization, creating a harmonious pairing.
- Avg Price (ex-tax)
- $ 66 / 500ml
The Aszú wines show great structure, plenty of botrytis, depth and freshness with excellent complexity, all attributes of long ageing potential.
2017:
https://royal-tokaji.com/portfolio/blue-label-tokaji-aszu-5-puttonyos-2017/
The International Wine Challenge (IWC):
https://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/canopy/beverage_details?wid=186047
Awards:
The International Wine Challenge (IWC)
Gold 2018 Vintage Awarded: 2024
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