1999 Royal Tokaji Essencia
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Tasting notes
TA 17.7 g/l, RS 552 g/l. 1,200 bottles. Mahogany colour. Mature and raisined fruit on the nose. There is a real hit of something nutty, dusty and woody. You feel the weight of sugar on the palate here; the acidity brings tang but this is a thick, glossy wine. The acid brings with it a note of preserved lemons, candied citrus peel and dried blood orange. This is moreish and mature, but perhaps not as complete as some others. This is perhaps better from spoon than from glass given the aromatic maturity: the focus on texture allows it to come to life, all tang and sweetness, with lots of apricot jam and freshly baked pastries. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Tokaji Essencia contains 552 g/l residual sugar and 17.7 g/l acidity, with slightly elevated alcohol though it still clocks in at just 2.9%. This displays a dark amber hue like the 2000, although it does not possess quite the same degree of complexity: fig and sloes, a little smoke and elements of dried flower. The palate is marvelous and in some ways has aged better than the aromatics. It is beautifully balanced and very pure, again with fig, marmalade and a touch of prune. The acidity keeps everything fresh and balanced, though perhaps the 2000 has a tad more precision on the finish. Just a lovely Essencia.