Tokaji Esszencia 2002 500ml

Wine Description for Tokaji Esszencia 2002 500ml by Királyudvar

Colour & Appearance

Dark amber with impressive viscosity – this wine is rather a nectar that moves syrup-like in the glass and reveals its extraordinary concentration visually from the outset.

Nose

An olfactory wonder that transcends the boundaries of what one might expect from wine. The nose unfolds layers of candied quinces and reduced pear must, alongside blonde tobacco, leather polish and beeswax. Malt, rock candy and subtle smoke mingle with liquorice and ripe stone fruit in honey. The botrytis reveals itself with fine fungal notes and raisins – absolutely clean, without any faults. Elegant despite the monumental concentration.

Palate

Here the true nature of this extraordinary elixir reveals itself: creamy, almost oily, the Esszencia glides across the palate. With 548 grams of residual sugar per litre, this could be overwhelming were it not for the brilliant acidity of 13.4 grams, which provides balance. Orange and grapefruit bitterness join the aromas from the nose, along with a note of Earl Grey. This is not a wine for drinking – it is an elixir for meditative enjoyment in the smallest of sips.

Finish

Nearly endless. The sweetness, acidity and aromatics linger on the palate for minutes and continue to develop – an experience that is scarcely possible to put into words.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the renowned vineyard sites Danczka and Lapis in Tokaj. The late harvest in November 2002 enabled extreme botrytis concentration and natural desiccation of the berries.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A cuvée of 74% Furmint and 26% Hárslevelű. Ageing for 66 months in demi-johns (glass carboys) is unconventional and preserves the extreme purity. With only 3% alcohol, this is technically barely wine anymore – rather liquid gold.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Mature blue cheese, pan-fried foie gras with caramelised nuts or Christmas pudding. Or simply neat as a meditation.

Special Features

Esszencia is the rarest and most precious form of Tokaji – obtained from the pure juice that flows solely from the weight of botrytised berries. Nearly imperishable and of divine quality.