Tokaji Hárslevelü Lapis 2011

Wine Description for Tokaji Hárslevelü Lapis 2011 from Királyudvar

Colour & Appearance

Light amber with coppery reflections – a colour that already announces the concentration and maturity of this extraordinary Tokaji.

Nose

Here reveals itself a fascinating, positively provocative character: malty and smoky, with hints of Islay whiskies. These are joined by bitter almond notes from cherry stones, grapefruit peel, bitter oranges and quinces. Ginger, verbena and a nutty component round out the complex, herbal aromatic profile – a fragrance that deliberately swims against the current.

Palate

Initially almost oily concentrated and full-bodied, then a surprising turn: the creamy sweetness (32 g/l residual sugar) is captured by vibrant acidity and an impressive tannin structure. Viscous and powerful at once, malty and smoky, whilst citric and stone-fruited – this wine unites apparent opposites into a coherent, distinctive whole. The 15.5% alcohol is perfectly integrated.

Finish

Long, mineral and herbal, with lingering notes of roasted malt and citrus peel. The tannins give the finale an almost red-wine-like structure.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the single vineyard site Lapis in Tokaj, harvested on 28 October 2011. The volcanic terroir of the region lends the wine its distinctive minerality and tension.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Hárslevelü (Linden-leafed) – a grape variety rarely vinified as a single varietal in Tokaj. After spontaneous fermentation, the wine matured for five months in 5-hectolitre casks of Slavonian oak, which emphasises its herbal, structured side.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Capon in Vin Jaune with morels, calf’s sweetbreads à la Witzigmann, saffron risotto with smoked eel – the Lapis demands opulent, complex cuisine with umami character and smoky notes.

Special Characteristics

A polarising, uncompromising Tokaji that deliberately emphasises the herbal, structured side of the Hárslevelü grape. Not a crowd-pleasing dessert wine, but an intellectual pleasure for lovers of unconventional wine personalities.