Tokaji Essencia, Royal Tokaji Wine Company 2016

The 2016 Tokaji Essencia is a production of just 2,300 bottles. It contains 535 g/l residual sugar and 15.5 g/l acidity and was bottled slightly earlier after three years' maturation in demijohn. This is slightly darker in colour compared to the 2017. The nose has changed a little since I tasted it a couple of years ago, quince and marmalade, a little more caramel and caramelized pear. It actually reminds me of a Vin de Constance. The palate is stunning on the entry with a voluminous unctuosity that almost overwhelms the senses, repeating those quince and marmalade notes with a hint of Devonshire fudge and Anjou pear that fan out with immense purity and underlying citrus tones. Outstanding. 2025 - 2200

This vintage was bottled slightly earlier than normal, after three years. It is a unique vintage with a strong acid profile. TA 15.5 g/l, RS 535 g/l. 2,300 bottles.
Copper colour. The nose is smoky, seductive and full of spice. Dried fig, with savoury layers of saffron and white pepper. The palate leans more on yuzu and fine citrus, searing in its acid profile. This mouth-watering wine is incredibly moreish. Set against the waves of freshness is figgy fruit, old books and blood orange. Dried apricots and layers of quince. This wine is all about steely cut against the sugar – it keeps you coming back for more. Excellent. From spoon, this is very peppery and spicy, the acid profile still coming through despite a sense of fuller weight. (TP)

Amber colour. A nose that fills the room with dried apricots, manuka honey and ginger cake. The palate grabs your attention immediately; it is full bodied with an unmatched concentration and sweetness. Despite the power and sheer weight of sugar in this wine, it is finely balanced thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Quince paste, syrupy sweet fruit, saffron and crystalised ginger come in waves. A truly unique style, hugely sweet yet steely and tangy on the finish. Stunningly long. This will drink well for many decades.