1972 Crown Estates of Hungary Tokaji Aszùeszencia

1972 Crown Estates of Hungary Tokaji Aszùeszencia combines sweetness and acidity to perfection.

Sweet Aszú wines are made using wine making techniques dating back to the 1630's. A base wine is made in September from sound grapes. From mid October raisin-like, sugar rich Aszú grapes are hand picked into 'puttony' tubs and are lightly crushed. 3, 4, 5 or 6 'puttony' (25 kg) of Aszú grapes are then added per 136 litres of base wine which then undergoes a maceration and second fermentation. The wine is then aged in small oak barrels for a minimum of 4 years and a further 9 months in bottle before release.

Crown Estate's Museum Cellar is regarded as one of Hungary's national treasures holding examples of wine back to the 1630s. The "museum" wines are high puttony wines from exceptionally good vintages selected for storage in bottle where they will continue to evolve over many years.

Aszúescencia wines can only be produced in outstanding years. This 1972 vintage is quite a pale mid amber colour. Bright, very ripe intense barley sugar nose. Displaying remarkable power and ripeness of fruit. Huge palate structure with pure sugars and very high, refreshing lime zest acidity. Amazing tension between sweetness and acids. Long, fine

finish.