Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2005
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Introduction
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Only eight vintages of the Royal Tokaji Red Label have been produced since its premier release of the 1990 vintage. Since then, the Red Label has been made in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2005. This wine is a blend of carefully selected grapes from several of Royal Tokaji’s first and second growth vineyards.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Tokaj
- Vine Age: 20–30 years old
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Vintage Report
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Winter was mild, but very long. Budding was delayed as a result and not what was hoped for. In May there was a terrible hailstorm at the same time the village experienced heavy flooding. These drastic conditions, combined with cold weather and rain, affected flowering and ultimately the berry set. The yields too were reduced and spirits were low due to concerns about the entire vintage.
Thankfully, the vintage turned around in autumn. Warm, Indian summer conditions ripened the berries, emphasizing concentrated aromas and brilliant fruit flavors. The acidity became softer and the structure of the wines was wonderful. Ultimately, wines from the 2005 vintage have complexity and great aging potential.
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: Minimum of 3 years
- Bottled: July 8, 2008
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Primarily Furmint with some Hárslevelú and a small percentage of Muscat
- Production (in cases): 12,442
- Production Case Pack: 6/500ml
- Cases Imported: 4,500
- Alcohol: 10.5%
- TA: 10.7g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The 2005 Red Label is imbued with a golden amber color. Its perfume resonates with ripe fruit, honey and orange peel. The palate offers lusciousness and complexity balanced by fine acidity, which leads to a clean and refreshing finish. It will age beautifully for several years.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve slightly chilled (50 to 54 degrees) in a small port glass or a glass of similar size (there are approximately eight two-ounce servings per 500ml bottle). Tokaji Aszú wines are wonderful on their own as an apéritif or as a digestif, with cigars and petits fours. These wines also pair well with a wide variety of foods, including foie gras, fruit tarts, chocolate desserts, and blue and soft cheeses.
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Images
Reviews
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Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2005 – 93 points, Top 100 Cellar Selections – Wine Enthusiast
"...lush nose of honey, marmalade and lemon leads into fresh, bright fruit and acid undertones melded with luscious honey, orange peel and quince. A lingering finish spun with spice adds to the complex, elegant nature. Pair with cheeses, foie gras."
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Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2005 – 91 points – The Tasting Panel
“Silky, rich and creamy; lovely and long.”
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Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2005 – 94 points – Wine Spectator
“…this is intense and complex, with apricot, honey, smoke, spice and mineral flavors that won’t quit.”
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Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2005 – 93 points – Wine Enthusiast
"...lush nose of honey, marmalade and lemon leads into fresh, bright fruit and acid undertones melded with luscious honey, orange peel and quince. A lingering finish spun with spice adds to the complex, elegant nature. Pair with cheeses, foie gras."