Late Harvest, Tokaj – 2008
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Introduction
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Were we “mad” to invest in Mád? Absolutely not! Mád is a beautiful town located in the heart of Hungary’s finest wine region where noble wine producers have gathered to conduct business and merry-making for centuries. And Mád Cuvée is a luscious wine with honey-like flavors that can only be made in a place called Mád.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Tokaj
- Size: 107 hectares (264 acres)
- Vine Age: 9-35 years
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Vintage Report
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Quality for both late harvest and Aszú wines was extremely high in 2008. Winter was very mild followed by plenty of rain between the middle of spring and the end of July. Due to the rain, there was a strong threat of powdery mildew infection, which we were able to avoid. A long lasting blossoming resulted in delayed berry set, which remarkably was excellent although there was uneven ripening. By the beginning of August, the weather changed dramatically. It was hot and dry until September when it became cool and wet again, which slowed the sugar development in the berries.
This difficult weather pattern created additional viticultural work, however a lovely and very long Indian summer began in early October and completely changed the outcome of the vintage. The miraculous weather provided perfect conditions for developing aszú berries. Thankfully, the entire region yielded more high-quality aszú berries than anyone could remember ever harvesting.
- Harvest Date(s): Mid-October to early November
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: In stainless steel for 18 days
- Barrel Aging: 5 months in a combination of new and used Hungarian oak
- Bottled: July 28-31, 2009
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 70% Furmint, 25% Muscat, 5% Hárslevelü
- Production (in cases): 1,100
- Production Case Pack: 12/375ml
- Alcohol: 9%
- TA: 7.9g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Golden yellow in color. Fine citrusy aroma as well as a hint of orange peel that hits the nose, which evolves into linden honey and then, all of a sudden, the bouquet of wet soil after rain pops out. As soon as the wine reaches the palate, it displays hints of apricot, later a note of pear, lime and grapefruit with a touch of vanilla. An ethereal elegance is accompanied with the delicate and rich taste. A refreshing grapefruit essence adds to the lingering finish.
- Serving Suggestions: This late harvest wine can be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif with canapés. It also pairs well with spicy Asian cuisine given its fresh acidity.
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Images
Reviews
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Mád Cuvée, Tokaj – 2008 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
"A spicy, medium-sweet white, with notes of vanilla bean, lemon drop and wild flowers accenting juicy apricot and peach compote flavors. The clean finish shows a chalky aftertaste."
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Mád Cuvée, Tokaj – 2008 – 90 points – Wine & Spirits
“This has all the hallmarks of sweet Tokaji with a light hand – honeycomb, candied orange, apricot nectar and smoke. It’s designed to drink now, lightly chilled; try it with a marzipan and fresh fruit tart this summer.”
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Mád Cuvée, Tokaj – 2008 – 89 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Bursting with zesty tangerine peel aromas and a gentle clover honey sweetness, the Mád Cuvée Late Harvest reflects a lighter style of Tokaji, but with a freshness and delicacy that’s ethereal.”