Mézes Mály, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 1999
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Introduction
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Single Vineyard
Great First Growth, 6 Puttonyos
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Vineyard Profile
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The Mézes Mály (meszes mahly) Vineyard was named one of the two best vineyards in all of Tokaj in the classification of 1700. It has since been referred to as “pro mensa caesaris primus haberi ,” or “to be the first choice at the royal table” — an honorable distinction likened to Château d’Yquem’s status in Bordeaux.
Located on a south-facing slope, “Mézes Mály,” or “honeycomb,” is Royal Tokaji’s only vineyard with loess topsoil, providing the wines with honey and floral characteristics. These wines are softer than other Royal Tokaji wines grown in vineyards with volcanic clay topsoil.
- Appellation: Tokaj
- Vine Age: Planted 1984
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Vintage Report
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There were two hailstorms in Tokaj in August. As a result, the remaining healthy grapes developed great intensity and concentration. Royal Tokaji believes that 1999 is on a par with the 1993 vintage, the first outstanding year for Tokaji after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Whereas the 1993 vintage had impressive concentration and structured richness, the hallmark of the 1999 vintage is one of unbelievable acidity wrapped in perfectly balanced fruit.
- Harvest Date(s): Early October
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 5.5 years in Hungarian oak
- Bottled: July 27, 2005
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Furmint, Hárslevelú, Muscat
- Production (in cases): 645 cases (6/500ml)
- Cases Imported: 300
- Alcohol: 9.0%
- TA: 12.9g/L
- RS: 235g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The nose displays peppermint, quince, peach and honey, while the palate boasts balanced honey, peach and floral flavors. What nice acidity, how fresh! This full-bodied wine has a long finish tasting of quince. Nothing compares.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve slightly chilled (50–54°F) 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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Mézes Mály, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 1999 – 93 points – Wine & Spirits
"...smells of peaches in late summer, laden with sweetness but with just-picked freshness; of lightly candied orange rinds...Its great, honeyed sweetness wraps around tremendous acidity that keeps it clean and vibrant."
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Mézes Mály, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 1999 – 4 stars – Decanter
“…this is enchanting and bewitching, with orange rind and apricot fruit. Though 10 years old, it’s a youngster and will undeniably bring pleasure for decades to come.”
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Mézes Mály, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 1999 – 92 points – The Tasting Panel
“Rich and creamy; long and dense with exquisite acidity and lovely spice.”
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Mézes Mály, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 1999 – 95 points – Wine Spectator
"A touch of new oak rounds this out and attractive grassy, herbal notes add an edge to the apricot, marmalade and stone flavors. It's beautifully balanced and succulent, with a light weight and a long, saturated finish."