Single-Vineyard
Great First Growth, 6 Puttonyos

Royal Tokaji owns more than half of Mézes Mály (MEES-zesh my), one of only two vineyards in all of Tokaj to be named as a great first growth 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.

2007 started dry and mild with no frost. Spring continued to be dry and warm until the end of May, when there was plenty of rain. Flowering took place slowly in June amid cold, wet conditions; however, summer followed hot and dry with hardly any rain in August. Véraison was early, and subsequently an early harvest was expected, but because September was rainy, the sugar levels hardly increased in the first three weeks. Autumn was rainy and cold, with windy periods that would allow the berries to dry and sugar levels to rise. The aszú berries that were harvested early were of good quality, but berries harvested later were of extremely high quality because the alternating days of rain and dry wind resulting in desirable botrytis.

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.