Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2008
-
Introduction
-
Only 11 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, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. This wine is a blend of carefully selected grapes from several of Royal Tokaji’s first and second growth vineyards.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Tokaj
- Vine Age: 20-30 years
-
Vintage Report
-
Winter was mild followed by rain from spring until early summer. In August the weather changed dramatically, becoming very hot and dry. September was cool and wet again, delaying ripening. A lovely, very long Indian summer from early October on turned a good vintage into a great one. The miraculous weather provided perfect conditions for developing aszú berries and the harvest was of unmatched size and quality. The Aszú wines have the lovely botrytis character of the great 1999 vintage.
-
-
Vinification
- Fermentation: In stainless-steel tanks
- Barrel Aging: 30 months in old Hungarian oak from the Zemplen forest (mostly 500-liter/132-gallon barrels with some 350-liter/92-gallon barrels). When new, the barrels were used to age the Royal Tokaji Furmint.
- Bottled: May 31, 2011
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Primarily Furmint and Hárslevelü with a small percentage of Muscat
- Production (in cases): 42,257 cases
- Production Case Pack: 6/500ml
- Imported Case Pack: 6/500ml
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- TA: 9.3g/L
- RS: 155.5g/L
-
Tasting Notes
-
This Aszú wine is very complex; its intense sweetness is balanced by crispy acidity. On the palate, tropical fruit, lime and grapefruit meet with freshness. It has a very long finish.
- Serving Suggestions: Royal Tokaji’s Aszú wines are wonderful on their own as an apéritif or digestif, with cigars and petits fours. Given their bright acidity, these wines also pair well with a wide variety of foods, including foie gras, fruit tarts, chocolate desserts and a variety of cheeses. Serve slightly chilled at 12 to 15 degrees Celsius (54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit) in a small port glass or a glass of similar size.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2008 – 92 points – The Tasting Panel
“Bright amber color; tangy and juicy with sweetness and intense acidity; silky and long with racy style.”
-
Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2008 – 90 points – Wine & Spirits
"…striking a compelling balance between crisp white-peach flavors and chamomile tea savor. It's fresh and elegant, a restrained Tokaji that's savory enough to pour at a celebratory holiday meal of braised duck with apricots."
-
Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2008 – 25th Anniversary Restaurant Poll, Most Popular Port & Dessert Bottlings – Wine & Spirits
Royal Tokaji 2008 Red Label placed in the Wine & Spirits Most Popular Port & Dessert Bottlings category of the Restaurant Poll Edition.
-
Red Label, 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2008 – 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Aromas of butterscotch, apricot preserves and vanilla caramel lead to flavors of quince preserves and apricot tart. Round in the mouth, it shows excellent structure and delights with refreshing acidity on the finish."