Szt. Tamás, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2007
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Introduction
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Single-Vineyard
First Growth, 6 Puttonyos
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Vineyard Profile
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The Szt. Tamás (saint tah-mahsh) Vineyard is located north of Royal Tokaji’s Nyulászó Vineyard on south-, southwest- and southeast-facing slopes at nearly 220 meters (720 feet), overlooking the winery’s cellars. Named for the apostle Saint Thomas, the vineyard has red, volcanic clay soil, high in iron oxide, that has the ability to retain moisture, which is very helpful in drought years. Wines produced from grapes grown in the Szt. Tamás Vineyard have a lovely, pure fruitiness, nice acidity and good ageability.
- Appellation: Tokaj
- Size: 11.9 hectares (29.4 acres)
- Vine Age: 7.2 hectares (17.79 acres) planted 1982-1987; 4.7 hectares (11.61 acres) planted 2001
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Vintage Report
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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.
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Vinification
- 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: July 6, 2010
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Primarily Furmint with some Hárslevelü and a small percentage of Muscat
- Production (in cases): 425 cases
- Production Case Pack: 6/500ml
- Alcohol: 10%
- TA: 7.7g/L
- RS: 213.4g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The 2007 Szt. Tamás displays aromas of apricots, plums and orange peel and a refreshing minerality.
- 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.
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Images
Reviews
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Szt. Tamás, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2007 – Wine Spectator – 94 Pointts
An opulent version, featuring a thick texture moderated by vivid acidity. Powerful, showing drive to the apricot, peach, vanilla and butterscotch flavors. Well-balanced, with a long finish. 213 cases made.
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Szt. Tamás, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2007 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of butterscotch, honeyed apricot, beeswax and honeysuckle transfer seamlessly onto the palate…. There’s nice balance between sweetness and acidity, and a delightful touch of creaminess graces the finish.”
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Szt. Tamás, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2007 – Regional Trophy Winner: Sweet Hungarian Over £15 – Decanter
“Butterscotch, peach and apricot with orange aromas. Luscious, with dried fruit, mango, Christmas pudding, and white chocolate. Toasty and nutty...A great example of why Tokaji deserves its place in the top rank of the world’s sweet wines."
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Szt. Tamás, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj – 2007 – 93 points – Wine & Spirits
“…firm, pronounced minerality in its flavor. The balance of earthy savor and honeycomb richness makes it particularly succulent, each sip begetting an urge for another even as the flavors stick to the palate.”