Crown Estates Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos

This winery, formerly known as Tokaji Kereskedohaz, launched their new range of wines in September 2000. The company owns the astounding Museum Cellar, where thousands of top vintage bottles from the past 100 years are stored underground in a labyrinth of chambers from the 13th century, as well as few bottles up to an age of 400 years and more. They also are the exclusive owners of the former Imperial "Szarvas" single vineyard Estate, which is one of the two vineyards declared as "Great First Growth" in 1737. In the communist era before 1990, Tokaji Kereskedohaz exported their best quality wines under the Monimpex label into the western countries.

Vineyards

80 hectares of vineyard which include the former Royal Estate 'Great First Growth' Szarvas, Kiraly in Mad, and Szentver in Tolcsva, whose brown forest soils produce wines with high acid and extract which can be kept without deterioration for many years.

Vinification

Sweet Aszu wines are made using winemaking techniques dating back to the 1630's. A base wine is made in September from sound grapes. From mid October raisin-like, sugar rich Aszu grapes are hand picked into 'puttony' tubs and are lightly crushed. 3, 4, 5 or 6 'puttony' (25 kg) of Aszu grapes are then added per 136 litres of base wine which then undergoes a maceration and second fermentation. The wine is then aged in small oak barrels for a minimum of 4 years and further 9 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

This wine is deep yellow gold with an intense nose with impressive perfume and richness, with elements of brown sugar, caramel and apples. Huge caramel richness and sugar shows through on the on the palate with mouth filling ripeness and intensity. Very long indeed with tremendous focus and clean acidity.

Aszu Wines are delicious drunk on their own, with nuts, blue cheese or most desserts - particularly 'tarte tatin' or pear or almond tart.