Welcome to the world of exceptional wines, where Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009 stands out like a rare gem. This dessert wine is no ordinary wine; it's a masterpiece, earning 99 points from both Vinous's Neal Martin and James Suckling, and even 100 points from Wine Enthusiast. Experience a wine described as the ultimate expression of "concentrated, dense, and syrupy," an essence so pure and seductive it's almost considered an elixir. Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009, with its "unctuous sweetness" combined with "extraordinary freshness," forms a harmonious symphony that caresses the palate with every precious drop.
When we first taste the Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009, it feels like we're part of a subtle game. Neal Martin noted how this Essencia unfolds more slowly than others, "as if it's playing with you." It's a seductive dance where the wine only truly comes into its own on the second day after opening, revealing its true glory with flavors of fresh fig, Medjool date, and clementine. The palate of wildflower honey and Seville orange marmalade forms a rich tapestry of flavors, a testament to the exceptional 2009 harvest.
Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009: A Timeless Elixir
With an alcohol content barely touching 2%, Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009 teeters on the edge of the definition of wine. But let's face it, this is much more than just wine; it's an elixir meant to last for generations. Neal Martin predicts a drinking window extending to 2172, and we're captivated by the thought that this nectar will stand the test of time. The high sugar content of Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009 ensures it will never truly spoil, allowing this rare vintage to be enjoyed for centuries to come.
Exclusivity and Rarity
The 2009 vintage was the smallest since 1999, with only 1,386 half-bottles produced and only 1,200 bottles made available to the global market. Royal Tokaji understands how to cherish and showcase such a scarce product. Produced only in the best years for noble rot, the Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009 is only the seventh release since the estate's founding in 1990. And with a production hiatus between 2010 and 2015, this vintage only emphasizes the exclusivity of this "liquid gold."
Tasting Notes: The Sensory Journey of Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009
When we indulge in the Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009, we witness a color reminiscent of deep golden hues with hints of amber. On the palate, a complex fruitiness unfolds with hints of green tea and an abundance of figs and dates. The texture is creamy, rich, and complex, with flavors of candied orange peel and dried red berries. The Royal Tokaji Essencia 2009 offers a nearly perpetual finish, supported by stunning acidity. It is an experience that begs to be enjoyed with a crystal spoon, a tradition that emphasizes the opulence and respect for this wine.
How to make the dessert wine Royal Tokaji Essencia
In Hungary, the production of the renowned dessert wine Essencia is a process of patience, precision, and deep respect for tradition. Essencia is made from the most selective harvest of aszú grapes, a special variety affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This fungus causes the grapes to partially dry while still on the vine, resulting in a higher concentration of sugars and flavors. The magic of Essencia lies in this natural phenomenon, which only occurs in certain years when conditions are perfect.
Hand-picking the aszú grapes is a labor-intensive process where each berry is individually selected and collected. The grapes are so rich in sugars that they are almost syrupy. After picking, these grapes are placed in barrels, where they naturally release their juices under their own weight without any pressing. This juice, which slowly seeps from the aszú grapes, is known as Essencia. Due to its high sugar concentration, this liquid ferments extremely slowly, and sometimes fermentation stops naturally when the alcohol content is still relatively low.
This syrupy, sweet Essencia can age for years, even decades, in oak barrels beneath the cellars of the Tokaj region. During this time, the wine develops complex flavors and aromas ranging from lush fruit to exotic spices, and maintains a balanced acidity that cuts through the sweetness, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and length. The end result is a wine so rich and concentrated that it is often served with a spoon, as the ultimate expression of Hungarian winemaking artistry.
2009
