Tokaji Hárslevelu, Lenkey Pincészet - 2009

Stunning single varietal Hárslevelu. What is this rare treat? This grape usually plays a supporting role to Furmint in Tokaji dessert wines, adding body and richness. Historically Tokaji wines were known for their intense, pure sweetness and were favorites among European royalty for centuries. Hárslevelu on its own here makes a dry wine that is unctuous, taut, and beautifully finessed. Lenkey ages the wine for eighteen months in used barrels to give it more texture, and some age in the bottle shows nutty, tertiary notes. The palate is tart and tangy with notes of yellow plum, preserved lemon, star fruit, spiced pear, sea salt, and smoke. This is a wine that sits in the company of complex whites from Burgundy, Loire, Mosel and Etna. Add Tokaji to the list!