| Tokaji Essencia The Elixir of the Tsars Tokay Essencia, Essenzia, Eszencia, Aszu-Essencia |
It is safe to say that Tokaji Aszú is the first (since the sweetened and doctored wines of the ancient world) of the
great sweet wines, well established as such by the mid-17th century. The beneficial effects of botrytis were noted
here almost a century before they were accidentally discovered in Germany, Moreover, the vineyards were the
first ever to be classified: in 1700 Prince Rákóczi of Transylvania introduced 1st, 2nd and 3rd class (or growth)
quality ratings. Tokaji was the most highly regarded and sought after wine particularly by Russian and Polish
royalty and nobility. The vineyards, mostly owned by the Hungarian aristocracy, were the country’s most valuable
assets. (Catherine the Great can claim to be one of the first foreign investors; she owned, and protected with her
own guards, a major vineyard.)
There is much evidence that the wine appealed to English connoisseurs in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
(Christie’s archives reveal that Tokaji appeared in a catalogue dated 1770, only 4 years after James Christie set
up his auction business). Another appreciative connoisseur was Thomas Jefferson who imported and served
‘rich Tokaji’ (‘for which I paid a guinea a bottle’) at his presidential banquets in the early 1800’s. The aftermath of
WWI was disastrous for the Hungarian landowners and trade. In 1925 a remarkable cache of old wines was
literally unearthed and purchased by Berry Bros. Their 1927 price list includes early 19th century vintages ‘from
the princely house of Bretzenheim which became extinct in 1863’. It seems that the family, concerned that the
revolutionary forces of 1848 would seize their property, walled up their valuable old wines.
Historically the wine and the region were called Tokay by the English but the wine is more correctly referred to as
Tokaji and the region as Tokaj.
great sweet wines, well established as such by the mid-17th century. The beneficial effects of botrytis were noted
here almost a century before they were accidentally discovered in Germany, Moreover, the vineyards were the
first ever to be classified: in 1700 Prince Rákóczi of Transylvania introduced 1st, 2nd and 3rd class (or growth)
quality ratings. Tokaji was the most highly regarded and sought after wine particularly by Russian and Polish
royalty and nobility. The vineyards, mostly owned by the Hungarian aristocracy, were the country’s most valuable
assets. (Catherine the Great can claim to be one of the first foreign investors; she owned, and protected with her
own guards, a major vineyard.)
There is much evidence that the wine appealed to English connoisseurs in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
(Christie’s archives reveal that Tokaji appeared in a catalogue dated 1770, only 4 years after James Christie set
up his auction business). Another appreciative connoisseur was Thomas Jefferson who imported and served
‘rich Tokaji’ (‘for which I paid a guinea a bottle’) at his presidential banquets in the early 1800’s. The aftermath of
WWI was disastrous for the Hungarian landowners and trade. In 1925 a remarkable cache of old wines was
literally unearthed and purchased by Berry Bros. Their 1927 price list includes early 19th century vintages ‘from
the princely house of Bretzenheim which became extinct in 1863’. It seems that the family, concerned that the
revolutionary forces of 1848 would seize their property, walled up their valuable old wines.
Historically the wine and the region were called Tokay by the English but the wine is more correctly referred to as
Tokaji and the region as Tokaj.
Tokay Essence 1811, bottled about 1840
Formerly the property of the Princely Family of Bretzenheim
Sold by Berry Bros in the 1920's. The ne plus ultra of Tokaji, and one of the
greatest of all 19th century wines.
Formerly the property of the Princely Family of Bretzenheim
Sold by Berry Bros in the 1920's. The ne plus ultra of Tokaji, and one of the
greatest of all 19th century wines.
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Tokay Essence 1889,
of superlative quality,
bottled about 1910,
from the estates of the
late Count Jules
Esterhazy.
SOLD
of superlative quality,
bottled about 1910,
from the estates of the
late Count Jules
Esterhazy.
SOLD
Tokay Essence 1914,
of very fine quality,
invaluable as a
restorative, from the
estate of the Baron
Maillot.
SOLD
of very fine quality,
invaluable as a
restorative, from the
estate of the Baron
Maillot.
SOLD
Tokaji circa 1680 from
the Royal Saxon cellars
Possibly the oldest intact
bottle extant.
Believed listed in the
1929 Dresden auction.
SOLD
the Royal Saxon cellars
Possibly the oldest intact
bottle extant.
Believed listed in the
1929 Dresden auction.
SOLD
Tokaji Palugyay-Pressburg
Believed late 18th or early 19th
century.
SOLD
Believed late 18th or early 19th
century.
SOLD
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| Tokaji vintages 1802 - 1947 |
Tokay Eszencia and Aszu Eszencia
1852 - 1942.
Aszu Eszencias are around 13% alcohol, true Eszencias around 3%.
Note the distinctive black mold, unique to the traditional Tokaji cellars.
ALL SOLD.
1852 - 1942.
Aszu Eszencias are around 13% alcohol, true Eszencias around 3%.
Note the distinctive black mold, unique to the traditional Tokaji cellars.
ALL SOLD.
Tokay Ausbruch
Essence 1872.
SOLD.
Essence 1872.
SOLD.
Tokayer Ausbruch
Medicinal Wein
Circa 1900
Adamovitch bottling.
SOLD.
Medicinal Wein
Circa 1900
Adamovitch bottling.
SOLD.
Tokayi Aszu 6
Puttonyos"Heavy Sweet"
1924
Zimmerman bottling.
SOLD.
Puttonyos"Heavy Sweet"
1924
Zimmerman bottling.
SOLD.
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Tokayer Zoete
Hongaarsche Wijn
Dutch bottling.
SOLD.
Hongaarsche Wijn
Dutch bottling.
SOLD.
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Tokaji Aszu 1880 -
1940's.
SOLD.
1940's.
SOLD.
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Exceptional 1945 Tokayer Essenz
3 bottles of pure Tokaji Essencia from the legendary
1945 vintage, one of the greatest vintages of the
century
3 bottles of pure Tokaji Essencia from the legendary
1945 vintage, one of the greatest vintages of the
century
Pure essencia from the last vintage before the
Communists nationalized the vineyards. In Tokaji, as
in almost all of Europe, a great vintage. Tasting notes
from Micheal Broadbent for this wine: " Richly coloured,
old apples and raisins, very rich, perfect flavour and
aftertaste. 5 stars ***** " SOLD
Communists nationalized the vineyards. In Tokaji, as
in almost all of Europe, a great vintage. Tasting notes
from Micheal Broadbent for this wine: " Richly coloured,
old apples and raisins, very rich, perfect flavour and
aftertaste. 5 stars ***** " SOLD
| Visit our sister site for Tokaji wines: TOKAJI.COM |
Royal Tokaji Company Essencia 2000
A sensational opportunity to add one of the greatest dessert wines ever made to your cellar.
This extraordinary wine recently (Mar 2010) received one of the most remarkable Parker reviews ever, which we quote here in full from
eRobertParker.com:
Oh. My. God. Those are the three words you will utter as this ultra-gloopy nectar seems to stick itself to the sides of your glass. Coming in at
a…drum-roll please…2.1% ABV, it has a sensational bouquet that is so pure and visceral with orange liqueur,
white flowers, passion fruit, marmalade, quince jus and apricots, then in the background…warm gingerbread! The palate is fat,
viscous, thick and syrupy, struck through with razor-sharp acidity that makes this super-rare Essencia the real deal. It will
outlast you and I, trust me. Brilliant. 2,050 375mls bottled in September 2007. Drink now-3000.
Tasted October 2009. 100 points
The most remarkable part of this Parker review is not the score - 100 points - or the ecstatic opening phrase ("Oh. My. God."). It's the closing
phrase: "Drink now - 3000". This is not a misprint. Is the reviewer seriously suggesting this wine has a potential lifespan of 990 years? Well,
no doubt there's an element of hyperbole here, but Essencia of this quality is almost immortal. Bottles approaching 300 years old have been
opened and found to be superb. We simply don't know what the lifespan of a wine like this, properly stored, is, but it is undoubtedly to be
measured not in decades, but in centuries.
A sensational opportunity to add one of the greatest dessert wines ever made to your cellar.
This extraordinary wine recently (Mar 2010) received one of the most remarkable Parker reviews ever, which we quote here in full from
eRobertParker.com:
Oh. My. God. Those are the three words you will utter as this ultra-gloopy nectar seems to stick itself to the sides of your glass. Coming in at
a…drum-roll please…2.1% ABV, it has a sensational bouquet that is so pure and visceral with orange liqueur,
white flowers, passion fruit, marmalade, quince jus and apricots, then in the background…warm gingerbread! The palate is fat,
viscous, thick and syrupy, struck through with razor-sharp acidity that makes this super-rare Essencia the real deal. It will
outlast you and I, trust me. Brilliant. 2,050 375mls bottled in September 2007. Drink now-3000.
Tasted October 2009. 100 points
The most remarkable part of this Parker review is not the score - 100 points - or the ecstatic opening phrase ("Oh. My. God."). It's the closing
phrase: "Drink now - 3000". This is not a misprint. Is the reviewer seriously suggesting this wine has a potential lifespan of 990 years? Well,
no doubt there's an element of hyperbole here, but Essencia of this quality is almost immortal. Bottles approaching 300 years old have been
opened and found to be superb. We simply don't know what the lifespan of a wine like this, properly stored, is, but it is undoubtedly to be
measured not in decades, but in centuries.
Every precious 375ml bottle of the Royal Tokaji Essencia 2000 is presented in a custom designed wooden box, with
brass-plated fittings. Included with the bottle in each box is a personal presentation card from the directors of the Royal
Tokaji Company, together with a cut glass Tokaji spoon.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Tokaji Essencia was regarded as so rare and precious that rather than being
served in a glass, a few drops were often poured into a specially created crystal or mother-of-pearl spoon like this. No
other wine has ever been drunk like this, but then again, there is no other wine like Tokaji Essencia.
brass-plated fittings. Included with the bottle in each box is a personal presentation card from the directors of the Royal
Tokaji Company, together with a cut glass Tokaji spoon.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Tokaji Essencia was regarded as so rare and precious that rather than being
served in a glass, a few drops were often poured into a specially created crystal or mother-of-pearl spoon like this. No
other wine has ever been drunk like this, but then again, there is no other wine like Tokaji Essencia.
Click on the button to order one 375ml bottle of Royal Tokaji Essencia 2000 in a wooden presentation box with
glass crystal Tokaji spoon at GBP £365
The price of £365 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping costs. We guarantee
safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
glass crystal Tokaji spoon at GBP £365
The price of £365 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping costs. We guarantee
safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
Úri Borok Essencia 2000
A modern-era essencia to rival the fabled vintages of the 18th and 19th century.
Only a few dozen bottles made, in excess of 800g/l of sugar, barely 2% alcohol.
FABLED, RARE AND COMPLETELY UNOBTAINABLE.
From the tiny (less than 10 ha) Borok estate in Mad owned by Vincent Gergely comes this remarkable
wine, as thick as motor oil, with a concentration of flavours and aromas that has to be experienced to
be believed. This is not so much a wine as we usually understand it, but a kind of quintessence of the
grape. Absolutely mindblowing.
Borok's Essencias are aged in 2 parts. About half the production is aged in a glass container which
hold 5-10 gallons and is not fermented. This is pure juice without any alcohol. The other half is aged in
a small wood barrel and because of the incredible concentration ferments very slowly. After aging for 7+
years the wines are combined and the alcohol content might be around 2%.
I can personally vouch for this wine, but see the review from a well known Tokaji specialist below,
originally posted on Cellartracker:
A modern-era essencia to rival the fabled vintages of the 18th and 19th century.
Only a few dozen bottles made, in excess of 800g/l of sugar, barely 2% alcohol.
FABLED, RARE AND COMPLETELY UNOBTAINABLE.
From the tiny (less than 10 ha) Borok estate in Mad owned by Vincent Gergely comes this remarkable
wine, as thick as motor oil, with a concentration of flavours and aromas that has to be experienced to
be believed. This is not so much a wine as we usually understand it, but a kind of quintessence of the
grape. Absolutely mindblowing.
Borok's Essencias are aged in 2 parts. About half the production is aged in a glass container which
hold 5-10 gallons and is not fermented. This is pure juice without any alcohol. The other half is aged in
a small wood barrel and because of the incredible concentration ferments very slowly. After aging for 7+
years the wines are combined and the alcohol content might be around 2%.
I can personally vouch for this wine, but see the review from a well known Tokaji specialist below,
originally posted on Cellartracker:
My wife and I tried this at the winery with the owner/winemaker Vince Gergely. At the end of our tasting, Vince walked into the room with a glass
container that he was holding like a baby and poured some of the unfermented Eszencia into our glasses. Did I mention that 2000 was an
absolutely stellar year in the Tokaji region? Well it was. I tried this wine and just sat there motionless. How could a wine be furry? It felt furry in
my mouth. This wine was thick like the consistency of a very runny honey. It felt furry and yet it almost floated on my palate. It was light and airy
and my tastebuds just about exploded. Super ripe pear, pure sugarcane, orange marmalade and peaches came to mind. This was like
nothing, NOTHING, that I have ever tried. I swallowed my first sip and sat at the table dumbfounded. I knew I swallowed the wine. I could feel it
go down my throat. Yet I could have sworn that the wine was still in my mouth. I sat there smacking my lips and trying to swallow it again. The
length of this wine put every other wine I ever had to shame. And this first sample he poured for us didn't even have alcohol in it. Vince then
asked us to follow him and he took us to the barrel which contained the 2nd half of the barrel sample of this wine. This part of his 2000
Eszencia contained about 1-2% alcohol at this stage. He poured some for us. The acidity in this sample was noticeably higher. The same
flavors swirled on my palate. This sample had a little less body than the first. Somehow I was able to stay on my feet while tasting this wine.
These 2 samples will compliment each other very well. Every once in a while a wine comes along which expands the boundaries of your
thinking of what a wine can be. This was one of those wines for me. 100 points.
container that he was holding like a baby and poured some of the unfermented Eszencia into our glasses. Did I mention that 2000 was an
absolutely stellar year in the Tokaji region? Well it was. I tried this wine and just sat there motionless. How could a wine be furry? It felt furry in
my mouth. This wine was thick like the consistency of a very runny honey. It felt furry and yet it almost floated on my palate. It was light and airy
and my tastebuds just about exploded. Super ripe pear, pure sugarcane, orange marmalade and peaches came to mind. This was like
nothing, NOTHING, that I have ever tried. I swallowed my first sip and sat at the table dumbfounded. I knew I swallowed the wine. I could feel it
go down my throat. Yet I could have sworn that the wine was still in my mouth. I sat there smacking my lips and trying to swallow it again. The
length of this wine put every other wine I ever had to shame. And this first sample he poured for us didn't even have alcohol in it. Vince then
asked us to follow him and he took us to the barrel which contained the 2nd half of the barrel sample of this wine. This part of his 2000
Eszencia contained about 1-2% alcohol at this stage. He poured some for us. The acidity in this sample was noticeably higher. The same
flavors swirled on my palate. This sample had a little less body than the first. Somehow I was able to stay on my feet while tasting this wine.
These 2 samples will compliment each other very well. Every once in a while a wine comes along which expands the boundaries of your
thinking of what a wine can be. This was one of those wines for me. 100 points.
Click on the button to order one 375ml bottle of Úri Borok Essencia 2000 at GBP £695.
The price of £695 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping costs. We guarantee
safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
The price of £695 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping costs. We guarantee
safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos 1906
A wonderful Imperial-era 6 puttonyos aszu, released from the Hungarian State Museum collection,
covered with the distinctive black mould found only in the ancient cellars of the Tokaj region.
Imperial-era Tokaji like this is extremely rare and sought after. This wonderful bottle comes from the excellent 1906
vintage.
A wonderful Imperial-era 6 puttonyos aszu, released from the Hungarian State Museum collection,
covered with the distinctive black mould found only in the ancient cellars of the Tokaj region.
Imperial-era Tokaji like this is extremely rare and sought after. This wonderful bottle comes from the excellent 1906
vintage.
Click on the button to order one 500ml bottle of Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos 1906 in a wooden
frame-box at GBP £1650
The price of £1650 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping
costs. We guarantee safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
frame-box at GBP £1650
The price of £1650 INCLUDES worldwide EXPRESS shipping, there are NO additional shipping
costs. We guarantee safe arrival of all bottles, and will replace or refund any parcel lost in transit
Tokayer Essenz 1906
Hofkeller Abfullung
Extremely rare bottling
from the cellars of the
Austro-Hungarian
Imperial Court.
SOLD.
Hofkeller Abfullung
Extremely rare bottling
from the cellars of the
Austro-Hungarian
Imperial Court.
SOLD.
