BARTA Öreg Király Furmint 2018

Straw yellow colour, the legs of the wine slide down the glass beautifully slowly. A pleasant, flowery nose, notes which are made more complex by the hint of harmonious citrus notes on the palate, a full body coming from the unique terroir, a touch of cinnamon characteristic in the back of the mouth. Fermented at controlled temperatures in 500-litre Hungarian oak barrels (MT TH) and then aged on the lees for 4 months to impart a broad and long structure without impacting the characteristic aroma profile of the Furmint grape. The perfect companion to spicy dishes, this wine also goes well with roast meats and game. Best enjoyed at 11°C.

Németi Zoltán, screwcapped.com

This is simply one of the greatest dry Tokaji Furmints I have ever tasted. I can recall only a few bottles of Szepsy and Demeter Zoltán from the last two decades, that amazed me this much. Those were made in a very different style, though, oaked and full-bodied.

A delicate, pure wine. Dry Furmints tend to be angular, but not this one. Restrained as spontaneously fermented whites used to be, but not shy. White peaches, grapes, citrus on the nose, accompanied by a hint of ginger and saffron. Fragile to taste, feels unforced, yet it fills every corner of the mouth. Crisp, wonderfully integrated acidity, it’s so seamless. With 9 grams RS and 7.2 g/l total acidity, it has an almost Mosel-like balance, yet it does not try to imitate Rieslings. Finesse and elegance from start to finish. Fine wine.

Rating: exceptional. Benchmark. 93 points. 

Notes from Andreas Larsson, one of the best Sommelier of the World :

Light straw colour with a green hue. Nuanced nose displaying discreet wood and light toast with fresh pear, quince, citrus and saffron. The palate has nice volume and fluidity with a nice bite and extract, sweet fruit flavours yet remaining dry with a crisp acidity and a long pure finish.

92 points