ROYAL TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 2000

The millennium magic also shone on Tokaj. We have never witnessed two great consecutive vintages as the 1999 and 2000. Winter was quite short and blossoming started very early. Vines were two weeks ahead at the flowering period compared to other vintages. This advance increased to a month by the ripening period. There was very hot and dry weather during the whole summer. Ripening started by the middle of August for the Muscat and beginning of September for Furmint and Hárslevelű. Thanks for these extreme conditions berries were fully ripe by the time shrivelling started. Three quarters of the aszú berries had more than 70 % sugar level, which is extremely high. Berries had excellent aroma with relatively low acidity but wines have been charming since the first time they were tasted. Wines made in this vintage are really elegant with a nice balance and lovely aromas. There was hardly any botrytis because of the dry weather but it is well compensated by the freshness, floral notes, amazing fruitiness and honey. Wines are very smooth with great complexity and long lasting finish. Following the extraordinary 1999 vintage, the beautifully elegant 2000 shows just how difficult and different it continues to be to produce these wines on a year to year basis.