TN's: recent ones

Nice notes, thanks. Damn, why didn't I buy more '02 Huets!

"Royal Tokaji, Tokaji Aszu, 5 Puttonyos, 1996"

This is a new wave Tokaji that perhaps is somewhere between traditional and the extreme new style that is a complete distortion of Tokaji designed for "modern tastes" and early drinking. I have not bought any of the new wave Tokaji, because if it is any good it will take up to several decades to peak at the 5 P. and higher levels, and I don't expect to be around to enjoy it then. There was some loss of quality when Tokaji production was state run, but at the highest levels it still at least tasted like Tokaji and would last. Many of the 5P. and up vintages from the 60's took many years to soften and integrate, and many are still holding very well. But you have to go back to 1945 and earlier to know what Tokaji really can be. Some of the modern new wave Tokaji wines may be able to drink well young and still develop and keep as did the old Tokaji wines. However only time, much more than any of us have, will answer this question at the Aszu-Essencia and Essencia levels.

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