99 points Wine Enthusiast: "Luxurious enough to be poured onto a spoon rather than in a glass—and Royal Tokaji had crystal sipping spoons designed for this very purpose—Essencia is a marvel no matter how you serve or sip it. Ripe and stewed figs headline the aromas, with notes of clementine, white peach and lemon verbena. The palate is structured with rich fruit and tart acidity, while the finish is citric and mind-bendingly long. (Sep 2024)"
98 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Essencia is a refulgent deep gold color. There’s no dabbling on the nose as it bursts with scents of Clementine, Japanese yuzu, quince and marmalade, all the tropes one expects from a Tokaji. Yet this being Essencia, those flavors are amplified without any loss in delineation. The palate is as unctuous as you expect, lacquering the inside of the mouth (and this is why a spoon is included, not for show, but the most efficient means for transferring the wine straight onto the tongue.) The tastebuds tingle with glee, reveling in untrammeled sweetness, effortlessly offset by that razor-sharp acidity that renders it not cloying in the slightest. Purer than an angelic choirboy, the 2016 is armed with immense tension on the citric finish that offers Seville orange marmalade, strawberry, mandarin and quince. Outrageous and yet sophisticated and probably indestructible. Drink 2023-2200 (Sep 2023)"
98 points Wine Spectator: "A rich, vibrant sweetie that drapes the palate in a lush swathe of steeped Earl Grey tea leaf, mango lassi and baked peach flavors, with accents of pain d'épices, grilled Macadamia nut, candied ginger, white pepper and masala spices. Lip-smacking acidity reins in this rich explosion of flavor and texture, with a pinpoint, graceful precision to the balance. Long and expressive. Drink now through 2044. 191 cases made, 16 cases imported. (Sep 2024)"
98 points James Suckling: "What first strikes you is the complex, botrytis-driven character here, but it has so many layers with such a wide spectrum of aromas. From dried orchard fruit, apricots and persimmons to a subtle citrus note that resembles aged tangerine peel, then evolving to orange blossom and bergamot, some oolong tea and exotic spice. This wine is the quintessence of concentration, but i’s neither cloying nor sticky, even though it has 535 g/l of sugar. Vivid acidity, which reaches 15.5 g/l, keeps it agile and lively and almost sharp, adding tension and brightness. Its very colorful and layered on the palate and lasts for minutes. And only 1.9% of alcohol. It’s unique. It’s rare. It will mature beautifully and will last for ever. Drink now or hold at your leisure. (Feb 2024)"
98 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Essencia is a refulgent deep gold color. There’s no dabbling on the nose as it bursts with scents of Clementine, Japanese yuzu, quince and marmalade, all the tropes one expects from a Tokaji. Yet this being Essencia, those flavors are amplified without any loss in delineation. The palate is as unctuous as you expect, lacquering the inside of the mouth (and this is why a spoon is included, not for show, but the most efficient means for transferring the wine straight onto the tongue.) The tastebuds tingle with glee, reveling in untrammeled sweetness, effortlessly offset by that razor-sharp acidity that renders it not cloying in the slightest. Purer than an angelic choirboy, the 2016 is armed with immense tension on the citric finish that offers Seville orange marmalade, strawberry, mandarin and quince. Outrageous and yet sophisticated and probably indestructible. Drink 2023-2200 (Sep 2023)"
98 points Wine Spectator: "A rich, vibrant sweetie that drapes the palate in a lush swathe of steeped Earl Grey tea leaf, mango lassi and baked peach flavors, with accents of pain d'épices, grilled Macadamia nut, candied ginger, white pepper and masala spices. Lip-smacking acidity reins in this rich explosion of flavor and texture, with a pinpoint, graceful precision to the balance. Long and expressive. Drink now through 2044. 191 cases made, 16 cases imported. (Sep 2024)"
98 points James Suckling: "What first strikes you is the complex, botrytis-driven character here, but it has so many layers with such a wide spectrum of aromas. From dried orchard fruit, apricots and persimmons to a subtle citrus note that resembles aged tangerine peel, then evolving to orange blossom and bergamot, some oolong tea and exotic spice. This wine is the quintessence of concentration, but i’s neither cloying nor sticky, even though it has 535 g/l of sugar. Vivid acidity, which reaches 15.5 g/l, keeps it agile and lively and almost sharp, adding tension and brightness. Its very colorful and layered on the palate and lasts for minutes. And only 1.9% of alcohol. It’s unique. It’s rare. It will mature beautifully and will last for ever. Drink now or hold at your leisure. (Feb 2024)"
| Product SKU | 352349 |
| Producer | Royal Tokaji |
| Country | Hungary |
| Varietal | Other White Blends |
| Designation | Late Harvest |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 375ml |
| Color | White |
| ABV | 2.0% |
| Ships To |
