This wine continues my fascination with the dry white wines from Somlo Hill, Hungary, particularly those made from the Hárslevelű (Linden Leaf) grape. This wine is made by Béla Fekete (Bela Black). It was fermented in 3 and 4 year old barrels and aged in large, old casks.
Bright. Deep yellow/gold. Intense nose of honeyed lime, lychees, roses and other perfumed flowers with nuances of white minerals, wet stones and nutmeg. Complex and invitingly gorgeous. The palate is powerful and broad. Smooth without viscosity. Sweet red apples add to the above flavours. Very Gewürztraminer like spices are prominent. The front palate is like an exceptional Alsace Grand Cru Gewürztraminer combined with some fine Mosel Riesling giving citrus. However, the back palate is most definitely like great Somlo. Fiery minerals reveal themselves, yet are totally encompassed by the layers of smooth flavour. Powerful yet fine and mouth-watering acidity is also encased by this wine, giving great length to a finish that shows-off the wine’s spice minerals. Intense, harmonious, balanced, complex and elegant yet hedonistic, and extremely long-living, this wine is awe inspiring. I rate it Outstanding/Ultimate.
If you are fortunate enough to taste this wine or any Somlo Hárslevelű, ensure you do so near or at room temperature.
Kind regards,
Adair