The Auswine Forum

I just bought this at an auction and actually have no idea what it is.
I think it is desert wine based on various postings that I have seen.

Is this a good label " Royal Takaji Betsek" ?
Is 1991 a good year ?

can anybody help ?

And oh yes, why did I buy it ?
seemed like a good idea at the time

rooview wrote:Where's Attila when you need him?

In Hungary!

I'm still around although a bit slow to respond from Hungary.
I drunk the 1991 Betsek Tokaji before, it was made in those enthusiastic times when Hugh Johnson and team were extremely involved with Royal Tokaji wines. Communism fell in 1989 so the Royal Tokaji team was pretty new to make great sweet Tokaji in 1991.
Currently in 2006 not many local winemakers believe in the old method involving oxidation (like the Betsek) to make great Tokaji, so the best wines are made with the reductive technology.
The Betsek actually is now a rare example of that style of winemaking. From my memory, it should be very dark in colour with sherry like aromas and walnuts, the palate is reasonably sweet but lacking concentration and acid balance. Still, lovely on a slow night. Do not overchill.
Hopefully you haven't paid more than AU $50 Gianna so enjoy it.
Cheers,
Attila

thanks Attila

every was sounding great until you mentioned the price I shouldn't have paid for the 91 Betsek........
$78 with comm.

Oh well, I just wanted to try a bottle.

I'v never had a Tokaji I didn't like, the best so far was a "1988 Chateau Megyer Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos". These wines are sweet but not cloying for me anyhow. Not many people know about them which may or maynot be a good thing