White pairs (Buttler and Tamás)

There’s no concept behind picking the two following wines for a quick comparison. That wasn’t even the purpose actually, I just thought that it would be interesting to put them here side by side.

The reviews

Gróf Buttler – Pinot Blanc (Szelekció), Szarkás Dűlő, 2003

Another wine from Gróf Buttler’s first bottled vintage.

Very lively, dark golden color and a slow moving indicate great body. I am told that the wine requires some decanting before sniffing but I like the savoury character of the buquet so much that I start tasting it straight away.

The palate carries notes of marzipan and almond mingled with woody vanilla. It feels a bit old but not overly and I love the huge body and the extracts. A little bit imbalanced due to the lack of acidity and a lot of residual sugar but it’s just pleasant as it is. Later intense, very appealing (and even somewhat fresh) sun-dried apricot aroma on the palate.

An overall very good wine but could have more acidity left after 5 years. New-world fans will adore this wine.

Score: 6, 6+ points (now I feel it more like a 6+/7-, to be honest)

Tamás Pince – Oriolus Cuvée, 2004

Dark brassy color with golden reflexions.

The nose is succulent, at first very ripe, then sun-dried fruits. On the palate honey and burnt sugar/caramel notes. The wine is not as lively as the Buttler but very interesting and special. It has a huge body but unfortunately the  palate doesn’t deliver the same intensity and isn’t so amazing as the nose. After a while the nose becomes even more exciting with floral, rosemary notes combined with egg liquor and green paprika accents.

Score: 5+ (now I would give it a 6, to be honest)

Price: HUF 4 500

Comment from Vino Vangelist - November 11, 2008 at 6:12 pm

The sun dried apricot sounds delightful.