This is Konyári’s classic Bordeaux cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Southern-Balaton.
Purplish ruby with a dark core. On the nose quite restrained, displaying spices mingled with chocolate and a ripe mulberry undertone. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, tight and gentle with a slightly tart soft tannic backbone supported by very subtle acidity of just the right quantity. No fruits here except the dark cherry flavoured finish. Well-structured, straightforward, well-made wine of low complexity but nothing to be too excited about as of now. So it’s a bit disappointing for HUF 4 000. Good aging potential though.
Note: it’ll respond well to decanting.
Posted: March 19th, 2011
Categories:
Konyári
Tags:
2008,
Balaton,
cuvée,
overpriced,
Overrated
Comments:
No Comments.
Konyári is arguably (source: konyari.hu) the best known and most acclaimed winery of South-Balaton. This statement alone is sufficient to dislike the winery. This is so crucial to Konyári however that the statement reappears on five consequtive pages under the menu “about us” of the winery’s website, and apparently that’s all we need to know about “them” (plus that they have 30 hectares and they produce 200K bottles a year). I also learned that sustainable development means planting trees, not use too much pesticides and not to use air-conditioner in the cellar. It all makes sense to me without any ideology. Other interesting facts can also be learned from the website, now I know for instance that the most exigent consumers are buying their wines in restaurants.
About the wine
Appearances. First of all the bottle is handsome and well made. And so is the wine. Bright, lively claret with many reflections.
Smell. Restrained but very clean nose with hints of fruits.
Palate. Well composed palate with a firm acidic backbone and a distinct polished but hard tannic underpinning which I start to recognise as a Konyári trademark, also found in Ikon’s best wines. Lovely texture as a result of the well integrated and well balanced acidity and smart use of oak. Very gentle acidity indeed. There are no intense aromas in this wine but it displays some fruityness of red currant and cherry. Elegantly styled light and clean character with a pleasant finish. The 14% alcohol is nowhere to be seen.
Price: HUF 2500
Conclusion: Well made wine representing good value for the money.
Hint: I recommend you decant it or simply leave it exposed to air for 60-90 minutes before you drink it. I also liked it most at around 17 centigrades maximum.
This is not the review of the great red wine I promised after this post. I decided that would be a longer post which needs a bit more time.
About this Cabernet Sauvignon from southern Balaton: medium dark with a purplish core and pale red rim. Fruity bouquet with ripe sour cherry, ripe forest fruit and especially blackcurrant notes at the rear. This fruityness disappears quickly making place for a tannic, woody bouquet. Firm, grippy tannin on the palate too, a little bit tart. Layered wine, fundamentally very dry but with a sweet sensation above the scratchy tannins. Young and crisp acidity like white wines have. Very dry yet fairly full of overripe fruity notes, black pepper and a hint of tobacco at the finish.
Score: I forgot to rate this wine but as far as I can tell this was well worth the HUF 2000 (with Hungarian standard at least).
Price: HUF 2000
Posted: May 6th, 2010
Categories:
Konyári
Tags:
Comments:
No Comments.
Arriving from a forgotten corner of the cellar, I had no idea what this wine cost or what to expect from it. I wasn’t really impressed by the better known more prestigious wines of Konyári but 2000 was a great year (see previous post).
This is a very dark wine with a black core and a terra cotta rim. Very dense material, nice bouquet of dark chocolate, cherry and hints of blueberry. Very nicely textured, silky and velvety, dense but not fruity. There’s a tart element flowing into a rather long finish. Very dry wine and it remarkably misses almost any acidity whatsoever, only the velvety tannins are underpinning the large body. Whatever this wine has it’s very well integrated, soft and pleasant, so it’s an overall interesting experience. The same cuvée from 2007 is still available and at it’s price this is a very fair value for the money and easily the best buy from Konyári.
Score: 4+(/5-)
Price: HUF 1 300
Posted: August 22nd, 2009
Categories:
Konyári
Tags:
best buy
Comments:
No Comments.
What a modest title. I came up with it in only 1 minute of thinking. In my defense: it’s search-engine friendly and it’s true, from my perspective. Anyway, here’s the almost complete list of tasted wines and their score from 2008.
One remark, except the festival notes, all reviews were written based on at least 1/2 bottle of wine tasted by me alone over several hours, at least once over this period. Even wines presented in quick notes. Any occasional exception was mentioned in the given post, but they were maximum 2 or 3, if any.
Tasting Scores 2008
|
Vylyan
|
Pinot Noir
|
2003
|
5+/6-
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Gál Tibor
|
Cabernet Franc
|
2001
|
4
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Tokaj Hétszőlő
|
Furmint
|
2006
|
5+/6-
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Szecskő Tamás
|
Cuvée
|
2005
|
6
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Gróf Buttler
|
Portugieser
|
2006
|
7+
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Gróf Buttler
|
Kadarka
|
2006
|
3+
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Mayer
|
Kopár Cuvée
|
2004
|
3+
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Szt. Gaál
|
Kékfrankos
|
2005
|
6-/6
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Malatinszky
|
Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique
|
2006
|
3+
|
OR
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Chateau Dereszla
|
Dorombor
|
2006
|
6+/7-
|
BB
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Tokaj Hétszőlő
|
Kövérszőlő
|
2006
|
6+/7-
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Bezerics-Németh
|
Chardonnay Barrique
|
2006
|
3-
|
OR
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Vylyan
|
Montenuovo Cuvée
|
2006
|
6-
|
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Cramele Halewood
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
2006
|
5+
|
FV
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Chateau Dereszla
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
2007
|
6+
|
BB
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Vylyan
|
Villányi Rizling
|
2006
|
3
|
OR
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Dereszla
|
Dry
|
2006
|
5, 5+
|
FV
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Oremus
|
Mandolás Furmint
|
2003
|
7, 7+
|
FV, BB
|
(in Q2 2008)
|
|
Szabó Zoltán
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
|
6+, 7-
|
BB
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Ebner
|
Chardonnay
|
2006
|
3+
|
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Ebner
|
Portugieser
|
2007
|
3+
|
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Bock
|
Merlot
|
2002
|
5+
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Pontica
|
Móri Ezerjó
|
2006
|
7-
|
FV/BB
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Degenfeld
|
Muscat Lunel
|
2007
|
4
|
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Leo
|
Riesling
|
2006
|
3+
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Hilltop
|
Chardonnay
|
2006
|
3
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Heimann
|
Merlot
|
2006
|
5, 5+
|
FV
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Heimann
|
Kerkaborum
|
2006
|
6, 6+
|
BB
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Bussay
|
Esküvé
|
2006
|
5
|
FV
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Ch. Megyer
|
Chardonnay
|
2005
|
6, 6+
|
BB
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Dereszla
|
Furmint Szegi
|
2006
|
5+
|
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Heumann
|
Kékrankos Barrique
|
2006
|
6
|
FV (only just)
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Toth István
|
Bikavér Válogatás
|
2002
|
6+/7-
|
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Jamek
|
Riesling Jochinger
|
2007
|
5, 5+
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Domane Wachau
|
Riesling Smaragd Singerriedel
|
2005
|
6, 6+
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Eurobor
|
Tűzkő Szelekcio
|
2006
|
5+, 6-
|
FV
|
(in Q3 2008) |
|
Tokaj Hétszőlő
|
Aszú Hárslevelű, 5 Puttonyos
|
2001
|
8-
|
FV
|
(in Q3 2008) |
|
Gere Attila
|
Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique
|
2000
|
4, 5-
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008) |
|
Gere Attila
|
Kopár Cuvée
|
2000
|
7+, 8-
|
|
(in Q3 2008) |
|
Velezvin
|
Etyek-Budai Zengő, Zenit, Zefír Cuvée
|
|
4-
|
|
(in Q3 2008) |
|
Pannonhalmi Apátsági
|
Rajnai Rizling
|
2007
|
4
|
OR
|
(in Q3 2008)
|
|
Légli Ottó
|
Olasrizling
|
|
3-
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Eurobor
|
Tűzkő Domb Cuvée
|
2005
|
5
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Légli
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
2007
|
5+/6-
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Eurobor
|
Tűzkő Sauvignon Blanc
|
2007
|
4/4-
|
FV
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Kadarka
|
2007
|
4
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Sauvignon Blanc Szelekció
|
2007
|
4-
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Olaszrizling
|
2007
|
4-
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Rosé
|
2007
|
5-/5
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Kadarka
|
2007
|
4+
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Pinot Noir
|
2007
|
5
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Bikavér
|
2005
|
4
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Kékfrankos
|
2006
|
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Kékfrankos Szelekció
|
2004
|
5/6-
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Optimus
|
2006
|
6/6-
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Bodri
|
Merlot
|
2004
|
6
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Ráspi
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
2007
|
7
|
BB
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Monarchia
|
Chardonnay (Battonage)
|
2006
|
7-/7
|
BB
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Eurobor
|
Renana
|
2007
|
3+
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Eszterbauer
|
Nagyapám
|
2006
|
3+
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Gróf Buttler
|
Pinot Blanc Szelekció, Szarkás Dűlő
|
2003
|
6/6+ (6+/7-)
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Tamás Pince
|
Oriolus Cuvée
|
2004
|
5+/6
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Gróf Buttler
|
Syrah, Nagy-Eged, 400-500
|
2005
|
6-7
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Takler
|
Cuvée Maffiózó
|
2000
|
5+/6- (6+)
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Ráspi
|
Mágus Cuvée
|
2006
|
6
|
FV
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Eszterbauer
|
Merterünk Cuvée
|
2006
|
5
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Ráspi
|
Leányka
|
2007
|
3+ (but interesting)
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Ráspi
|
Rosé Cuvé
|
2007
|
4
|
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Monarchia
|
Grüner Veltliner
|
2006
|
3+
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Csányi Pincészet
|
Teleki cabernet Sauvignon
|
2006
|
4-
|
FV
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
|
Konyári
|
Loliense
|
2006
|
6-
|
OR
|
(in Q4 2008)
|
Wine Festival
Tasting Scores
|
Móri Bornapok 2008
|
|
On-site tasting notes.
|
|
Miklóscsabi
|
Utazótáska
|
2007
|
3+/4-
|
|
|
|
Bozóky
|
Leányka
|
2007
|
3+/4-
|
|
|
|
Bozóky
|
Cuvée
|
2007
|
4-
|
|
|
|
Bozóky
|
Ezerjó
|
2006
|
4
|
|
|
|
Miklóscsabi
|
Haramia Cuvée
|
2007
|
5
|
|
|
|
Maurus
|
Leányka
|
2007
|
4
|
|
|
|
Maurus
|
Sauvignon Blanc
|
2007
|
4+/5
|
|
|
|
Maurus
|
Rajnai Rizling
|
2007
|
5+/6-
|
|
|
|
Maurus
|
Eezrjó
|
2007
|
6/6-
|
|
|
|
Maurus
|
Chardonnay
|
2007
|
6
|
|
|
|
VII. Pannon Bormustra – Bországgyűlés (Wine Festival) in 08/06/2008
|
|
On-site tasting notes.
|
|
Ludányi
|
Elizabeth Cuvée
|
2007
|
4-
|
Hydrogen Sulphide gas smell. Not too interesting wine.
|
|
|
Degenfeld
|
Furmint
|
2006
|
3+
|
Furmint smell, bitterness, wood.
|
|
|
Lesence
|
Riesling (Rajnai Rizling)
|
2007
|
6- (or 6)
|
Elegant acid and nose, nice finish. Easy, light.
|
Top Wine
|
|
Tornai
|
Grófi Hárslevelű
|
2006
|
6, 6+
|
Not being a Hárslevelű fan myself, this was my first surprise this day. More really good Hárslevelű were to follow.
This one has deep corn color, has honey and burnt sugar smell besides tropical fruits. The acids can almost balance the intense smell/taste, but only just – not. A little carbon dioxide makes it refreshing though. And it has vanilla in taste too. A really lovely wine for both beginners and maybe even for snobbish drinkers. I like it.
|
|
|
Dereszla
|
Dorombor
|
2007
|
6+, 7-
|
80% Furmint, 20% Hárslevelű. Excellent combination, resulting in a very intense, fresh smell rather Hárslevelű-type. The 13,5% alcohol is supported by nice acid. Cinnamon, or rather apple pie in smellGrass and vegetables are also present, but not the usual ones! My wife said
Dorombor was lemonade with lime. I am looking forward to find out how long the integrity of Furmint and Hárselvelű will last.
|
Top Wine
|
|
Orsolya
|
Pnot Noir
|
2006
|
5/5-
|
Orsolya has been one of my favorite emerging wineries. The smell of their wines are almost unbeatable. This Pinot is a bit of exception, nice light Pinot smell but less intense than you would expect from Orsolya and Zoltán. It’s still a good wine, but not exceptionnel. I am told that Orsolya Pincészet’s stocks are empty, so we have to wait ‘til next year for a fresh refill.
|
|
|
Scheller
|
Áldozói Chardonnay
|
2003
|
7-
|
|
|
|
Pontica
|
(Móri) Ezerjó
|
2006
|
4+
|
It’s a very strong 4+ for this young and small winery. It’s dry, but tastes a bit sweet and rustic, but acid is also not missing. I no longer remember why only gave 4+ points to them. I even purchased a whole bottle for HUF 1 700 right there.
I’m curious about their new works.
|
|
|
Kikelet
|
Furmint (Tokaj)
|
2006
|
|
Outstanding aromas, exceptionnel Furmint. Somewhere in between the Szepsy and Hétszőlő schools. Very interesting. A bit of wood taste disturbs. A bit expensive too for a Furmint at HUF 2 700.
|
|
|
Kikelet
|
Hárslevelű
|
2006
|
5+, (6-?)
|
Elegant, subtle Hárslevelű, a little bit of sweetness makes it fashionable. Even the bitterness in the finish is nice.
|
|
|
Orsolya
|
Hermány Leányka
|
2006
|
6
|
Incredible smell as usual from Orsolya Pince. This wine might require some acid, but it’s weighty and has a nice although not fresh finish. Interesting wine.
|
|
|
Somlói Tavasz fesztivál (Somló Spring Festival) 2008
|
|
On-site tasting notes.
|
|
Laposa
|
Olaszrizling
|
2005
|
5+
|
Good start. Light, fresh, friendly wine.
|
Fair value
|
|
Kreinbacher
|
Olaszrizling
|
2005
|
4
|
Deeper colour, grassy smell and taste. Heavier.
|
Overrated
|
|
Györgykovács
|
Olaszrizling
|
2006
|
6
|
Light in color. Round. A lovely bitter edge at the end. Fresh, almost crispy.
|
Fair value, almost best buy
|
|
Tornai
|
Olaszrizling Selection
|
2006
|
6-, 6
|
Round wine, but not perfectly balanced: it requires a bit more acid. Extremely friendly wine. Floral and earthy smell, smooth taste but not overly spicy. Nice finish (only some acid missing). Surprisingly low alcohol (11,5%). Mouthfilling sensation.
|
Fair value, almost best buy
|
|
Laposa
|
Bazaltbor, juhfark
|
2006
|
5+
|
Tuttifrutti and hay in smell. Hay in taste too. Hot aftertaste. Alcohol 14,5%!
|
|
|
Tornai
|
Juhfark selection
|
2006
|
7
|
Even for those who don’t like juhfark, this friendly version of it makes it more drinkable than its harsh companions. Could have some more acid, but otherwise round and well balanced. Vanilla is present but not too oaky. Long lasting taste, great finish.
|
|
|
Györgykovács
|
Furmint
|
2006
|
5-
|
Apple.
|
|
|
Györgykovács
|
Tramini
|
2006
|
6
|
Intense, grassy and gooseberry smell. Well balanced. Residual sugar and acid at finish. Interesting wine. Smell of traubi*.
|
|
|
Hollóvári (Takács Lajos)
|
Hárslevelű
|
2006
|
3+
|
Forgettable.
|
|
|
Hollóvári (Takács Lajos)
|
Furmint
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
Kaló Imre
|
Leányka
|
2001
|
|
Intense nose, not so fresh, but elegant. Not too sweet, but some acid would do well for this wine. Very nice finish. 14,7%!
|
|
|
Györgykovács
|
Hárslevelű
|
|
4
|
Average.
|
|
|
Tornai
|
Olaszrizling
|
|
4-
|
Sparkling. Cheap.
|
|
|
A non-alcoholic drink produced in the socialist era in Hungary. Still produced in smaller quantities.
|
Posted: January 5th, 2009
Categories:
Bock,
Bodri,
Bozóky,
Bussay,
Chateau Megyer,
Csányi,
Degenfeld,
Dereszla,
Ebner,
Eszterbauer,
Eurobor,
Gere Attila,
Gróf Buttler,
Györgykovács,
Gál Tibor,
Heimann,
Heumann,
Hilltop,
Hétszőlő,
Kaló Imre,
Kikelet,
Konyári,
Kreinbacher,
Laposa,
Lesence,
Ludányi,
Légli Ottó,
Malatinszky,
Maurus,
Mayer,
Miklóscsabi,
Monarchia,
Oremus,
Orsolya,
Pannonhalmi,
Pontica,
Ráspi,
Scheller,
Szabó Zoltán,
Szecskő Tamás,
Szt. Gaál,
Takler,
Tamás Pince,
Tornai,
Tóth István,
Velezvin,
Vylyan,
Wine reviews
Tags:
Add new tag,
Bezerics-Németh,
Domane Wachau,
Haleowod,
Jamek,
Leo
Comments:
No Comments.
Maybe Szekszárdwill be the region producing the most new world kind of Cabernet Sauvignons and red wines in general in Hungary. Maybe people will like it but one thing is certain: Hungary’s consumers and wineries have been so far resisting to the trends and to styles coming from overseas shaping the world’s wine taste. Maybe these wines will not provide Szekszárd the competitive edge but neither did Kadarka. So why not give it a try. Konyári did. Others did too, Eszterbauer is actually more Californian now than Hungarian as long as his style is concerned. But instead of further generalizing let’s get to the short review of Konyári’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
The review
Medium deep ruby color with black beet reflections. The wine has a quick move in the glass.
The nose is not intense and not as rich in fruit as I expected. But it has a cherry aroma in it and a very new world-y vinious character. On the palate this medium-bodied wine has medium acidity with a sloe fruit element and little else. It’s young, fresh tannins are pleasant though. The wine, however, is “empty”. It’s enjoyable but without any rich aromas of fruit, minerality, leather or whatever you’d expect from a Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s balanced, has a thin but good structure, it’s good to drink and it’s relatively fairly priced.
Score: 4-
Price: HUF 1 500
