Tokaj Classic, Aszu 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj

On the nose, it comes darker with dried vegetal notes (hay), sweet tobacco leaf and toasted wood. There are very faint hints reminiscent of hydrocarbons, alongside wet stone, plus a subtle spirit-like note, almost peated whisky. On the palate, the freshness is very vertical and lifted; sweetness is well balanced, with a long, persistent finish.

Dark copper colour. Pronounced nose - orange marmelade, dried apricot, raisin, tobacco, smoke, saffron, caramel, walnut. Fruit balanced by linear acidity, sweet but not at all cloying. Outstanding with plenty of life ahead.

With the colour of an oloroso sherry, surprisingly this was not in the least bit oxidised. Incredibly vibrant and fresh, sweet and unctuous yet balanced by some piercing acidity. There was an amazing array of flavours including lime, barley sugar, apricot, raisins and walnuts with a toffee apple finish which lingered. So complex and very fine. CHP 94pts

Dark orange/bronze, almost tawny even when viewed across the room. Dense and marmalady but with precise laser-like acidity. Decadent. Feels like it will live forever.

Dark copper. Nose of burnt marmalade and ginger. This certainly has weight and sweetness but the extract brings it to a finish that almost gives the impression of dryness.

This is special. Dark, rich, sweet and real depth and flavour. So different to a Sauternes. This could be a favourite. Thanks for 50th birthday present Alex!