Pajzos probably came to many people’s attention when no less than Robert Parker bestowed a perfect score to their 1993 Esszencia. Neal Martin, who once again gave the 1999 Essenzia 100 points, became familiar with the property through regular visits to Chateau Clinet, since proprietor Jean-Louis Laborde acquired the Tokaji estate from its previous owner, the late Jean-Michel Arcaute, in the 1990s.
I personally had the opportunity to visit Tokaji a number of years ago and as with many of these ancient estates, one can wander through a maze of underground tunnels that were designed for those folks in the 13th century who were of lesser height. The thick moss on walls clarifies the air, and it is within these strange soundproof cellars that I first tasted esszencia off a crystal spoon. Some wine memories are etched in your mind forever.
2016 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Essencia
98 Wine Spectator / 96 Decanter
$195.00/375ml (In Stock) Buy Now
Like maple syrup on the palate, this is lush and viscous, with a beautifully expressive beam of honeyed apricot enlivened by rapierlike, mouthwatering acidity that plays off the mouthcoating texture, showing fascinating equilibrium. A lovely range of blood orange pâte de fruit, dried mint, butterscotch and lemon wax is layered with the rich apricot character, all ringing out on the long, long finish. Furmint, Hárslevelü, Muscat and Zéta. Drink now through 2046. 160 cases made.--Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator
Such a gorgeous nose - bitter orange peel marmalade, grapefruit, dried apricots, wild acacia honey and lemon. Such thick gorgeous sweet sherbet lemon fruit flavours alongside maple syrup, quince, gingerbread and subtle floral scents add to the overall complex composition on the palate. The texture is massy and full, so delicious and succulent and fully mouthcoating. Really very generous but so welcome, it's like a big hug, the sweetness is dominant but the acidity is perfect to counteract it. A wonderful expression here. Lifted, complex, perfectly handled and controlled. Joyful with a sense of direction which is not an easy feat when there's so much sugar and only 2% alcohol. Chill and serve in small portions. 600g/L residual sugar. This estate is owned and managed by Jean-Louis and Ronan Laborde of Château Clinet in Pomerol.—Georgina Hindle, Decanter
