Although we’ve been tasting Sauska wines for many years, the winery rarely reveals its reserved, older vintages – even to us. The 24-wine tasting in May was an exception: together with their professional team, we opened bottles from the past 13 vintages. Cuvée 107 was the first to be poured, and it immediately delivered the kind of experience that brought us all to the table.

The 2018 Cuvée 107 is a blend of 52% Hárslevelű and 48% Chardonnay, from vines planted in 2011. Hand harvesting took place from late August to mid-September. The pre-chilled grape bunches were kept on the skins for 6 hours before pressing, followed by fermentation: the Chardonnay in barrels and the Hárslevelű in stainless steel tanks. Aromas of citrus, well-selected barrel spices, restrained vanilla, pineapple and black tea. The palate is full-bodied and tautly structured, whereby the apricot and ginger spiciness of the Hárslevelű pairs beautifully with the silkiness of the Chardonnay. The wine’s structure and concentration persist throughout the long finish.

It’s not a new vintage, nor the latest release, yet it’s a striking discovery within the repertoire of a long-established winery. A total of only 600 bottles, available while supplies last.