2012 "Danube Valley" Szekszárd Cabernet Franc - Twickel Szőlőbirtok

Tart blackberry, dried tobacco, almost-ripe pomegranate. Crunchy boysenberry, wrought iron, fresh black currant. An edgy and energetic procession of wild mulberry, blueberry, and sour cherry highlights a delightfully tart and tense fruit core intricately overlayed with fragrances of sandalwood, cedar, and potpourri. Notes of worn leather, rust, and loamy soil swiftly emerge revealing incredible earthy and tertiary complexity that is balanced by mint leaf, dried basil, and a medley of dehydrated herbs. Hints of anise, sweet paprika, and cinnamon advance the deep yet restrained aromatics with a dusting of spice that collides with coffee beans, cacao nibs, and sarsaparilla in a display of decidedly old world decadence. Throughout the terrifically layered attack impressions of incense and smoke compliment haunting pefume while bolstered by subtle wafts of rose petal and charming cellar funk. Perfectly classic and elegant on the nose while remaining serious, grippy, and structured on the palate; exhibiting enviable depth and dimension expressed in an unmistakably Bordelais style. Merely medium in body with powerful tannin supported by a vein of pronounced acidity. This 2012 "Danube Valley" Szekszárd Cabernet Franc by Twickel Szőlőbirtok is an impressively complex and age worthy red from Hungary. 

Though as a country it is most known for the legendary sweet white wines of Tokaj, Hungary has a long history of producing world class dry red wine from a number of local and international grape varieties. This bottling, crafted by Twickel Szőlőbirtok using Cabernet Franc grown in the region of Szekszárd, showcases how well Bordeaux grapes can thrive in Hungary's warm to moderate continental climate. Made in a distinctly old world and elegant style this wine reveals incredible depth and dimension after only a few minutes of air. At 8 years of age its fruit is remarkably fresh and integrated perfectly with tremendous herbal, earthy, and spiced nuances. This contains genuine Bordeaux sensibility and complexity without the hefty price tag, and is absolutely worth Seeking out. Available in the USA thanks to PB Importers.