Blindtasting of some Hungarian top reds

One Bordeaux added for reference.

• 2021 St. Andrea Egri Bikavér Superior Merengő 90 Points

  Hungary, Felső-Magyarország, Eger

  This is quite ripe yet still suggests a cool climate origin. Dark fruited and still young, oak is integrated. Lot’s of concentration on the palate, you can tell this is a flagship wine. Polished on the attack, but less so on the finish, it definitely needs time to come together, as tannins, acidity and alcohol are all high. Impressively it has brightness, even though the ABV is 15% – I’m not sure how well that can be integrated on the long run, though. Hold.
  
  Read more: https://screwcapped.com/high-end-bulls-blood-st-andrea-merengo-2021/

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• 2019 Sauska Villányi Cuvée 7 Siklós 90 Points

  Hungary, Dél-Pannónia, Villányi

  A bit restrained, perhaps in a transition phase. Some development on the nose, a touch of tobacco and forest floor on top of classical leafy black fruits. It evolves nicely, clearly smells like a ripe merlot-cabernet blend. Smooth, creamy and full-bodied, this is quite lush, in a ripe, polished international red style – yet it’s not overblown. My only little issue is the alcohol (the label says 14,5%) which makes the finish a bit hot.
  
  Read more: https://screwcapped.com/hungarian-flagship-reds-ii-sauska-cuvee-7-siklos-2019/

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• 2019 Heimann Szekszárdi Barbár 89 Points

  Hungary, Dél-Pannónia, Szekszárdi

  43% cabernet franc, 24% merlot, 19% tannat and 15% kékfrankos. Developed on the nose and a bit over-ripe, with the leafy spiciness of the Bordeaux varieties and some fairly well integrated oak. Smooth on the palate with soft acidity and firm tannins, it has serious concentration yet does not feel forced. A lush, bold red with proper structure, it drinks well at this point, really enjoyable, though lacks some vigour and complexity to be great. Drink now (I would not hold it, based on this bottle). €30 or 12000 HUF.
  
  Read more: https://screwcapped.com/hungarian-flagship-reds-iii-heimann-barbar-2019/

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• 2020 Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Textbook serious Bordeaux. A detailed, complex nose, it has graphite and tobacco notes, black fruits and a touch of rosemary and leather. So elegant. Balance, balance, balance – it’s like velvet on the palate, with a dense core and great, firm, well-measured tannins. Structured but not angular, this is absolutely enjoyable already, although clearly one that will hold well on the long term. It’s only 13,5% – did I mention balance? Big thumbs up. A beautiful, great wine, I would be happy to have a case or two in my wine fridge. 92-93 points, drink now – 2040. Relatively well priced (in the Bordeaux context), 42,62 € at Vinatis.
  
  Read more: https://screwcapped.com/chateau-larrivet-haut-brion-2020/

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• 2020 Attila Gere Kopár Cuvée 93 Points

  Hungary, Dél-Pannónia, Villányi

  There’s a lot going on the nose. It’s powerful, intense, the oak is not yet integrated yet it’s not overt. Dark, ripe but lively as well, with nice black cherry aromas. Full-bodied and really concentrated, tight and again, lively – this isn’t a flabby, jammy red. Great, quite firm tannins, structured like a serious left bank Bordeaux. It has focus, depth and balance, a top shelf wine for sure. In its infancy, better to hold for a few years, then it will leave for further 15 years or more. 50% cabernet franc, 40% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Outstanding. Great value at 30 EUR.
  
  Read more:https://screwcapped.com/hungarian-flagship-reds-iv-gere-kopar-2020/

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