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J & J OSTROŽOVIČ · DOMIK VINEYARD · 1999
When autumn allows something inimitable to be born.
Not every year offers Tokaj the same possibilities. The creation of a selection essence depends on a rare harmony of autumn weather, botrytised berries, the winemaker’s craft and time.
The story of this essence began in 1999 in the Domik vineyard, in the Slovak part of Tokaj. Its character then continued to develop through many years of maturation.
Slovak Tokaj – a landscape where wines of inimitable character are born.
THE SECRET OF TOKAJ
Everything begins in the vineyard. And it does not happen every year.
In autumn, morning mists and sunny days may alternate over the vineyards of Tokaj. When nature provides the right conditions, noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) develops on the ripening grapes.
The berries gradually lose water and become botrytised, naturally raisined berries, known in Slovak as cibéby. As they dry naturally, sugars, acids and aromatic compounds become increasingly concentrated. What may at first look like dried grapes becomes the foundation of exceptionally concentrated Tokaj wines.
A treasure that cannot be produced on command
These berries do not develop in the same quantity or quality every year. Harvesting them by hand requires patience and the careful selection of individual berries. It is precisely this combination of natural conditions and centuries of winemaking experience that has given Tokaj its distinctive character.
Hankova vineyard. An old vine – a testament to time, nature and winemaking tradition.
TOKAJ HERITAGE
What exactly is Tokajská výberová esencia?
Tokajská výberová esencia, or selection essence, belongs among the most concentrated expressions of traditional Tokaj winemaking. After harvest, specially selected botrytised, naturally raisined berries are covered with Tokaj must or wine from the corresponding vintage. Their concentrated richness gradually passes into the developing wine.
Fermentation and maturation follow. The result is a richly sweet, complex wine whose harmony is shaped not only by its natural sugar, but also by acidity, aromatic complexity and a long-lasting finish.
Selection essence and pure essence are not the same thing.
Pure Tokaj essence, also known as nectar, is made by the slow fermentation of free-run juice – the rare liquid released naturally from specially selected berries under their own weight, without pressing.
With selection essence, by contrast, the berries are covered with Tokaj must or wine and then undergo fermentation and maturation. Both specialities share the demanding selection of botrytised berries and the centuries-old tradition of Tokaj.
J & J OSTROŽOVIČ · VINTAGE 1999
A character that cannot be repeated.
Tokajská výberová esencia 1999 comes from the Domik vineyard. Its aroma and flavour reveal the richness of overripe fruit, honey and botrytised, naturally raisined berries, which together shape the distinctive character of this vintage.
With each sip, layers of dried fruit, candied fruit and delicate spicy notes gradually unfold. The sweetness is balanced by lively acidity and a long, multi-layered finish.
COLOUR
Deep amber-brown with orange highlights.
AROMA
Raisins and figs, honeycomb, candied dates, orange peel and a delicate hint of walnut liqueur.
PALATE
Rich and concentrated, with notes of dried fruit, botrytised, naturally raisined berries, plums, coffee and fine dark chocolate.
FINISH
Very long, with lingering notes of candied fruit, raisins and honey.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Nine medals. One exceptional vintage.
Tokajská výberová esencia 1999 has received awards at wine competitions across Europe, Asia and North America.
| Year | Competition | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Danube Wine Challenge | Grand Gold |
| 2024 | SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards | Grand Gold |
| 2024 | Le Mondial des Vins Blancs | Grand Gold |
| 2024 | MUN-DUS, Dunajská Streda | Grand Gold |
| 2024 | Vínne trhy Pezinok | Grand Gold |
| 2024 | Bacchus Madrid | Gold |
| 2024 | Galicija Vitis | Gold |
| 2024 | Texas International Wine Competition | Gold |
| 2024 | Vinalies Paris | Gold |
THE LEGEND OF TOKAJ ESSENCE
When even an experienced connoisseur is lost for words.
British wine writer Tom Stevenson described tasting pure Tokaj essence in the cellars of Tolcsva. He compared its viscosity to oil and its aroma to roses opening at dawn. Even an experienced connoisseur can find Tokaj an unforgettable experience.
Stevenson tasted pure essence, not this 1999 selection essence. His experience nevertheless vividly illustrates the remarkable concentration and aromatic richness that have earned Tokaj its place in the history of wine.
Archive vintage 1999 in a wooden case – an exceptional gift with a story of its own.
A GIFT WITH A STORY OF ITS OWN
1999. A gift whose meaning needs no explanation.
The elegant wooden case turns this essence into an exceptional gift. It is a natural choice for a milestone birthday or anniversary, as well as for someone who appreciates the distinctive character of Tokaj.
For someone born in 1999, it also carries a truly personal dimension: the story of the recipient and the story of this essence began in the same year.
In a wooden case. Ready for an exceptional occasion.
When shipping, we take care to ensure that the glass bottle is securely packed.
VINTAGE DETAILS
Everything you need to know about the 1999 essence.
| Winery | J & J Ostrožovič |
|---|---|
| Region | Slovak Tokaj |
| Vineyard | Domik |
| Vintage | 1999 |
| Volume | 0.5 l |
| Alcohol | 10.63% vol. |
| Residual sugar | 187.2 g/l |
| Acidity | 11 g/l |
| Serving temperature | 9–11 °C |
| Packaging | Wooden gift case |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |
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