James Suckling ratings

Full tasting notes and ratings of 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Sauska Tokaj – still wines

Furmint 2018 / 92 points

A zingy and bright white with sliced lemons and peaches. Some citrus, too. Medium-bodied. Crisp and bright acidity at the finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

Furmint 2019 / 91 points

Furmint 2017 / 91 points

Furmint 2016 / 91 points

Sárgamuskotály 2018 / 90 points

Indigenous Yellow Muscat, an aromatic and fun white with hints of sliced kiwis, star fruit and lemons. Medium-bodied. Creamy and delicious. Drink now.

Cuvée113 2018 / 92 points

A beautiful white with pear tart and waxy lemons. Hints of orange blossom and chamomile tea. Medium-bodied and balanced on the palate, painting fine layers of acidity on a canvas of fleshy fruit. Drink now. Screw cap.

Cuvée113 2017 / 92 points

Cuvée113 2015 / 91 points

Cuvée113 2012 / 91 points

Furmint Medve 2017 / 92 points

Depth and creaminess with sliced apples, pears, hazelnut and pie crust. Biscuit note. Medium to full body. Lovely texture. Touch of acidity at the end. Drink now.

Furmint Medve 2018 / 92 points

Furmint Medve 2015 / 93 points

Furmint Birsalmás 2017 / 92 points

This shows aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes and cooked apples. Medium-to full-bodied with a round, soft texture and a flavorful finish. Tangy and lemony finish with hints of grapefruit. Drink now.

Furmint Birsalmás 2018 / 94 points

Furmint Birsalmás 2015 / 94 points

Chardonnay Birs 2017 / 93 points

A clear and crisp chardonnay with hints of sliced cooked apples, cream and biscuit. Mineral undertones. Medium-to full-bodied. Balanced and delicious. Shows depth and precision. Drink now.

Chardonnay Birs 2016 / 93 points

This shows lovely depth and balance with layers of fruit. Just the right amount of toasted oak and vanilla, as well as praline. Medium-to full-bodied. Round yet fresh finish. Minimum malo gives this a creamy and polished texture. Drink now.

Chardonnay 2019 / 92 points

Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 91 points

Lots of sliced limes and fennel with hints of minerals. Some grapefruit, too. Medium-bodied. Tight and vivid with linear and energetic acidity. Flavorful finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 / 91 points

Sauvignon Blanc 2015 / 92 points

Pinot Noir Birs 2016 / 90 points 

Beautiful brightness and perfumed character to this with strawberries, watermelon, and grapefruit. Medium-bodied. Fine tannins and a vivid finish. Fresh and easy. Drink now.

Pinot Noir Birs 2017 / 94 points 

Pinot Noir Birs 2015 / 94 points 

Pinot Noir Padi 2017 / 94 points 

Pinot Noir Padi 2015 / 93 points 

Hárslevelű 2014 / 89 points

Cuvée 105 2017 / 92 points

Cuvée 105 2015 / 92 points

Cuvée 105 2013 / 91 points

Cuvée 105 2012 / 90 points

Cuvée 107 2015 / 92 points

Cuvée 107 2013 / 92 points

Cuvée 107 2012 / 92 points

Cuvée 111 2015 / 91 points

Sauska Tokaj - dessert wines

Late Harvest Cuvée 2018 / 92 points

Late Harvest Cuvée 2017 / 91 points

5Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2017 / 96 points

6Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2017 / 94 points

6Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2013 / 95 points

6Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2003 / 95 points

Sauska Tokaj – sparkling wines

Brut NV /  90 points

A fresh and fruity sparkling wine with creamy texture, lemon and green-apple character and a flavorful finish. Dry and pleasing finish. Drink now.

Extra Brut Rosé vintage 2013 / 92 points

Spicy and earthy with aromas and flavors of dark berries. Also melons and citrus. Pepper, too. Medium to full body, creamy texture. Drink now.

Extra Brut NV / 89 points

Rosé Brut NV /  91 points

Rosé Extra Brut NV / 89 points

Sauska Villány – red wines

Kékfrankos 2015 / 90 points

I like the tangy fruit with plum and cherry character. Medium to full body, light tannins and a bright finish. Drink now. Serve chilled.

Kékfrankos 2018 / 92 points

Cuvée 13 2017 / 91 points

A firm, silky red with aromas and flavors of plums and berries. Medium-bodied, fresh and bright. Excellent. Mostly Cabernet and Merlot. Drink now. Screw cap.

Cuvée 13 2016 / 90 points

Cuvée 13 2015 / 90 points    

Cuvée 11 2016 / 92 points

Aromas of tea and green coffee with berries and some fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, soft and linear tannins. Green apple undertones. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Kekfrankos. Drink now.

Cuvée 11 2017 / 91 points

Cuvée 11 2015 / 92 points

Cuvée 11 2013 / 92 points

Cabernet Franc premium 2015 / 93 points

Brightness and beauty to this red with aromas and flavors of blackberries and cherries. Very linear and fine tannins with clarity and focus. Lovely finish and energy. The firmness is so attractive. Drink or hold.

Cabernet Franc premium 2013 / 92 points

Cabernet Franc premium 2012 / 90 points

Cabernet Franc premium 2011 / 92 points

Cabernet Franc Makár 2016 / 93 points

Cabernet Franc classic 2015 / 93 points

Cuvée 7 Siklós 2016 / 94 points

Aromas of green olives, herbs and berries follow through to a full body. Firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows intensity and richness, needs time to open completely. Savory. Even better in 2021.

Cuvée 7 Siklós 2017 / 94 points

Cuvée 7 Siklós 2015 / 92 points

Cuvée 7 Siklós 2013 / 92 points

Cuvée 7 Siklós 2012 / 94 points

Cuvée 7 Villány 2016 / 94 points 

Very clear and bright with beautiful aromas and flavors of dark berries and currants. Medium to full body. Firm tannins and a crisp finish. Coolness and energy to this. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink or hold.

Cuvée 7 Villány 2017 / 91 points

Cuvée 7 Villány 2015 / 92 points

Cuvée 7 Villány 2013 / 91 points

Cuvée 7 Villány 2012 / 91 points

Merlot premium 2015  / 95 points

This is a layered and rich red with rust, black olives and wet earth. Yet, it’s refined and fresh with solid tannins and very long finish. Tangy acidity, too. Shows greatness. Drink or hold.

Merlot premium 2012 / 93 points

Merlot Kopár 2013  / 95 points

Merlot Konkoly 2016  / 92 points

Merlot 2018  / 93 points

Kadarka 2017 / 91 points

Kadarka 2015 / 91 points

Cabernet Sauvignon premium 2016 / 93 points

Cabernet Sauvignon classic 2015 / 91 points

Rosé 2019 / 88 points

Rosé 2017 / 91 points

Rosé 2016 / 89 points

Syrah Konkoly 2012 / 92 points

​Syrah 2017 / 92 points

​Syrah 2013 / 92 points

Cuvée 5 2015 / 95 points 

This blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc shows tension and focus with lots of aromas and flavors of blackberries and chocolate. Black and green olives. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a light, chewy finish. Shows energy and drive. Available 2020. Drinkable but better in 2021.

Cuvée 5 2013 / 93 points

Cuvée 5 2012 / 91 points

Cuvée 5 2009 / 92 points