HEIMANN | Barbár | Cuvée | 2017
cabernet franc | merlot | tannat | blaufränkisch

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Today we are going to review a wine blend from Szekszárd wine region, located in the south of Hungary – Barbár Cuvée 2017 by Heimann. This wine is a blend of four grape varieties: cabernet franc (43%), merlot (24%), tannat (18%) and blaufränkisch (15% – known as kékfrankos in Hungary), where cabernet franc forms the wine’s main body and flavor profile, merlot is all about up-front richness and a more refined mid-palate, tannat add more tannin extract, thus enhancing the wine’s structure, whereas blaufränkisch offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish. Barbár is the estate’s flagship wine that is made only in the best years, inspired by a piano piece called Allegro Barbaro, written by the preeminent hungarian composer Béla Bartók. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the estate’s best vineyards: merlot and cabernet franc from Gyöngyszem vineyard, tannat from the Bati Kereszt vineyard and kékfrankos from the high altitude sections of Baranya vineyard. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 12 months in 300-liters oak barrels, from which 20% new oak. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium-deep | garnet color
clarity: hazy | garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced | oaky-dusty
fruit character: overripe & dehydrated

This wine offers an olfactory experience that embodies the charm of overripe and dehydrated fruit. The foreground showcases a delightful blend of black and red fruits, including the essence of black cherry, dried black cherry, black plum, dried black plum, cassis and dried cranberry. In the background, one can perceive earthy and dusty notes, complemented by subtle hints of oak. Notes of soil dust, peppercorn, anise, tobacco, dried leaves, oaktree bark and roasted oakwood contribute to the wine’s overall character, creating a harmonious balance.

//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & seedy

On the palate, this wine reveals a captivating blend of overripe and dehydrated fruits, with a harmonious interplay between red and black fruit flavors. The nuanced presence of earth and oak adds depth and complexity to the overall flavour profile. The mouthfeel is characterized by a crisp acidity that enlivens the senses, while the ripe and seedy tannins provide a firm, yet well-rounded structure. A touch of alcoholic warmth enhances the overall experience, leading to a pleasant and crisp aftertaste. The wine’s body is bold and well-structured, offering a satisfying balance that is both inviting and enjoyable.

//Verdict
maturity: developing – almost there | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a ripe and crisp wine blend that delivers an exceptional sensory experience. From the captivating olfactory journey filled with overripe and dehydrated fruit aromas to the palate’s harmonious blend of fruits, earth and oak, this wine showcases complexity and depth. Its round and well-structured body, alongside the wine’s dusty accent, add an intriguing touch that delivers a hedonistic tasting experience. Overall, this wine embodies elegance and finesse, offering a truly satisfying experience for discerning palates – a testament to the art of a very skillful winemaking.

//Scoring
HEIMANN | Barbár | Cuvée | 2017
variety: cabernet franc | merlot | tannat | blaufränkisch
country: Hungary
region: Szekszárd
rating: 94.1
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This is definitely a great wine of Hungary and, with a total of 94.1 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wines pronounced earthy-dusty accent, we believe it will pair lovely with dishes that offer rich flavors and a touch of finesse. Consider pairing it with a seared duck breast accompanied by a black cherry reduction, where the intense flavors of the fruit mirror those found in the wine’s flavour profile. The earthy elements and firm structure of the wine would harmonize beautifully with roasted root vegetables, such as parsnips and beetroot, seasoned with a hint of cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of dried herbs. This pairing brings together the wine’s crisp acidity and ripe tannins with the succulent textures and robust flavors of the dish, creating a dining experience that highlights both, the wine’s delicate complexity and the dish hearty flavours. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.