Unless you visit a specialist local shop in the region, I bet you won’t easily find a hárslevelű from Villány anywhere, even if you leave in Budapest. But in the old days it was commonly planted in the region. And just look at this 12 year-old example (it was lurking in the corner of my wine fridge), there is potential for the variety for sure.

This was’t meant to age, yet it’s enjoyable today. Most importantly, perhaps, it’s quite different from the hárslevelű you find in Tokaj. Candied orange peel, honey, yellow raisins and petrol on the nose, it’s tertiary yet alive. Mellowed on the palate, quite smooth with a bit of viscosity, as is common for the variety. It past its best yet still offers enjoyment and it’s just so different and interesting, makes you wonder what the region could achieve this variety. 86-87 points.