Imperial Tokay--Mid-Eighteenth Century A sealed "mallet" shaped bottle, 20.5 cms in height, and 24 cms in circumference, believed to date from the mid-eighteenth century or earlier, bearing the seal of the Royal Saxon wine cellar - a shield and cross swords. Flat-bottomed, straight-sided bottle with tapered neck Level top-shoulder. Now believed exceptionally rare Records from the Royal Saxon Court show a 1746 vintage Tokay from their cellar was served in 1910. Tokay dating back to the early 17th century is documented to have survived into the first half of the 20th century. Christie's sold a small collection of what was believed to be 17th and 18th century Tokay in 1968. Michael Broadbent records two tasting notes of Tokay of this age in the 1980s Imperial Tokay believed to be 1649. From the Royal Saxon cellar (sold at Christie's Nov 1968). Dumpy straight-sided bottle with glass seal bearing arms. Medium-deep amber, crisp yellow-green edge; not surprisingly showing age on nose, Malmsey-like, malty, then distinct Aszú Esszencia raisiny scent, held well; medium-sweet, drying out, unclean finish. At Rodenstock tasting. Oct 1985 **.' Tokay believed to be 1794. From the cellars of Count Radziwill. Dumpy bottle, stump-neck. Deep, rich warm amber, mahogany shading to olive rim; magnificent old bouquet, sweet, supple, raisiny; sweet, full-bodied, excellent honey and raisiny flavour, good length, excellent acidity keeping it vigorous. Sept 1987 *****. M.B.