Rivesaltes, Prieure du Monastir del Camp 1945

The 1945 Rivesaltes from Domaine Prieuré de Monastir del Camp is a deliriously gorgeous bouquet that leaves you feeling giddy from its star anise, tobacco, blackcurrant and Clementine scents that are nicely detailed. As before, there is a medicinal element to this Rivesaltes, hints of menthol infusing the dark plum fruit, that edgy rancio finish present and correct. This is a sublime Rivesaltes though, one I would not keep extensively. Tasted with Philippe Gayral. 2018 - 2023

Drink 2014-2030
Very old monastery in the Pyrenees which stopped producing VDN 25 years ago. Bottled in 2013. Incredibly dark fox red with an orange rim. Very bright. Smells of toffee and 65-70% Grenache Noir with pale Grenache mainly. Hint of rancio and firm treacly finish. Finishes a little suddenly. Good freshness. Not at all heavy. Finishes quite dry in fact. 18%

Burnt molasses nose, terrific richness, spicy almost dry finish.

One of the most extraordinary tastings recently has been of 19 Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturels from 2000 to 1933. These naturally sweet fortified wines from 16% to 17.5% abv, were unearthed by Montpellier based oenologue Philippe Gayral. They are still in cask, to be bottled under his brand L'Archiviste. In 1950, 60 million litres of Rivesaltes VDN were drunk in France; today just 1 million. Soon they will cease to exist. One or two bottles are a must for every cellar.