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Friday, April 11, 2014

1970 Vintage!



Jean-Hubert inherited this estate from his father with all of its tiny parcels of old vines and its cellars filled with old, odd sized barrels. Descending into the cellar one gets the feeling of entering a medieval alchemist’s laboratory. Each barrel, some as small as 12 inches in diameter, is labeled with a cryptic numerical code, that keeps hidden from outsiders which nectar each barrel contains

Almost 45 Years old!
1970 Domaine de Rancy Rivesaltes Ambre Vin Doux Naturel....$149.99 / 750ml
The Rancy 1970 Rivesaltes Ambre is among the most haunting and rarified, yet paradoxically among the most succulent and fruit-filled examples of Jean-Hubert Verdaguer's father's artistry that I have tasted. The secret here lies in the wine's inhabiting these two parallel and equally compelling universes. Smoldering autumn leaves, Burley tobacco, peat and toasted hickory lend a dark, decadent cast while high-toned suggestions of distilled fruit essences exert ethereal fascination. At the same time, plum preserves, sultana, and caramel lend already multi-layered senses of sweetness to a wine that is lusciously full of sap. Saliva-inducing salinity and fruit pit piquancy perfectly compliment the sweetness and ensure that the long finish encourages return sips. This profound success will be virtually ageless, subject only to the vicissitudes of cork.
If fame depended solely on quality, Jean-Hubert Verdaguer ought to be famous for his trove of ancient Rivesaltes."

Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate


How to Serve Rivesaltes: This Rivesaltes is a fortified wine made in the old ambré style rarely produced today. The wine is oxidized which means that it will not change in character after being opened. This allows one to enjoy it slowly over the course of weeks or months. This versatile wine is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate the intense, complex aromas that develop in the glass. It can be served as an aperitif with nuts, olives, and a variety of hors d’oeuvres. As a desert wine it goes very well with bread pudding, dates, figs, spice cake, pumpkin pie, or on its own as an after dinner drink. It is truly a delightful experience that captures the warmth and spice of the South of France.

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