Rivesaltes, Domaine St Michel 1980

The 1980 Rivesaltes has a light, nutty and smoky bouquet with an oxidative personality. The palate is slightly viscous on the entry, very pure with fine acidity and flavors of nutmeg, sea salt, fig and light honeyed notes towards the persistent finish. This is absolutely delicious. Drink 2025-2050.

The owner, Henri Rius, was 95 in a picture taken on 11 October 2021. 1961 was their first vintage from vines planted in the Fitou zone by Henri Rius’s stepfather but they never made vintage-dated VDN from them. 43 ha (large) and the village is called Caves! Clay-limestone. Mainly white grapes, the two Grenaches, especially Grenache Blanc, plus a bit of Macabeu. Very few Grenache Noir vines, maybe 10%. It was built from nothing.Amazingly tawny colour for the youngest wine in this line-up of Dom St-Michel Rivesaltes! Very mellow nose. Like orange peel steeped in white port, and a hint of nuttiness. Quite a bit of acidity on the end. Very transparent and fresh. Not that sweet. (JR)