Rivesaltes, Prieure du Monastir del Camp 1951

Drink 2014-2025Bright foxy red.Clear with a yellow rim. Intensely cheesy, rancio nose. Supple and savoury. This does not taste like a particularly sweet wine. Treacle toffee and a little chewy on the end. Less intense than some. 17.5%

Lovely burnt nose, clear fruit.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.