Rivesaltes, Domaine des Gorges du Soleil 1963

The 1963 Rivesaltes from Domaine Gorges du Soleil, which sells almost all its production to tourists, has a fragrant bouquet with kirsch, marmalade, salted liquorices and furniture polish that gathers momentum in the glass. The palate is very smooth and sensual in the mouth. There is very impressive weight here, but it does not overwhelm. The acidity is well judged and it just glides across the mouth with liquorices, clove and tangy Seville orange marmalade notes. This feels very cohesive in the mouth and it will dole out a lot of pleasure of the next few years. Superb.

Dark, sweet and sticky. Amazing how lively it is considering its age. It would be great dribbled on vanilla ice cream. Drink 2010-2017

Red/mahogany/tawny colour, rich nutty and sweet nose, smooth rich and spicy on the palate still showing red fruits and bitter orange as well, rich and warm with a hint of rancio, beautifully smooth finish. 18/20.