Banyuls, Domaine Pietri Geraud 1950

The 1950 is very different from the 1952 and is one of the standout wines from Philippe Gayral. It is more mature in color, more volatile but complex, with notes of Bovril, cooked meat, hazelnut and sloes. It is quite precocious, most likely because it was blended with 15% of another vintage at some point. The palate is sweet and intense on the entry with candied orange peel, Moroccan spice, sloes and a touch of eau-de-vie. It is very harmonious and intense, but showing great harmony towards the finish. Gorgeous! Tasted December 2012.

100% Grenache Noir. Lovely rich dark mahogany. Brick rim. Very lively and rich and complete. Fermented prune juice! Dry lively finish. Tangy. Great stuff. 16%

Fine mahogany red, very fresh for 1950, wonderful vigour and warmth on the nose, rich and sweet on the palate with orange peel and natural flavours leading to a vigourous, dry finish.