| Region | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fortified |
Very deep, concentrated mahogany color with a reddish-maroon core. Somewhat restrained but also very complex and rather brooding nose with layered aromas of raisins, nuts and Christmas spices, pruney dark fruit, some smoke, a little bit of dried black cherries, light maple syrup tones, a hint of bonfire smoke and a touch of burnt sugar. The wine is full-bodied and intense yet not big nor heavy on the palate. There are bold and quite sweet flavors of raisins, some burnt sugar, a little bit of Christmas spices, light pruney notes, a hint of cloves and a touch of maple syrup. The age seems to have stripped some of the sweetness from the sugar and the wine feels quite savory and structured with its moderately high acidity and the slightest touch of tannic grip. The finish is quite sweet and slightly sticky with complex and remarkably long flavors of syrupy molasses, Christmas spices, some raisins, light pruney notes, a hint of crème brûlée and a woody hint of cigar box.
A harmonious, complex and hauntingly beautiful Rivesaltes with impressive depth and spectacular balance. Comes across as oxidative, but not at all oxidized. Drop-dead gorgeous fortified wines by all accounts and astounding value at only 60€. So very highly recommended.
This tasting note by poster "Forceberry" on cellartracker.com
