Rivesaltes, Domaine Sainte Lucie 1971

Bottled in 2011 and probably consisting of at least 50% white grapes, this has a pale honeyed color. It has a light oxidative nose with smoked walnut and lanolin. It is not quite as clear as I would have liked, but it shows good intensity and the aromatics grow on you. The palate has a slight viscosity on the entry with stem ginger, saline, a touch of cough candy and a pleasing dried quince and lemongrass nose that is light but nicely defined. I find more pleasure on the nose than in the mouth, but it would serve as a fine aperitif. Tasted December 2012.

Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Maccabeu, Tourbat. Made with more than 50% white grapes. Malvoisie nearly disappeared in early 1970s.
Pale tawny. Fairly light and fresh. I think this might be a bit too light for the end of the meal. Some bracing, but slight, rancio character. Almost madeira-like. Almonds. Aperitif wine. 16%