Banyuls, L'Archiviste/Domaines et Terroirs du Sud 1964

Rich mahogany in colour with a dark red rime, the nose on this vintage is earthy and smoky, layering dried fruit with musky tones of library books and pipe tobacco. The palate has notes of liquorice and freshly roasted coffee together with more dried fruit. Smooth but not overly sweet in sugars, there are lightly caramelised notes but a real sense of salinity to this vintage. Lipsmacking with a hint of a more Madeira-like acidity to the finish, this very fine, serious Banyuls is beautifully balanced. Serve lightly chilled either as a digestif, with cheese or with puddings that are not overly sweet.