Riveyrac Rivesaltes 1990

Philippe Gayral (dubbed “The Archiviste of the Roussillon” by Jancis Robinson) has been going round the old domaines of the area buying up old barrels from the cave co-operative of Rivesaltes who kept back old vintages for blending, and bottling the wines under the “Riveyrac” label. Made from late-picked grapes that are fortified and brought up to a natural degree that they would have reached if fermented out fully, the wines are then aged in demijohns and large oak for decades. Showing notes of stewed figs mixed with freshly grated nutmeg, this hovers around off-dry in sweetness.

Once opened the bottle will last for at least 6 months and usually up to a year.