Arnaud de Villeneuve Hors d'Age 1969

Wine: Arnaud de Villeneuve Hors d'Age 1969
Winery: Vignobles Dom Brial
Appellation: A.O.C. Rivesaltes Ambré (France)
Varietals: Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris
ABV: 16%

Winemaking
Vineyards located on the southern slopes of the Corbières massif, on clay-limestone quaternary terraces. The wine was aged in large oak vats (foudres) for 40 years before being bottled in 2009.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Reminiscent of a very old Amontillado; dark 

amber, luminous and clean, with reddish and orange highlights.

 

Nose: Truly poetic—open, direct, and of great intensity. High-quality macerated fruit dominates the bouquet in "industrial quantities": Turkish figs, pajaretes, plums, dried apricots, raisins, and Dakhla dates. These are joined by citrus peel, orange marmalade, hazelnuts, and almonds. The most striking feature is the extraordinary balance between elegance and power, filling every sense. Notes of cola candy, caramelized sugar, cream-filled pastries, vanilla, and custard emerge. Overwhelming.

 

Palate: Nearly medium-bodied but with unusual intensity and concentration. It is packed with raisined fruit supported by excellent acidity. It is "raisins transformed into wine," showing macerated fruit, fig cake and marzipan. Savory, spherical, and of immense beauty. It grips the palate with eternal final reminiscences of old solera, seasoned staves, and white spices. A dessert rancio that defies standard scales, featuring moderate sweetness. Emotional and of enormous quality.

 

Personal Score: 97
Tasting Group Score: 96