Cuvée Salomo-Noëll 1930

Wine: Cuvée Salomo-Noëll 1930

Winery: Domaine Viticole Puig-Parahÿ
Appellation: A.O.C. Rivesaltes
Varietals: 100% Grenache Noir
ABV: 16%

Winemaking
Produced entirely from the 1930 harvest. The wine underwent an extraordinary aging period of 82 years in seasoned oak foudres. Due to this extensive oxidative process, it attained the official Rancio classification.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Deep, dark chestnut hue of high depth; opaque with iodized highlights. It shows tiny suspended particles and a slight cloudiness, with fine legs that stain the glass.

 

Nose: A staggering bouquet. Toasted aromas merge with an endless array of candied black fruit: macerated plums, carob, burnt coffee, and caramelized sugar. These are followed by balsamic notes, licorice, clove, smoked black pepper, ash, and cigar tobacco leaf. Expansive and rich in aging nuances, revealing hints of vanilla, "whisky cake," creamy undertones, and fine pastry.

 

Palate: Displays a level of concentration that is difficult to fathom. Immensely broad and spherical, it is replete with solera nuances, ultra-elegant bitters, toasted notes, and dried fruits. A bracing, "razor-sharp" acidity elevates the ensemble to a unique level of quality. The wine is perfectly rounded, with tannins of pure velvet and fruit that feels pure and magical. It is consumed with absolute fascination—a wine from another galaxy. Arguably the finest French Rancio tasted to date. It borders on perfection, transcending the need for any pairing. Majestic.

 

Personal Score: 99
Tasting Group Score: 100

Tasting Notes (2012-03-31)

 

Nose: A true "twist" on the concept of old Rivesaltes rancios. It evokes the Tintilla de Rota by Lustau, yet with a completely distinct profile. It possesses immense power and concentration, with aromas of mocha, toasted nuts, sweet spices, "bizcocho borracho" (syrup-soaked sponge cake), and fine cinnamon.

 

Palate: Eternal, spherical, and elegant; slightly sweet with perfect, caressing tannins. There are subtle bitter notes and hints of Zara-style black licorice over a bittersweet foundation of caramelized sugar, showing great purity and depth. The alcohol has completely integrated and disappeared; it features enormous acidity and is incredibly vibrant. A dessert in itself, where the solera nuances are seamlessly woven into the ensemble. Truly a wine that inspires dreams.

 

Personal Score: 98
Tasting Group Score: 100