Produced only in those vintages conducive to the ‘rimage’ expression, the Domaine du Mas Blanc Banyuls Rimage 1976 (95% Grenache noir; 5% Mourvèdre) marks the first vintage overseen by third-generation winemaker Jean-Michel Parcé. It comes from the upper slopes of the estate’s famed Les Junquets vineyard, where yields are typically just 18-22 hl/ha. Hand-harvested and trodden by foot, it was fermented in cement tank with native yeasts, aging for eight months in large demi-muid prior to bottling. Full details

A selection of the estate’s oldest Grenache vines, the Banyuls ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 1976 marks the first vintage overseen by third-generation winemaker Jean-Michel Parcé. Hand-harvested and vinified traditionally, it was crushed by foot and fermented in cement tank with native yeasts, aging in 650-liter oak demi-muids for 10 years before bottling. Always limited, a small portion of its production was set aside for inclusion in the estate’s library of its most important wines, a practice inaugurated by Dr. André Parcé in 1947. Full details

The Etter family was distilling kirsch made from one single variety of cherry before the word “vintage” had ever been used. Etter’s old vintage Kirsch “AOP Zug” comes only from years of particularly good harvests of the “Lauerz” mountain cherry, which grows in tall trees located in a sunny position on the Zugerberg mountain. Long storage in 50-litre glass demijohns is necessary for the intensely concentrated flavors to meld together to reveal the true character of each year. Fluctuating temperatures in old barns where Etter “hides” these demijohns enable the young, rather raw, single-variety distillate to mature into a kirsch typical of the year in question. Savor slowly, as the flavors unfold unlike any other fruit brandy. Full details

“A beautiful baby! Dark amber hue with a yellow meniscus, highlighting a light and deftly balanced Terrantez at this early stage. The zesty acidity stands out prominently against the backdrop of some honeyed lemon and toasted almond nuances, but it all comes together on a seamless, nutty finish." —Roy Hersh, “For the Love of Port” Full details

Domaine de Rombeau is renowned for having one of the most replete libraries of old Rivesaltes in the region, with wines dating back to the early 20th century. The wines highlight indigenous varieties Grenache blanc, Grenache gris and Macabeu, as well as the varied elevage—with wines aged in glass demijohns and ancient barrique, indoors and out—that sets Roussillon apart. Some vintages slumbered in barrel for more than 50 years, and the ascription ‘Rancio’ denotes the prized characteristics that the wines assume over decades. Hand-picked from single barrels in minute quantities, these wines offer a glimpse into the celebrated history of the appellation. Full details