Produced only in exceptional vintages, when small parcels of old-vine Grenache reach phenolic ripeness at lower potential alcohol levels, the Mas Blanc Banyuls Sec 1980 was hand-harvested and crushed by foot. Its traditional vinfication—with native yeasts in stainless steel tank—was prolonged prior to mutage, resulting in a dry Banyuls with just two-thirds of the residual sugar it typically carries. Subsequent aging is identical to that of the “Vieilles Vignes”: aged in 650-liter oak demi-muids for 10 years prior to bottling. 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

“Mid-deep mahogany, green tinge; beautiful floral aroma, rose petals; lovely medium-rich flavor, fine and expressive with the concentration of fruit cake and a tang of marmalade towards the finish.” —Richard Mayson, “Madeira: The Islands and Their Wines” (2016) One of the classic white grape varieties of Madeira, Boal is meio doce: medium-sweet, thought to offer Madeira lovers the ideal combination of elegance and richness. 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