Tasting Note

The 1874 Rivesaltes from Château Sesqueille comes from a single barrel bottled by Philippe Gayral in January 2013 and it was, in fact, the debut vintage from Sesqueille. It is a remarkable slice of history. The bouquet belies its age with wonderful Japanese plum and scents of sloe that gradually unfold in the glass and enrapture the senses. The palate is complex and sensual with red plum at its core, flanked by white pepper, fennel and aniseed aromas that are all exquisitely defined. The finish feels elegant and pure. No wonder Gayral felt compelled to bottle this. It is now quite difficult to find but bottles might crop up from time to time. Tasted with Philippe Gayral.

Score: 97

Neal Martin, Vinous.com, October 2018