1953 Rivesaltes

The 1953 Rivesaltes from Domaine La Sobilane had quite a deep brownish color, less lucid than some of its peers (although this is probably because it was a cask sample). The nose is quite backward for a Rivesaltes with brown spices, orange rind and a touch of cooked meat. The palate is well balanced with a slight viscosity, well-judged acidity and a tang of lemongrass toward the finish, though not quite delivering the intensity or extravagance that I look for. It's not bad, but it needs more depth. Tasted June 2017.